|
|
This is an invaluable book for anyone who is interesting in the experience of the front line soldier during the Second World War. Ellis provides a superb mix of statistical evidence and first hand accounts of the war. More than any other book I have read, this work makes you realise just how terrible an experience war is for the men actually doing the fighting.
This book is a very valuable balance to the large number of books written by people serving away from the front line. With chapters on Induction and Training, The Physical Setting, Combat: Infantry, Combat: Artillery and Armour; Casualties; Discipline and Morale; Relaxation and Attitudes, Ellis covers the full range of front line experience.
It is worth pointing out that this book deliberately concentrates on the western allies, and on their armies. The Russian contribution to victory is acknowledged, as are those of the allied air forces and navies. Without this focus, the level of detail contained in this work would probably not be possible.
Author: John Ellis
Edition: Hardback
Pages: 412
Publisher: Encore Editions
Year: 1983