A Sergeant-Major's War - From Hill 60 to the Somme By Ernest Shephard

A fantastic insight into a pre-war professional soldier's adaptation to increasingly modern warfare. A must read for anyone with an existing interest in the Great War.

I'm starting my first review with one of my personal favourite books on the Great War. A gripping first hand account written as a diary by the author. It was never intended for publication, in fact, he shouldn't of been keeping a diary on active service anyway! Admittedly I have a bias on my interest in this book. The author served with the Dorsetshire Regiment, of which I have a personal interest.

Covering life on the western front, Shephard takes us through everyday routine, major battles and everything in between both as a sergeant major and a commissioned officer. From the onset, it is clear that Shephard is a professional soldier and his style of writing mirrors this. He records in detail date, names and locations which adds another layer to the book. Because of his accuracy, you can follow his story through official records and discover all about those he mentions. As a diary, he is very honest in his opinions of those around him. He gives credit where it is due, but isn't afraid to criticise those who aren't doing there bit. This is a refreshing change thanks to the author not being able to edit his diary for public viewing. So many of the memoirs we read were edited or even written after the war when memory had begun to fade.

One of the most compelling parts of the book I find is his description of one of the first gas attacks, in which the 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment (his unit) suffered heavily. As well as providing an eye witness account, he describes how it effected him emotionally and brings about a more personal touch to the book. As well as gas, we follow him through artillery barrages, mortar attacks and machine gun fire as his war intensifies.
The book is eventually cut short as his diary entries end. Sadly, this was due to Shephard being killed in action on the Somme.

This would make a good read for somebody who already has a basic knowledge of the British army around the Great War period. However, if you have limited knowledge on the war, I would recommend reading something else first.

If you would like to read this book for yourself, you can find copies on www.abebooks.co.uk regularly and occasionally on ebay too. It is however out of print so you will need to find a second hand copy. If you have any other questions on this book, or even the Dorset Regiment in the Great War, please feel free to contact me.