Description: The year 2014 saw the start of four years of centenaries associated with the First World War. In the decades since that conflict ended the war has been characterized as 'senseless' and 'futile'. In more recent years revisionist historians have attempted to 'correct' this portrayal. Using official documents and reports, as well as the personal lette
Brief description: John Dillon joined the RAF in 1963 and after some years as an apprentice and a Cranwell Cadet, he flew as a navigator on Vulcan bombers. He left the service in 1976 for a 30-year career in computers. Early retirement in 2005 was an opportunity to study for a history degree at Reading; a First was followed by an MA and a PhD. His previous books (both with Helion) are Allies are a Tiresome Lot. The British Army in Italy in the First World War, and Battalions at War. The York and Lancaster Regiment in the First World War. John and his wife live in Berkshire where retirement allows time for his photography, military history, and travel.
Review Quotes: "This is a well-structured book, combining academic rigour with a leavening of the human element, and informed by judicious viewing of the ground and how a 'forgotten' front was and is commemorated. Another Helion success."-- "Newsletter of the Society of Friends of the National Army Museum"