Hugh Montagu Butterworth

There are several books currently available detailing the lives of people who served during the First World War. As such, it can be difficult to define a preference of one over another as each are relevant to the author.

This book is one of the best personal biographies relating the First World War. Its main source are a group of letters written by Hugh BUTTERWORTH, the brother of the author after whom he is named. Hugh was a teacher who joined the 9th Bn. The Rifle Brigade as an officer and died in September 1915.

The letters are very poignant and provide an important description of the feelings of the author of the letters at the time they were written. It is detailed and informative, making the book very readable and useful. As always, these can be emotional, but in providing the context of what people though at the time the letters were written, it is invaluable. The additional value added by Jon COOKSEY is significant and superbly researched and written.… (més)