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Up to Mametz is a classic account of life on the Western Front, first published in 1931 and ending with the costly capture of Mametz Wood on the Somme in 1916. A quarter of a century later the same author produced a very different account of his time as a staff officer. This book contains both texts - the first as originally written, the second supported by some of Llewelyn wyn Griffith's letters and other writing.
The two texts are very different in tone. Up to Mametz is the more emotional and literary of the two, 'Beyond' is more dispassionate and analytical. Part of this is because of the time that had elapsed between the two texts, but they also cover very different parts of Griffith's career - in the first he was a junior officer in a front line infantry unit, in the second he was a staff officer, serving at corps level.
Both parts of the book are of the highest quality, and of great interest. The first gives us a compelling view of life at the front, while the second presents a rather more balanced view of the life and roll of the much maligned staff officers.
Chapters
Part One - Up to Mametz
1 - Prentice Days
2 - Command
3 - Givenchy
4 - Mud
5 - Alarms and Diversions
6 - South
7 - Mametz Wood
8 - The Gleaning
Part Two - Beyond Mametz
9 - Salient
10 - ANZAC
11 - Kaiserschlact
12 - Armistice
Author: Llewelyn Wyn Griffith
Edition: Hardcover
Pages: 194
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Year: 2010 edition of 1931 original