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Men of 18 in 1918: Memories of the Western Front in World War One
An astounding account of one young infantryman’s personal experience of the Western Front in the last year of World War One.
Perfect for fans of Peter Hart, Max Hastings and Barbara W. Tuchman.
In the spring of 1918 German forces broke through Allied lines in a last ditch attempt to overcome their enemies. To hold back this tide young, inexperienced men from France, Britain, the United States, Australia and Canada were sent into war against battle-hardened and desperate German soldiers.
What was it like to be an eighteen year old and sent to the frontlines in the First World War?
Frederick James Hodges was one of these young men and his book, Men of 18 in 1918, provides insight into the ordeals of an ordinary soldier who left Britain as a teenager but returned as a man having witnessed the full horrors of war.
Hodges charts his progress through the conflict from his short period of training to being thrown into defending Allied lines against the onslaught before being ordered, as part of Britain’s prime assault troops, into a ninety-five day non-stop attack which only ended with the armistice of November 1918.
“A must for anyone interested in the First World War.” Manchester Evening News
“Frederick Hodges has created a history book which will make the hair rise on the back of your neck.” Chronicle and Echo
Perfect for fans of Peter Hart, Max Hastings and Barbara W. Tuchman.
In the spring of 1918 German forces broke through Allied lines in a last ditch attempt to overcome their enemies. To hold back this tide young, inexperienced men from France, Britain, the United States, Australia and Canada were sent into war against battle-hardened and desperate German soldiers.
What was it like to be an eighteen year old and sent to the frontlines in the First World War?
Frederick James Hodges was one of these young men and his book, Men of 18 in 1918, provides insight into the ordeals of an ordinary soldier who left Britain as a teenager but returned as a man having witnessed the full horrors of war.
Hodges charts his progress through the conflict from his short period of training to being thrown into defending Allied lines against the onslaught before being ordered, as part of Britain’s prime assault troops, into a ninety-five day non-stop attack which only ended with the armistice of November 1918.
“A must for anyone interested in the First World War.” Manchester Evening News
“Frederick Hodges has created a history book which will make the hair rise on the back of your neck.” Chronicle and Echo
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2022
320 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 6, 2022
“Men of 18 in 1918: Memories of the Western Front in World War One” (ISBN: 9781800555846; ASIN B09ZB7NLRG), by Frederick James Hodges, publication date 31 July 2022, gets the top rating of five stars, but it really has earned six stars.
This is an extraordinary and eminently readable work by a simply gifted author that rivals “All Quiet on the Western Front,” by Erich Maria Remarque, and the “Guns of August,” by Barbara W. Tuchman. Just as those two books had their own thrust, so too does “Men od 18 in 1918,” i.e., the lot of the “Poor Bloody Infantry,” and their dogged courage, unquenchable spirit, and earthy while at war.
Juxtaposed against these great soldiers were the British, French and Belgian generals, who provided little training, relevance and effective leadership to their soldiers while relying on their long-outdated experiences of the Colonial War against the Boers some twenty years before. The author recalled, “The PBI [Poor Bloody Infantry] were never respected by their generals; we never saw them in the forward area…. They were a complete contrast to the fighting man.”
This is a deeply personal but professionally recollections of an 18-year-old combatant about his military experiences and those of his fellow soldiers of the line, recounted in his eightieth year with such clarity that memories from 60 years before seem as fresh as yesterday’s events. His recollections reveal how much the soldiers of battalions and companies of the First World War carried the war despite the archaic practices and “leadership” of the high staff.
Make no mistake; this was not a tale told by a disaffected common soldier about high-ranking brass. Instead, is an astutely observed set of life-changing experiences with lessons for all of us, just as author Remarque and historian Tuchman did before him, Hodges leaves us with a timeless understanding that if applied, will leave people and the world a better place.
Sincere thanks to the publisher, Kindle Edition, for granting this reviewer the opportunity to read this Advance Reader Copy (ARC), and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.
This is an extraordinary and eminently readable work by a simply gifted author that rivals “All Quiet on the Western Front,” by Erich Maria Remarque, and the “Guns of August,” by Barbara W. Tuchman. Just as those two books had their own thrust, so too does “Men od 18 in 1918,” i.e., the lot of the “Poor Bloody Infantry,” and their dogged courage, unquenchable spirit, and earthy while at war.
Juxtaposed against these great soldiers were the British, French and Belgian generals, who provided little training, relevance and effective leadership to their soldiers while relying on their long-outdated experiences of the Colonial War against the Boers some twenty years before. The author recalled, “The PBI [Poor Bloody Infantry] were never respected by their generals; we never saw them in the forward area…. They were a complete contrast to the fighting man.”
This is a deeply personal but professionally recollections of an 18-year-old combatant about his military experiences and those of his fellow soldiers of the line, recounted in his eightieth year with such clarity that memories from 60 years before seem as fresh as yesterday’s events. His recollections reveal how much the soldiers of battalions and companies of the First World War carried the war despite the archaic practices and “leadership” of the high staff.
Make no mistake; this was not a tale told by a disaffected common soldier about high-ranking brass. Instead, is an astutely observed set of life-changing experiences with lessons for all of us, just as author Remarque and historian Tuchman did before him, Hodges leaves us with a timeless understanding that if applied, will leave people and the world a better place.
Sincere thanks to the publisher, Kindle Edition, for granting this reviewer the opportunity to read this Advance Reader Copy (ARC), and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.
November 1, 2022
This review originally appeared on my blog at https://www.gimmethatbook.com/men-of-...
I URGE YOU to read this review on my blog page as there are clickable links that will give you more information on things such as trench warfare, No Mans Land etc.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for this review copy!
The author tells a terrifying and true story of his experience in one of the most brutal wars known to man.
His memories of names, places, and battles is amazing – a good part of the book is recollections of the men he knew and their fate. At times I did find it tedious to read name after name, but I understand that the author wanted to ensure that they weren’t forgotten over time. The descriptions of life in the trenches are full of detail and heartbreaking to read. Boys that turned 18 were eligible to enlist for battle, and by the time they turned 19 they were hardened men, inured to death and destruction.
The story follows Hodges as he enlists, trains, and eventually is called up to the Western Front. Even though he is only involved in the war for a short time, he experiences an immense amount of physical and mental struggles. Despite these hardships, Hodges continually writes that his experience in the war is exhilarating and fascinating. He and his fellow soldiers try to make the best of their days as they bond and support each other.
One thing I enjoyed about this book is how the author described his surroundings as a juxtaposition to the horrors around him. He mentions singing birds, fields of poppies, and bright blue skies, and makes sure to note that he is able to appreciate the world around him as nature continues to thrive despite the horrors of war and the bloody casualties.
The author includes many anecdotes about how the soldiers pass the time by talking about life back home and making lighthearted jokes. Each soldier is doing his best to fight the Germans (known as “Jerry” among the men) and maintain their hold on the Western Front. There are also stories about the tedious tasks that must be done: polishing their weapons, digging out trenches, and repairing the miles of barbed wire that provided a barrier to No Mans Land.
This story is poignant and gripping at the same time. I enjoyed the author’s insights on his harrowing experience as well as the opinions he shared about the war. His writing style is easy to read and you will learn about life in the trenches firsthand. The more I read about WW1, the more I respect the men that gave their lives for this pointless conflict. I highly recommend this book.
I URGE YOU to read this review on my blog page as there are clickable links that will give you more information on things such as trench warfare, No Mans Land etc.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for this review copy!
The author tells a terrifying and true story of his experience in one of the most brutal wars known to man.
His memories of names, places, and battles is amazing – a good part of the book is recollections of the men he knew and their fate. At times I did find it tedious to read name after name, but I understand that the author wanted to ensure that they weren’t forgotten over time. The descriptions of life in the trenches are full of detail and heartbreaking to read. Boys that turned 18 were eligible to enlist for battle, and by the time they turned 19 they were hardened men, inured to death and destruction.
The story follows Hodges as he enlists, trains, and eventually is called up to the Western Front. Even though he is only involved in the war for a short time, he experiences an immense amount of physical and mental struggles. Despite these hardships, Hodges continually writes that his experience in the war is exhilarating and fascinating. He and his fellow soldiers try to make the best of their days as they bond and support each other.
One thing I enjoyed about this book is how the author described his surroundings as a juxtaposition to the horrors around him. He mentions singing birds, fields of poppies, and bright blue skies, and makes sure to note that he is able to appreciate the world around him as nature continues to thrive despite the horrors of war and the bloody casualties.
The author includes many anecdotes about how the soldiers pass the time by talking about life back home and making lighthearted jokes. Each soldier is doing his best to fight the Germans (known as “Jerry” among the men) and maintain their hold on the Western Front. There are also stories about the tedious tasks that must be done: polishing their weapons, digging out trenches, and repairing the miles of barbed wire that provided a barrier to No Mans Land.
This story is poignant and gripping at the same time. I enjoyed the author’s insights on his harrowing experience as well as the opinions he shared about the war. His writing style is easy to read and you will learn about life in the trenches firsthand. The more I read about WW1, the more I respect the men that gave their lives for this pointless conflict. I highly recommend this book.
March 3, 2023
I enjoy reading people's experiences from times past. We are fortunate that Frederick James Hodges took time to write down his experiences from the bloody and horrific times of trench warfare during WW1.
Hodges writes without mentioning his personal account of fighting, which he was involved in on a daily basis, but about the people and events that filled his world at such a young age, during horrific times. With no hatred of the enemy, just empathy for other young men thrust into a violent war.
A good read.
Hodges writes without mentioning his personal account of fighting, which he was involved in on a daily basis, but about the people and events that filled his world at such a young age, during horrific times. With no hatred of the enemy, just empathy for other young men thrust into a violent war.
A good read.
November 2, 2022
This is simply one of the best books about ww1 I have ever read. The author was an LF ( Lancashire Fusiliers ). The LF’S wore a yellow hackle behind their cap badge. When the different fusilier regiments amalgamated in 1968 they swapped the yellow hackles for the modern red/ white one. As a 10 year old army cadet in my hometown in Lancashire I wore both of the hackles. My hometown fusilier company ( if I remember rightly ) was the 5th battalion. How well I remember the XX ( 20th of foot ) that was carved into the stone lintel over the door to my local drill hall. So this book reminds me of how proud the Lancashire Fusiliers were of their history. This book brings that history alive for me once again. It even mention the garrison town of Bury which was about five miles west of Heywood. In Bury is the garrison church of St George and I witnessed the laying down of the colours of the old Lancashire Fusiliers. This book brought it all back to me, even the renowned Lancashire dialect ( affectionately known as “ Lanky Twang “.
God bless all the red rose boys.
God bless all the red rose boys.
September 11, 2022
I've read many WW1 memoirs, and this is the best of the lot for precise details of battles, training, and circumstances. Highly recommended for WW1 buffs.
March 15, 2024
Very Enjoyable and Informative
Written decades after the conclusion of WWI, this book relates the experiences of an 18 year old British soldier entering the war in 1918. The Germans have begun their startling effective Spring offensive and the British need all of their soldiers, even those who haven’t completed their training, to shore up the lines. During this period, the reader gets a glimpse of war in the trenches.
By August, the momentum shifts and the British and their Allies begin their big offensive. It is now a war of mobility and the war ceases by November.
The author offers his perspective on this episode of the conflict and I found them to be interesting and enlightening. It might have been even better had he tackled this book even sooner.
Written decades after the conclusion of WWI, this book relates the experiences of an 18 year old British soldier entering the war in 1918. The Germans have begun their startling effective Spring offensive and the British need all of their soldiers, even those who haven’t completed their training, to shore up the lines. During this period, the reader gets a glimpse of war in the trenches.
By August, the momentum shifts and the British and their Allies begin their big offensive. It is now a war of mobility and the war ceases by November.
The author offers his perspective on this episode of the conflict and I found them to be interesting and enlightening. It might have been even better had he tackled this book even sooner.
May 15, 2024
I always feel so fortunate to have been born in modern days, thus avoiding the sheer horror, misery and terror that was forced on the WWI generation. The book is an historical account, of trench warfare as told by a former combatant of that awful conflict. Not only was death a distinct possibility daily, but soldiers were dealing with gas attacks, mud, filth, lice and incompetence of superior officers. I'm amazed that anyone survived. The author went on to live a very long life and wrote this account as an elderly man. It should be compulsory reading for current politicians entrusted with the powers of sending young people off to war.
March 11, 2024
Personal Memories of a WWI British Soldier
Joining the British Army during the last year of WWI (1918), Hodges recounts the horrors of fighting in the trenches of France. From his induction up thru demobilization, this personal account exposes daily life in the horrendously costly war. The fears, boredom, overwhelming carnage, philosophical evolution, and humor of this horrible experience are vividly recounted.
Joining the British Army during the last year of WWI (1918), Hodges recounts the horrors of fighting in the trenches of France. From his induction up thru demobilization, this personal account exposes daily life in the horrendously costly war. The fears, boredom, overwhelming carnage, philosophical evolution, and humor of this horrible experience are vividly recounted.
April 12, 2024
Interesting patriotic British veteran account of the conflict. You can notice he and many of his compatriots very much agree with a lot of the mythos of the are. Despite time seemingly shining some of the memories, this books seems honest all though I feel that some details are left unsaid. Good companion to more academic works about the great war.
July 25, 2024
A book that goes into a great detail of the author went through. At the tender age of 18 he saw & experienced what the other men through that served along side him. We, as a nation, owe a great deal to these young men & I, for one, have a great deal of respect for them. May they rest in eternal peace for ever more.
January 14, 2023
Good read
Well written with lots of details but not granular. It’s hard to believe anybody lived through that war. a very sincere account of his tour of duty.
Well written with lots of details but not granular. It’s hard to believe anybody lived through that war. a very sincere account of his tour of duty.
January 18, 2023
It gave me an insight that I hadn’t gained from any prior source
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews