Under Fire in the Dardanelles

by Camilla Cecil, Kira Charatan

Edward Cadogan kept a record of his war in words and photographs. His baptism by fire in Gallipoli made a profound effect on him but, as the situation deteriorated and casualties mounted, he became highly critical of the plan and the leadership. His front line experiences are balanced by his contact with senior commanders. Wounded and clearly in poor health he was fortunate to survive. After the ignominious withdrawal, Cadogan soldiered on in Egypt and Palestine increasingly disenchanted with the conduct of the War. His descriptions of conditions at the Front are complemented by his interest in family affairs at home.This compilation is not only superb military history but a unique piece of social commentary.

Genres: History

156 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Metin Yılmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hem Çanakkale hem Filistin cephelerini gören İngiliz yüzbaşının günlüğünü okumak güzeldi. Savaşın diğer taraftan nasıl göründüğünü görmek, savaşın anlamsızlığı içinde yaşananları bilmek iyi bir tecrübeydi.

[Bill38silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read but it is rather inappropriately (main) titled as the Gallipoli campaign covers 64 of the 158 pages. The book is valuable as historic and photographic record and offers insight into the life of an officer, and an obvious gentleman, which is distinctly different to that of the "common soldier". This is not to downgrade the importance of Edward Cadogan's efforts in the field.

Whilst some of his dairy entries make passing references to his (generally) low opinion of the higher authority in the army I did not read this as a searing critical commentary of the running of the war effort. At the time the censor would have probably taken action, hindering if not curtailing his path to promotion. Much of the book is about long periods of inaction, the waste caused by disease rather than enemy action, and the lack of communication and supplies.

The flyleaf to this book makes it clear that Edward Cadogan is an interesting individual and worthy of a detailed biography of his whole life not just his service in World War 1.

[Julian Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always interesting to read diaries of actual events about which you think you know and these are well edited and really bring to life the encounters and views of a young officer whose belief in the war effort, which encouraged him to join up, are seriously tested.
His experiences also cover postings to the Middle East and North Africa and vividly paint a picture of life both in the chaos of Gallipoli and in less traumatic military engagements.
Hugely readable and lavishly illustrated with his own photographs, this book sheds real light on parts of the Great War and gives the reader a good is a slice of history, nicely served up.