'Stretcher Bearer' is the personal account of a young pacifist from the British Midlands who felt he had to do something when war came in August 1914. An educated man, he would not bear arms, but enlisted as a battlefield medic. His story follows him through the terrible Battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, before moving to the Italian Front and the fighting on the Asiago Plateau. But he does not dwell on the horrific events that he must have witnessed, focussing more on his life and adventures on campaign with his friends. The detailed descriptions of the events and the places he served bring them to life for the reader.
I bought this very readable book as the author served in the same British Division as my Great-Grandfather - who was also a Stretcher Bearer. After reading this book, I feel I understand my G-G much better and how the war affected him. I have even walked on the battlefield where he and the author both served long ago.
This book will appeal to the military history reader, but also to those with an interest in early 20th century social history. It is a unique insight into the life and service of one of the many unsung heroes of the Great War.