ISBN: 0 7509 3690 8 HB 550pp £25 Published by Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Gerald Gliddon has published widely on the subject of the Great War, and the Somme in particular. This present work is a reworked edition of a work originally published in 1987 under the title “When The Barrage Lifts”. Under that title, the book was an informative very useful addition to the research and understanding of the Somme battles.
This new addition benefits from a diary listing daily weather conditions and an overview of actions in the months from the British arriving on the Somme in July 1915 until the end of the battle in November 1916.
The main section of the book deals alphabetically with the towns, villages and features of the area, with maps and excellent photographs, many previously unseen, throughout. Drawing on the extensive bibliography, Mr Gliddon adds memoirs, and information to the bare facts, which greatly aids the understanding of the particular location.
Front line areas are thoroughly covered, and fascinating information is included about the construction of cemeteries and memorials, and their subsequent upkeep. Individual soldiers are highlighted throughout the text, and Victoria Cross winners (Mr Gliddon having written extensively on this subject too) are identified. The areas behind the lines are also given due attention, with details of the men billeted in the villages.
There are 6 appendices, which deal with casualties, the divisions, including dominions, higher command, German divisions, and finally an absorbing list of the cemeteries that were concentrated post war and are described as “lost” Somme Cemeteries.
Interestingly, this new copy is priced at £5 cheaper then the original edition and is printed on excellent quality paper which greatly adds to the enjoyment of the photographs. This book should be an essential addition to the bookshelf of those wishing to discover more about the battle. An excellent reference work- highly recommended.
Reviewer: Michelle Young
