The Western Front Association: furthering interest in the Great War 1914-18 | explore | learn | share

ISBN: 0 7232 2773 X  Hardback 232 pages £9.95 (in 1981)
Published by Frederick Warne (Leo Cooper). 

Taking its title from Wilfred Owens poem Dulce et Decorum Est, this dairy is the story of 1917, as seen through the eyes of Edwin Vaughan, a Subaltern in the 1/8 Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
Vaughan describes with great honesty and at times arrogance, his experiences serving with the battalion, from his embarkation in January 1917, until the dairies bitter and dramatic climax in August of the same year. He evidently found it hard to become accepted by his fellow officers, his diary chronicles this difficulty.
Much of the diary is the usual description of routine, rest, and the diversions of food, women and alcohol. Vaughan takes great pleasure from the relationship with the men under his command, and works hard at gaining their trust.
The 1/8 Royal Warwicks took part in the pursuit of the retreating Germans in March 1917, but the crux of the diary is the agonising battle of Passchendaele. Vaughan’s description of the actions officially named the Battle of Langemark is astonishing. The horror and disgust he feels in the conditions, the loss of friends, and the strain he is under are evident.
Vaughan was one of only 15 out of 90, and the only Officer left of his company who had gone into action, and captured the pill box known as Springfield. His stark description is a harrowing and terrible read. He pulls no punches, and the reader really gains an insight into the horrors of war.
The diary ends abruptly following the attack on Springfield pill box. Brief biographical notes inform the reader that Vaughan was promoted to Captain in October 1917. He served in Italy, and back in France was awarded the M.C. on the 4th November 1918. Vaughan was to die tragically young in 1931, the result of a drugs administration error by a doctor. He left a widow and 4 children.
Although the book has been out of print for some years, it is well worth tracking down. A recommended addition to the bookshelf.

Reviewer: Michelle Young