A first-hand account of World War I by a nineteen-year-old Englishman who led a platoon into the carnage of the Battle of the Somme.

While researching his excellent earlier book: Veterans of World War I, author Richard Van Emden encountered a fascinating personality of that long-ago conflict. After witnessing German naval attacks on British civilians, Norman Collins enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders of the 51st Highland Division, even though he was under age. Collins fought at the battles of Beaumont Hamel, Arras, and Passchendaele, and was wounded several times. Collins lived to be 100 and had an unusually detailed collection of letters, documents, illustrations and photographs. Richard Van Emden has written a moving biography of a unique personality at war, and his long life after the dramatic events of his youth.

“This is a harrowing tale of battle, loss and the horrors of war.” —Scotland Magazine

“His collection of letters, photographs and the record of interviews as an old man are a treasure trove of information on Western Front fighting.” —British Army Review/Soldier Magazine

“Enthralling memoir. These letters form the freshest part of this book, full of detail about kit and food that obsessed soldiers but which do not find a place in the history books.” —Who Do You Think You Are?

“This is one of the last great first-person memoirs of the Great War. Extraordinary diary, letter collection and photos.” —Scottish Legion News