Numbering over five million men, Britain’s army in the First World War was the biggest in the country’s history. Remarkably, nearly half those men who served in it were volunteers. 2,466,719 men enlisted between August 1914 and December 1915, many in response to the appeals of the Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener, by then a natural hero.
Peter Simkins describes how Kitchener’s New Armies were raised and reviews the main political, economic and social effects of the recruiting campaign. He examines the experiences and impressions of the officers and men who made up the New Armies. As well as analyzing their motives for enlisting, he explores how they were fed, housed, equipped and trained before they set off for active service abroad. Drawing upon a wide variety of sources, ranging from government papers to the diaries and letters of individual soldiers, he questions long-held assumptions about the ‘rush to the colors’ and the nature of patriotism in 1914.
The book will be of interest not only to those studying social, political and economic history, but also to general readers who wish to know more about the story of Britain’s citizen soldiers in the Great War.
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About the Author:
Peter Simkins worked at the IWM for over thirty-five years before retiring as its Senior Historian in 1999. He was awarded the MBE that year for his services to the Museum. He is currently Honorary Professor in Modern History and a Member of the Centre for First World War Studies at the University of Birmingham; a Vice-President of the Western Front Association; and a Member of the Council of the Army Records Society. Other recent publications include Haig: A Reappraisal 70 Years On (1999), Leadership in Conflict (2000) and Haig's Generals (2006).
Review:
"an excellent and essential work of reference." (C. Baker Great War Forum)
"...well-written...does an excellent job of putting Britain’s volunteer army, which affected so many families, into context. This highly recommended text will give you an appreciation of what your ancestors experienced and tell you where to look for more information." (FGS FORUM)
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- PublisherPen and Sword Military
- Publication date2014
- ISBN 10 1473821282
- ISBN 13 9781473821286
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages384
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Rating