Gerald Uloth

This book certainly belongs in the library of anyone who is interested in the "side-shows" of World War I. Riding to War covers the day-to-day issues confronted by a junior officer of the 28th Light Cavalry of the Indian Army in one of the most remote areas of the WWI battlespace--the Persian/Afghan/Russian border. The perspective is refreshing. This book does not cover grand strategy with regard to defending India from incursion by the Germans and Turks (although Uloth is aware that his show more mission is just that.) This book covers the tasks and missions he had to execute over over-extended lines of communications, with little to no assistance or guidance. The autonomy granted to Uloth through what I would characterize as mission-type orders, is amazing to think of in this day and age of instant communications, and relative easy access to transport and logistics.
Uloth's mission was to prevent German and Turkish agents from crossing the Persian frontier into Afghanistan, and ultimately India. His travels (primarily on camel, horse and donkeys) took him across deserts and uninhabitable regions of relatively unoccupied territory, many times relying on local tribes for shelter and food. For a more macro view of Uloth's mission, refer to Gen Dyer's Raiders of the Sarhad, of which Uloth played a role in. However this will give you the feel of what it was like for a young officer in charge of a particular patch of territory, with little support, utilizing whatever was at his disposal. Good anecdotal references to the Persian notables in East Persia, and their relationships with the likes of Uloth, the Russians and other foreigners.
A unique book certainly for anyone interested in the other fronts of World War I. show less