Norman Ten Hundred

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26713

Title

Norman Ten Hundred

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A vivid, first-person account of the 1st Royal Guernsey Light Infantry's harrowing journey from the Belgian frontier to the Somme in 1917. This authentic record captures the grim reality of trench warfare, the psychological toll of constant retreat, and the indomitable spirit of the 'Norman Ten Hundred' as they face overwhelming German forces with courage and humor.

Summary up to 500 words

Written by A. Stanley Blicq, *Norman Ten Hundred* chronicles the harrowing experiences of the 1st (Service) Battalion, Royal Guernsey Light Infantry, during the critical final stages of World War I. Published in 1920, this memoir captures the battalion's journey from late 1917 through the chaotic German offensives of 1918. The narrative begins with the grueling transport of the men through Belgium, vividly depicting the fear of aerial bombardment, the scarcity of water, and the psychological toll of bivouacking under constant artillery fire. The core of the book focuses on the German offensive of late November 1917. Blicq provides a harrowing account of the German advance, which shattered British lines and forced a desperate, continuous fighting retreat. The text highlights the intense hand-to-hand combat at Masnières and Rues Vertes, where the Normans held their ground against superior numbers despite heavy casualties. The narrative details the bravery of individual soldiers, the chaos of the battlefield, and the tragic loss of comrades to shrapnel, gas, and machine-gun fire. As the fighting continued into early 1918, the battalion was reduced to a scattered remnant, fighting alongside other decimated units like the Staffords. Blicq's tone is one of authentic, gritty realism, blending factual reporting with emotional reflection. He preserves the memory of a small democracy's contribution to the Great War, celebrating their valor and sacrifice. The book concludes with the eventual withdrawal of the survivors, their transfer to the rear, and a poignant farewell to the 'old order.' Through this blend of history and personal testimony, Blicq honors the legacy of the 'Norman Ten Hundred,' ensuring that their deeds and the cost of their service are not forgotten. The work stands as a testament to the resilience of the Channel Islanders who marched into the 'Great Undertaking' and many never returned.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26713.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg26713.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-07 09:54 UTC

Categories

• History
• Military History