The Great War

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18058, 7 April 1933, Page 10

The Great War

BOOIv which should not, ho missed is “Unwilling Passenger,” by Air Arthur Osbur.n, which, according to tile London Observer, ns a combination of vivid narrative and reflections on the psychology of war, with an analysis of the ‘‘war atmosphere,” will require a deal of beating. The author was well qualified for the task, and had excellent opportunities for its fulfilment. An officer of the R.A.M.C., he went out in 11114 as medical officer to the 4th Dragoon Guards, and, though he describes himself as a “passenger,” those who took part, in the Retreat know full well that a regimental medical officer in the arm which was on perpetual rearguard duty was as likely to see as much of the lighting as most, people. Further, in his younger days the ! author had served in South Africa as a trooper in a mounted unit, and liis ■ soldiering experience enables him to give fine pictures of the work of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. Particularly is this the case in the description of the cavalry action of August 24, 1014. The disorganisation after Le Cat can is well described, but the restoration of order in the main body of the 2nd Corps was unknown to the author. The regrettable incident connected with St. Quentin is finely told. ! 'fhe second part of the book deals with the return of the author —who had been wounded —to the Salient in 1015, but is made up chiefly of comments and criticism of war generally and of the Great War in particular Here there is line writing—-ns line u> any war book holds. The author i> bitter, but it is the bitterness whirl comes from one who was “passenger’ enough to see the beastliness of wai without experiencing such excitement as it may possess, and who in peaceful interludes in quiet sectors had tinn to reflect upon the futility of everything around.