Three years in France with the Guns: Being Episodes in the life of a Field Battery

A freshly arrived artillery unit steps off the ship at Le Havre and finds itself thrust into an unfamiliar French landscape, where sleepy villages and hospitable locals offer a brief respite from the rigors of war. Through witty observations and the everyday challenges of learning a new language, the battery’s officers and men quickly forge bonds with the townspeople, while their horses are tended and the guns readied for action. The narrative captures the mixture of monotony and sudden urgency that defines a soldier’s life as orders arrive to prepare for an imminent trial on the front.

The book then follows the battery’s first move toward the front lines, detailing the cramped train rides, restless humor of a sub‑altern, and the palpable tension as they march toward Hazebrouck. Along the way, the comradeship among ranks shines through, offering a vivid portrait of solidarity and the stark preparation that precedes their entry into combat. The tone remains personal and observant, giving listeners an intimate glimpse into the early days of a field artillery crew in the Great War.