ISBN: 1 84415 315 0 HB 333pp £19.99 Published by Pen & Sword Military.
The last soldiers of the Great War are a rapidly diminishing group. In his
introduction, Richard Van Emden introduces the men and outlines those that have
died in recent years, some during the production of the book. Using memories
from the surviving few, and also using recorded interviews of men who were
still alive in 1990, Mr Van Emden has skillfully worked editorial notes around
the words of the men themselves.
The reader is guided through the war, from the outbreak to the Armistice and
beyond. The reasons for joining, the processes of training, and experiences at
the front and of battle are explored. Many of the stories are amusing, many
terribly sad, and Mr Van Emden sensitively comments about the effects of his
questioning on the Veterans, many of whom lived with distressing memories and
physical effects throughout their long lives, and only started to talk very
late in life.
The tendency of late is to treat the few remaining men as celebrities and
people clamour to meet them, something which is not practical. There is also
the continuing controversy and discussion regarding the State funeral of the
last Veteran carrying on at present.
Mr Van Emden reminds the reader that the Veterans are ordinary men, with likes
and dislikes and tells of intense rivalry between groups of Veterans when they
met up, as to who had what medal and who served abroad first!
Mr Van Emden has provided a fine tribute to the Veterans, their stories,
accompanied by the excellent photographs ensure that these men are not and will
not be forgotten, and should be essential reading for those who wish to learn
more about the final few Veterans of the Great War.
Reviewer - Michelle
Young
