This book, edited by Nigel Apperley, is an authentic and deeply personal account of life on the Western Front during World War I. Through the eyes of Sergeant Sidney Eveleigh, a Lewis Gunner with the 16th London Queen’s Westminster Rifles, the book offers an unfiltered and intimate portrayal of the daily struggles, horrors and fleeting moments of camaraderie experienced by soldiers. Eveleigh’s memoirs, drawn from his diaries and compiled by his grandson, provide a raw and personal perspective that is both harrowing and heartwarming. The narrative captures the brutality of trench warfare, from the constant threat of death to the relentless battle against lice, rats and disease, while also highlighting the profound bonds formed between soldiers in the face of adversity.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its authenticity. Eveleigh’s firsthand account is candid and unvarnished, offering readers a ground-level view of the war. His reflections on fear, loss and resilience are deeply affecting, particularly his poignant descriptions of close friendships, such as the one he shared with his Lewis Gun teammate, Marshall. Their bond, forged through shared hardships and mutual reliance, serves as a powerful reminder of the human connections that sustained soldiers through unimaginable conditions. The book also excels in its historical detail, providing vivid descriptions of specific battles, such as Cambrai and the psychological toll of prolonged exposure to combat, including the breakdown of officers under pressure and the pervasive impact of shell shock. Eveleigh describes moments of extreme fear, his initial trepidation before battle and the way soldiers concealed their apprehension behind a ‘cloak of disconcern.’ The accounts of shell shock, both his own and those of fellow soldiers, illustrate the immense psychological toll that relentless artillery bombardments inflicted. The breakdown of officers under pressure and the grim reality of men surrendering to avoid punishment further illustrate the heavy burdens soldiers carried.
Eveleigh does not shy away from describing the sheer brutality of combat. He recounts graphic scenes of battle, including the nerve-wracking experience of waiting to go ‘over the top,’ the shock of witnessing death at close quarters and the grim realities of hand-to-hand combat. His vivid descriptions of the battlefield environment—the stench of decaying bodies, the infestation of lice and rats and the omnipresent mud—bring to life the extreme conditions soldiers endured. Superstition also plays a role in the narrative, with Eveleigh noting that many soldiers believed in the prophecy that the war would end when the statue of the Virgin Mary in Albert finally fell. This detail underscores the desperate search for meaning amid the chaos of war.
The structure is based around themes and contains anecdotes that, though interesting, do not always provide a clear sense of time or how events changed over time. The lack of a linear structure may challenge readers who prefer a more longitudinal historical account. Additionally, the book assumes a certain level of familiarity with WWI history, which might leave some readers wanting more contextual information about the broader war effort or the strategic significance of certain events. Despite these minor drawbacks, the emotional depth and historical value of Eveleigh’s memoirs make this book a compelling read.
Eveleigh offers insight into the daily routines and discipline within the British Army. He describes the strict enforcement of foot care, the structure of ration distribution and the necessity of maintaining morale through music and companionship. Scrounging—referred to as ‘winning’—was an essential survival skill, with soldiers often resorting to creative means to acquire extra rations or equipment. The diary also provides a glimpse into the complex relationship between officers and enlisted men. Eveleigh’s disdain for the Regimental Sergeant Major, ‘Spikey,’ who was widely disliked among the troops and his observations of officers struggling to cope with the realities of battle, reflect the tensions within the ranks.
Themes of camaraderie, superstition, leadership and the psychological toll of war are woven throughout the narrative. Eveleigh’s reflections on the importance of fairness, the impact of fatigue and the role of music in lifting spirits during marches add layers of depth to the account. His vivid descriptions of the trenches, the smell of the dead and the gruesome realities of battle are stark and unflinching, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The sense of duty, the small joys found in parcels from home and the enduring friendships that sustained soldiers through unimaginable hardships provide a counterbalance to the bleakness of the frontlines.