This Pen and Sword book, edited by the great Richard Van Emden, is based on personal interviews by the editor with Benjamin Clouting who enlisted in the 4th Dragoon Guards in 1913 at the age of 16 although , as was often the case, his army age was recorded as 18.
By the outbreak of war Ben was a fully trained soldier. However, knowing him to be underage, his officer tried to stop him going to France in August 1914. Ben flatly refused to be left behind. Over the following four years he served on the Western Front in every major engagement except Loos and was wounded twice eventually joining the Army of Occupation in Cologne before leaving the army in 1921.
Although he did see considerable action early in the war, being in a cavalry regiment meant Ben was not in the trenches much after 1915. In addition Ben was fortunate, although perhaps he did not appreciate it at the time, to spend much of his time as an officers groom.
The book obviously discusses in great detail Ben's experiences in action however it also gives much information about his day to day activities both before, during and after the war. These experiences make the book a great read and preserve for us what ordinary military life was like for a soldier during the war which I think is of as much value as the descriptions of combat. A very good book and recommended.
Interesting to get a view from a cavalry man, rather than just from the trenches. Thanks for sharing as always Tony.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve....Yes a different perspective on WW1 and some interesting observations on army life before and after the war. Regards.
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