0
Interesting view. For my part, I found Sulzbach's book to be like many other anecdotal accounts. As you say, much of it relates to the experience of all infantry and artillery - occasional experiences of action, mostly the day-to-day experiences of being in and out of the 'line'. Typically there is more emphasis on the latter, because the routine of soldiering was just that.
But, like many other accounts, there are some real gems in Sulzbach's book. For example, he describes when German artillery units first became armed with light machine guns, when anti-tank guns began being told off from field artillery batteries, the experience of being in Bruchmüller's artillery performances for the German Spring offensives, the shattering effect of the failure of attack either side of Reims in mid-1918, and the constant pressure exerted by the Entente forces in the last 100 Days.
For these gems alone, the book is fabulous. Highly recommended.
I have just received a copy of 'Massacre of the Innocents: The Crofton Diaries, Ypres 1914-1915'. A quick scan reveals it will be just like Sulzbach's book - lots of material that must be sifted. The diary content was written by a cavalry officer, and I know that there will be gems scattered throughout. But you have to look for them, and not be lulled into missing them by virtue of the other content.
Robert
Remembered Today:
, see:
n
