The Tommy of the First World War

Amberley, 64 pages, £8.99 In his introduction, the author describes this book as a brief overview, and at 64 pages and seven chapters this is indeed not a long book. However it is a concise read full of interesting facts and anecdotes describing the life of the British soldier during the period of the First World War.

This is not a history of the war, nor is it a description of battles fought. It is, rather, a description of the daily life of the British Tommy.

The book starts by describing where the term Tommy, short for ‘Tommy Atkins’, came from. It goes on to give a brief outline of the development and structure of the army from the days of the colonial wars through to August 1914, including the regulars, army reserve and territorials.

The book then takes the reader through the life of the soldiers, from recruitment through mobilisation, life in the trenches, what happened to wounded soldiers and life after the Armistice.

Illustrated throughout with photographs and prints, and interspersed with ‘Did you know?’ facts and quotes from the soldiers themselves, this is a pleasant read that gives the reader a good introduction to the life of the soldier and provides a short guide to how you can take research and interest further, if so desired.

The Tommy of the First World War is well-researched, well-written and an interesting and enjoyable read.