The Doings of the Fifteenth Infantry Brigade: August 1914 to March 1915

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22074

Title

The Doings of the Fifteenth Infantry Brigade: August 1914 to March 1915

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Lord Edward Gleichen's firsthand diary chronicles the Fifteenth Infantry Brigade's harrowing journey from Belfast mobilization through the retreat from Mons to the static trench warfare of the Aisne and Ypres. Written with vivid impressionism, this account captures the chaos of 1914, the grim reality of early trench life, and the personal losses of officers and men, offering an intimate glimpse into the British Army's early Great War experience.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Doings of the Fifteenth Infantry Brigade,' Brigadier-General Count Gleichen offers an unvarnished, day-by-day journal of his command from August 1914 to March 1915. The narrative begins with the chaotic mobilization in Ireland and the embarkation from Belfast, where logistical delays tested the resolve of new recruits. Upon landing in France, the brigade faced immediate German threats, enduring a grueling retreat from Mons to the Aisne River. Gleichen details the confusion of the retreat, the bravery of his men under heavy artillery fire, and the relief of finding billets in quiet villages like Missy and Ors. As the fighting settled into a stalemate, the tone shifted to the grim realities of trench life. Gleichen describes the damp, cold conditions, constant shelling, and the psychological strain on the troops. He highlights the ingenuity of his sappers and the resilience of his men, who often faced impossible odds with limited resources. The text is punctuated by personal anecdotes, such as the arrival of the witty Protestant pastor Saint André and the tragic loss of many officers, including his own promotion and eventual departure from command. Gleichen maintains an honest perspective, admitting his own fatigue and the 'disgustingly fat' state of the staff while praising the 'plucky' youth of his engineers. He notes the 'live and let live' atmosphere in some sectors but also the brutal efficiency of German snipers. The book concludes with his relief from command in March 1915, leaving behind a brigade that had suffered heavy casualties but maintained its spirit. As a primary source, it offers a valuable, individualistic view of the transition from mobile warfare to the entrenched attrition that would define the conflict.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History