ISBN: 1 84415 135 2 HB 329 pages £25.00
Published by Pen & Sword Military
Books
Over the years numerous veterans have published their diaries, accounts and
experiences of the Great War. Many of these volumes have been discovered,
transcribed and edited after the death of the servicemen from whom they
originated. Historians of varying literary skill and style have on the whole
made commendable efforts filling in any details and gaps in the diaries story.
So where does 'Diary of an Old Contemptible' come in this vast resource of
Great War literature? One would have to say that this is one of the best
additions seen in this genre for many years.
The diary was written by Edward Roe; an Irishman, a Private soldier for his
whole career, who during the Great War served with the East Lancashire
Regiment. The diary commences in March 1914 and concludes on 7th May
1919. Roe served on the Western Front from the start of the war, whilst
there he records the events of the 1914 Christmas Truce. The Regiment was
then moved to Gallipoli and served on the pennisular during the evacution.
Whilst serving at Gallipoli Roe was unfortunately selected to be a
member of a fire squad. From Gallipoli the Regiment moved to
Peter Downham's editing of this book can only be described as first class. He
has drawn together
good quality maps and has made excellent use of various photographic archives
to illustrate the diary. The book is very well referenced and shows just how
much can be added to a war diary to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of
the reader.
This book is a beautifully crafted work and should be part of any Great War
Library. It is a book that helps the reader to understand just what the
ordinary soldier thought about his lot in the Great War.
Reviewer: Martin Hornby
