Forgotten Voices of the Great War: A New History of WWI in the Words of the Men and Women Who Were There

I was never much interested in The Great War. World War II was more 'glamorous' for me... This book changed my perception of a War that was entrenched in trenches! ALL soldiers are brave, some more than others. The men who fought in the Great War were exceptionally so. The book comes in first hand accounts from the men who fought, the civilians who stayed and a society that changed. I can't praise this book high enough. One reviewer here refers to the 'white feather' incident (where a soldier home on leave is handed a white feather- a sign of cowardice- by a woman) and how the men built up a camaraderie and a solidarity that we will never understand, out on the killing fields. This is NOT a military stategies book, and this does not go into detail about the massive logistical side of this campaign. This is a book of the men who were there, there thoughts and feelings when hell and chaos descended upon them. This also tells us a little of how British society was changed and how the women stepped into the shoes of those who had gone off to war. These are the words of the soldiers who went to foreign fields, fought in some of the most brutal battles, who were scarred much more deeply than we would ever imagine and, by some miracle, survived... Never forget these forgotten voices. The least we can do is pay our respects to the fallen every November 11th.

I purchased this book after seeing a news bulliten about the First World War and the battle of the Somme etc.These brave soldiers suffered no end of terror and frightenings but they gave there all for their country and we should never forget their sacrifices and that's what led me to read about what they went through.The author spent years interviewing those who came through the war in order to get their stories whilst they were alive.Although it,s sad these brave soldiers are not alive today but their bravery and stoicism lives on in our minds.A must read book.

Heart rending, though provoking, stimulating, frightening and enlightening. A MUST read for this anniversary year. I get right in to this. This is my second purchase of the book, I loaned the last one out and it never came back. Still doing the rounds of the family/friends. They do say "Lest We Forget" well one read of this and you will never forget it.

Incredible book - I’d highly recommend that anyone read it, it’s easy to break down into sections thanks to the diary excerpts. It offers a graphic insight into the world at that time, the horrors and despair are tangible. It doesn’t half make you thankful for the comforts of today.

Interesting to read opinion/story from those who were there.

This book brings world war 1 to life, as these are real diaries, written by real soldiers. Perfect for my son's key stage 3 history project. I loved the fact that some accounts start before the war started, and take you through the battles they endured, right up to when peace was declared. This is a piece of history everyone should read, and should never be forgotten

This is an historically important book which should be studied in all schools. The eye witness accounts from both sides range from the amusing to the harrowing to the incredible. I can’t recommend this book high enough as proof of the futility of war. Hopefully it will appear in the stockings of our leaders this Christmas?

Personal memories from those directly involved in WW1. Very moving and disturbing accounts of real life events on the battlefields and at home. Makes you realise the sufferings and sacrifes these people endured. Was supposed to be the war to end all wars. If every politician around the world was made to read this before taking office there would be no wars!!!!!!!

Well researched & written.

I have read a lot of the comments published here before, but this still gives insight to what this terrible war was like. But the real thing is it shows that the men and woman who were engaged in this horror where really not much different to who we are today even with the passing of a hundred years. It makes you wonder how we of the 21st century would handle the trenches.

This was an amazing read, told by those who fought it. It was nice to get the occasional memories of German soldiers as well. Told chronologically made it an easy read

A book full of matter of fact heroism and disarmingly modest accounts of remarkable exploits. Ordinary people who lived through an extraordinary and terrible event, give a frank and terrifyingly honest picture of daily life in the trenches and at home. I felt enriched for having listened to these wonderful forgotten voices of WW1..

We should be very grateful that the decision was taken to out on paper so many first hand experiences. Knowing that the end of WW1 marked just a pause before hostilities started again causes one to have. Different view of the accounts. The book records accounts of many aspects of life, not just those on the trenches and covers quite a few areas of life in addition to the fighting. I could recommend reading this to almost anyone