Copies: Unlimited

Extent: 92 pages

Size: 138mm x 216mm

Binding: Hardback with dust-jacket

Illustrations: Monochrome

A Young Man's War

Alec Ward

William Leslie Ward joined the army in 1917. He was just eighteen. The following year he was sent to France. The Spring 1918 German offensive was in progress. Before long he joined the 3rd Worcester Regiment and was involved as a Lewis gunner at Kemmel. The unit then moved south to recuperate, but after a surprise German attack became involved in the 3rd Battle of the Aisne. It was there, near Concevreux, that on 27th May William Leslie was put out of action by a bullet wound in the leg and eventually made it home to 'Blighty'.
    The focus of A Young Man's War are the letters that William Leslie sent home during his short time in France. There is also a chapter about the causes of the First World War, the conditions of trench warfare and the impact of the war on life at home. Appendices include more detail about the 3rd Battle of the Aisne, a crucial battle in the Great War. This book is a story of the life of just one ordinary man but it helps us to remember the enormous sacrifices made by all those young men who fought on our behalf.

'The best of its type I have seen.' - John Lowles, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment Museum (The Worcester Regiment)

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