18 Platoon

by JARY

hardcover with dust jacket

Genres: Military Fiction, World War II, War, Military History

138 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1994

Reviews

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something about the onset of December that always gets me thinking about the 1944 winter offensive into Germany - it's an odd mental connection but there it is. The weather is bleak - but at least you're not being shot at in cold wet slit trenches in the Ardennes; a dubious privilege my grandfather's generation enjoyed. Sydney Jary was a platoon commander in 4th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry and this is his brief account of his wartime experiences from Normandy to Bremen. I believe the book has become something of a cult classic amongst military readers. Essentially it's an account of various battles and skirmishes across France, the lowlands and Germany. In some respects it's a rather technical book, brief in it's account of events and unsentimental and undramatic in it's narrative. Unless you are actually planning to command an infantry unit some of the chapters of the book may leave you a little cold. That said, as the book progresses, Jary's account definitively grows on you. It is exactly Jary's lack of drama and sentimentality that make you realise he was really there, that he does not wish to dwell on the horrors of war. Once in a while I read a book that where just a single idea on half a page makes reading the book worth while, and this is the case in this one. There is a fascinating passage where Jary talks about the qualities of a good infantryman and argues that virtues such as the ability to endure, keep "a quiet mind" and laugh at the absurd far out way characteristics like competitiveness, aggression and physical stamina in any long term combat situation: as Jary puts it, he would rather go into combat with a company of poets than former stars of the sports field. What an interesting notion that is.

[C.L. McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading 18 Platoon, it is hard to keep in mind that its narrator was only 20 years old when dropped into Normandy in 1944. The older Jary, looking back on his experience forty years later, is a much wiser and more reflective figure, but it's still remarkable to watch such a young man, largely untrained and – by his own admission – rather hopeless at school, suddenly placed in command of a platoon of strangers, and quietly informed that his life expectancy stands at roughly three weeks. It is a story that must have been repeated a hundred times across France and Belgium, but not one that is told often or well, so I can see why this volume remains as lauded as it is.

Jary writes with an exceptional eye for detail, revealing just how vividly many of these events are imprinted upon his memory. When his prose turns occasionally poetic, it is usually in service to nature (moonlight on the water as 18 platoon crosses a bridge by night…), and the rest of the narrative is recited in the straightforward language of a field report; elated victory, tragedy, and failure, all in similar, quiet, understated language. The writing is so simple as to be almost dry and disengaged. It takes a while to realise that what you are reading is in fact a meticulous, diligent, frankness. Jary is presenting events as plainly as his recollections can recall, giving his men every ounce of empathy and credit at his disposal, whilst no doubt giving himself too little.

This is a fascinating description of war at the micro level. War as a group of five reconnoitre a farm house in the dead of night. War as an understrength platoon of 19 try to clear a village square. It is an account of glory and horror, yes, but mostly one of professionalism and drudgery. Happenstance and bizarre turns of the ridiculous, play far more significant roles in this narrative, than do the decisions of great generals pawing at maps of Europe.

Essential reading for anyone interested in the topic.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short book that gives a great first hand account of several battles from WWII and and gives great advice on leadership lessons from someone learning and developing (very quickly) as the war continues over several months.

The author sounds like a thoroughly good leader and was competent, humble, led by example and cared about his men.

[Shaun Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best first hand accounts of world war 2 written from an infantryman's perspective I have read. At 137 pages, the book is packed with information, anecdotes and sound advice for an infantry platoon leader. Recommended for anyone with more than a passing interest in military history.

[Mark Baines · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent memoir by an exceptional man.

Has become required reading for young officers and rightly so.

Jary's humanity streams through from his early appointment through his leadership development, his thoughts and points are well worth contemplating.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting sketches of a string of small unit battles

[Martin Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book deserves its reputation.

[Nadir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part history, part memoir, part opinion-piece, 18-Platoon is a relatively quick read that takes you through one subaltern's journey from being assigned to command a platoon of British infantry in Normandy (replacing it's previous leader after a vicious battle in which he was wounded) to the end of the war in Europe. His brash methods and thinking clash at first with those of his superiors, but under the guidance of his senior NCO's he becomes a trusted and effective platoon leader. That is part of the value of the book - his stories of leadership both in terms of dealing with his men, but also with his superiors in defense of his men. A few lines toward the end on what makes a good soldier are quite telling - and different from what one might expect, but with which it's hard to argue, coming from a proven combat leader.

Not an easy book to find (for a reasonable price) so possibly a candidate for an inter-library loan if you're interested.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a good book dealing well with the small-scale everyday action of war rather than the corps/army-group level of most WW2 histories. That said the author does come across as rather arrogant and forthright in his opinions. It is a good study in leadership for sub-unit commanders and NCOs, about keeping your head and making sensible decisions within the context of mission-command.
I'm glad I read this which has been on my wishlist for a while but is quite hard to find. I can understand why RMAS rave about it so much, although it also does have some negatives.

[Bingwa' Mjeezyshokoh]

great read