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

Published by Pan

ISBN 0 330 37643 8 SB 269 pages £6.99

“An authoritative and compassionate study”, is how The Sunday Times described this book. General Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley, has written this study of the Battle of the Somme in a lightweight style, though the content is covered in a precise and accurate manner.

The book is divided into 5 distinct sections, those being; The Men and the Hour, Gestation, First Strike, The Long Agony and finally Judgement.

The Men and the Hour: The main players of the battle, Falkenhayn, Joffre and Haig are introduced. Farrar-Hockley uses his critical military eye to assess each man in turn, and then he concludes the section by looking at Verdun.

Gestation: Here Farrar-Hockley covers the ground, the troops and the planning of the battle. Both sides are examined, and he draws on the feelings of the rank and file soldier.

First Strike: The plans and actions all along the front are inspected and questioned. Farrar-Hockley uses his expertise as a general to provide the reader with balanced judgements of the battle.

The Long Agony: After the first phase of the battle the reader is taken through the painful moves when ground is gained and lost. Towards the end of the battle the Tanks appear with limited success. They bring with them hopes that the carnage may stop.

Judgement: Here Farrar-Hockley examines what occurred and is able to provide the reader with his professional view on the Generals and the men.

Vast quantities of literature have been written about the Battle of the Somme. This book is written in an easy reading enjoyable style, with good referencing to many other works. Anthony Farrar-Hockley has added the one aspect that is missing from numerous other excellent books on the battle, that being his knowledge as a General. The criticism he adds in places is that of the professional soldier and as such adds weight to the book. This book should grace the shelves of everyone who wishes to learn more about the Somme.

Reviewer: Martin Hornby