The book is well structured with chapters covering each year of the war sub-divided into Home Front and Military sections with many photographs, many of which are new to this reviewer. The scope of the effort of the Scouts is quite remarkable and the author does a good job in covering innumerable factors. This comprehensive history is to be welcomed and is a worthwhile addition to the shelves of those who have an interest in the Great War and social historiography of the time.
Martin Willoughby, Chairman of the Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars On Christmas Eve, 1914, in trenches along the Western Front, some German soldiers laid down their arms, put up lights and started singing carols. Soon, the British soldiers did the same. This armistice lasted into Christmas Day and beyond, with a spontaneous meeting of the combatants in No Man’s Land. Gifts were exchanged and even football matches were played, and a legend was born. This book attempts to cut through the myths to tell the true story of the Christmas Truce. The event has become almost mythological over the years and Anthony Richards reveals that even during the First World War itself some people doubted it had happened. As this excellent book reveals, there wasn’t one single truce but a series of small truces along different parts of the frontline, of varying duration. Drawing on newly discovered and translated German accounts of the Truce, we are able to get an insight into the other side of the story. Anthony Richards sets the scene.. Read more
NetGalley, Wyn Lewis

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Cher Ami, Great War Sig Newsletter - IPMS, June 2021

Henri Landru is supposed to be the worst serial killer in French history. In this stunning case, no bodies were ever found, and only 10 charges were brought. The count is likely much, much higher though. The facts of the real story were locked away in secret French police files for 100 years and only came out in the last 40 to 50 years. During the early years of WWI when Paris was nearly bare of men, Landru was placing lonely heart ads in order to meet women. He got tons of responses, and set about meeting multiple women around the city each day. Good true crime, filling in my knowledge about Mr. Landru and his wretched murders.
NetGalley, Valerie Shampine

This is an accessible book, and the reader gains a better understanding of the political turmoil in the Baltic and the indecision at home. The book raises some interesting questions and is recommended.
Warship Annual 2021 Edition