With Haig on the Somme

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26982

Title

With Haig on the Somme

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the trenches of the Somme, this WWI adventure follows Private Dennis Dashwood and his comrades as they face sniper fire, gas attacks, and enemy spies. Blending gritty realism with high-stakes action, the novel captures the terror of No Man's Land and the camaraderie of the front lines, offering a thrilling glimpse into the Great War's most dangerous moments.

Summary up to 500 words

In D. H. Parry's *With Haig on the Somme*, the narrative follows Dennis Dashwood, a young officer of the Royal Reedshire Regiment, as he confronts the brutal realities of World War I on the Somme front. The story opens with a tragic loss: Dennis's beloved platoon commander, Captain Bob Dashwood, is killed by a sniper, thrusting the young officer into a leadership role he is ill-prepared for. Dennis is soon joined by his loyal marksman, Harry Hawke, and the Australian corporal, Dan Dunn, forming a tight-knit unit that navigates the treacherous landscape of shell-holes and barbed wire. The novel escalates through daring raids and perilous missions, including a rescue operation under heavy machine-gun fire and a tense confrontation with the German spy, Von Dussel. As the 'Great Push' intensifies, the soldiers witness the horrors of gas attacks, bayonet charges, and the crushing psychological toll of trench warfare. Parry balances graphic depictions of violence with moments of dark humor and profound loyalty, illustrating how friendship sustains men in the face of death. A significant subplot involves the capture of Von Dussel and his wife, Ottilie, a Belgian spy who attempts to poison herself before being executed, highlighting the dehumanizing nature of espionage and the war's impact on civilians. The narrative culminates in Dennis's receipt of multiple military honors, including the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross, for his bravery and leadership. Through the eyes of a young soldier, the book explores themes of sacrifice, the enduring bonds of camaraderie, and the moral complexities of war. The story serves as both a tribute to the fallen, such as the dying Cuthbert Wetherby and the loyal Jim Tiddler, and a testament to the resilience of those who fought to secure victory for their nations.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26982.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26982.epub

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Categories

• History
• Fiction