'A Sturdy Race of Men' by AI Grint

[Hyacinth1326]

I wonder if anyone else had read this Book published by Pen and Sword ?  It's about 149 Brigade which formed the Northumberland Fusliers component of 50th Division.  I had long known of individual actions, St Julien, the Somme, post Morval to the Butte de Warlencourt but this volume pulls together the strands to give both context and detail.  I was particularly anguished by the (to me) little known action on Chemin des Dames in the Spring of 1918 which justifies the term 'annihilation'. The campaigns and actions are explored chronologically using primary source material drawn from battalion diaries etc.  There are plenty of detailed footnotes.  A more human note is struck by frequent injections of personal experience material. There are double page spreads of local casualties and detailed obituaries for fallen officers. While there is little innovative in the narrative structure, it does make for a satisfying read both for casual reader and specialist historian alike.  Some of the maps could have done with more detail but this is a minor quibble. I was privileged enough to interview a couple of survivors from this Brigade back in the early 1990's.  They would have been pleased with this Book.   All told it is a valued addition to my library.

Edited 3 March , 2019 by Hyacinth1326

[Michael Peck]

Seconded. My wives Gt/uncle went out with the 7th Northumberlands, and died with the 4th. This book really helped 'flesh out his story, recommended to anyone with an interest in the Northumberlands and I thank Al Grint for his interest in, and dedication to them.

 

Mike.