War Services of the 62nd West Riding Divisional Artillery

The book offers a vivid, firsthand account of a British artillery division as it transforms from a training outfit on Salisbury Plain into a combat‑tested force on the Western Front. Colonel Anderson’s narrative captures the relentless routine of moving shells through mud‑filled lanes, the cramped life in dug‑outs, and the quiet moments when the men learned to trust their guns as extensions of themselves. Readers hear the echo of heavy ordnance and the steady rhythm of disciplined crews, all set against the backdrop of a war that demanded both grit and cooperation.

Early chapters follow the unit through its first offensive in early 1917, detailing how the artillery supported infantry advances amid trench warfare and the challenges of supplying ammunition under fire. The description of the Battle of Cambrai introduces new tactics and the tense anticipation of open‑field fighting, while still emphasizing the day‑to‑day perseverance of the gun crews. The tone remains grounded, focusing on the lived experience of the soldiers rather than grand strategic maneuvers.