Edward Rowbotham

Mud, Blood and Bullets: Memoirs of a Machine Gunner on the Western Front was based on the written memoirs of Edward Rowbotham. He wrote about his experiences in the Great War 50 years after the fact (around 1970). Even with this great lapse of time, I felt Mr. R. accurately captured his personal feelings and impressions of the horrors of trench warfare.

He originally enlisted as private in November, 1915, joining the South Staffordshire Regiment. Shortly thereafter he was drafted onto the show more newly formed Machine Gun Corps. He spent his entire service time in the capacity of a machine gunner, achieving the rank of Sargeant. His original title for the work was 'Memories of a Plebeian'. By which he meant "an ordinary working man". Mr. R. was in combat at the Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele and Cambrai among other engagements. He was wounded once, and was awarded the Military Medal for valor.

The book also briefly covers his early life prior to enlisting, as well as a bit of his life after the war. Mud, Blood and Bullets doe not go into any depth of strategy, battles or their outcomes. It is just as described by Mr. R.: the memoirs of a common man in the Great War. It is an easy read, fairly short (186 pages of text), but heart felt and enlightening.

I recommend this book if you are interested in something written from the view of a common soldier. Overall a well done work. show less