The Taste of Battle: Front Line Action 1914-1991

by Bryan Perrett

Few people experience a live war situation; even professional soldiers can serve their career without going to war. Yet the question is often asked, what is it like? How do combatants cope with dangers unimaginable in civilian life? How does a battle look to the ordinary solider who has no idea of the grand plan, never sees the generals, but whose efforts at the front line may make the difference between defeat or victory? Bryan Perrett has created 12 fictional soliders, all based on recorded accounts, and put them at the heart of actions already familiar to readers. None of the protagonists is ranked higher than company commander; some are professionals, some volunteers or conscripts, none especially heroic. The actions range from Mons in 1918, through World Wars I and II to Malaya in 1956, Vietnam in 1968 and Kuwait in 1991. In a mix of dialogue, reportage and objective historical analysis - "faction" - Briyan Perrett brings the reality of war to the reader in a direct narrative.

Genres: War, Historical Fiction, Military History

Hardcover

First published December 31, 2000

About the author

Bryan Perrett was born in 1934 and educated at Liverpool College. He served in the Royal Armoured Corps, the 17th/21st Lancers, Westminster Dragoons, and the Royal Tank Regiment, and was awarded the Territorial Decoration.A professional military historian for many years, his books include "A History of the Blitzkrieg" and "Knights of the Black Cross - Hitler's Panzerwaffe and its Leaders". His treatise Desert Warfare was widely consulted during the Gulf War. His most recent works, including "Last Stand, At All Costs" and "Against all Odds" examine aspects of motivation. During the Falklands and Gulf Wars Bryan Perrett served as Defense Correspondent to the Liverpool Echo. His books are widely read on both sides of the Atlantic and have been translated into several languages.

Reviews

[John Sheahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perrett writes well. I constantly found myself deeply involved in the short scenarios. While there was occasionally a heavy emphasis on the technical (not why I picked the book up), this was balanced by some clear insights into the effects of battle on individuals.
At the creative level, it was interesting to see Perrett's approach 'at work'. It gave me some ideas about what might work in another project I have in mind.

[Laurance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written book. The concept of mixing fictional with a non-fictional context is brilliant. How he connects all the individual characters together throughout is done smoothly.
Sometimes the story gets hung up with going into details but it is still a great ride. The way he helps the reader get into the minds if the soldier and what they went through. Books like this are rare and should be read at least once by the enquiring historian.