I would be happy to bet that most young New Zealanders could tell you something about Gallipoli. But what about Passchendaele, Ypres and the Somme? The Western Front in World War I also had huge significance for the thousands of Anzac soldiers who fought there, and for their families and loved ones.

In his introduction to this book, Leon says simply: “ I wanted to tell the story of the war and give a sense of what it was like for the soldiers – those men who enlisted to fight until they were killed or wounded, or until the war ended”.  This is a very fine introduction indeed and the book is enhanced by the inclusion of well chosen photographs, extracts from songs, poems and “in memoriam” notices; The book is further rounded out by maps, a glossary, timeline, profiles of the Allied and German commanders, and an extensive bibliography.

Most suitable for secondary students, although some intermediate age students with an interest in New Zealand history and war may also find this a rewarding read.

flickr image by PhillipC