The War Service of the 1/4 Royal Berkshire Regiment (T. F.)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22028

Title

The War Service of the 1/4 Royal Berkshire Regiment (T. F.)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A firsthand account by C. R. M. F. Cruttwell of the 1/4 Royal Berkshire Regiment's mobilization, training, and grueling combat across France and Italy. Blending personal memory with official records, this narrative captures the regiment's resilience during the Somme, Third Battle of Ypres, and mountain warfare, offering an intimate look at trench life, leadership, and the human cost of the Great War.

Summary up to 500 words

Written by C. R. M. F. Cruttwell, a former officer of the 1/4 Royal Berkshire Regiment, this chronicle details the battalion's journey from mobilization in August 1914 to victory in 1918. The narrative begins with the regiment's rapid deployment to France following the outbreak of war, their attachment to regular brigades, and initial skirmishes near the Belgian frontier. Cruttwell describes the harsh realities of trench warfare at Plugstreet and Pozières, where the battalion suffered heavy casualties but displayed remarkable steadiness under fire. The text covers major operations including the relief of the French at Hébuterne, the brutal fighting in Artois, and the Somme offensive, where new conscripts faced deadly conditions. The narrative continues through the Somme's attritional battles, the relief efforts at Ovillers, and the grueling Third Battle of Ypres. Cruttwell also documents the regiment's transfer to Italy, their adaptation to mountain warfare, and the final push toward victory. Throughout, the author highlights the bravery of individual soldiers, the effectiveness of N.C.O.s, and the camaraderie that sustained the unit. Supported by maps and official documents, the work serves as both a historical record and a tribute to the regiment's enduring spirit amidst the chaos of total war. The book meticulously records the mobilization process, the rigorous training undertaken in England before deployment, and the specific tactical engagements that defined the unit's service. It pays particular attention to the leadership of officers like Colonel O. Pearce-Serocold and the contributions of those who received honors such as the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. By integrating personal recollections with the official war diary, the text provides an authentic account of the sacrifices made and the resilience required to survive the Western Front and the Italian campaign.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22028.epub.noimages

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Categories

• History
• Military History