Janet MacDonald

I've read several of this author's books, which tend to be surveys of the subject with a broader rather than deeper focus. This book is no exception. It covers what seems to be everything, from preserved meat to mail delivery, ammunition dumps to soldier's huts. There is a rather hodge-podge to the subjects, like taping together a string of index cards with a paragraph or two on each specific item or area. Yet, if you have an interesting in the field, it can be rather compelling to learn show more these very little known details of WW2. show less

An excellent read and dispelling a few old falsehoods.

Naval food was as good as working class food of the era almost anywhere else, with a few compromises for storability. The efforts for scrupulous fairness are especially notable: if a ration was unavailable, there were careful substitutes or financial compensations for its absence. Distribution was carefully managed so that if it wasn't equal, it was at least fairly random as to who had the best share. Nor were the officers treated notably show more better than the men, unless they used their own finances.

The logistical process of supplying the provisions is as interesting as the serving of it. Altogether a most engaging read. show less

This is a fascinating and rather niche book. It is not filled with stories about cavalry charges and the Horse Guards on parade. No, it will tell you pretty much everything you might have wanted to know, and a lot you probably didn't even want to know, about the horse in the British Army since 1750. That includes procurement and training, transportation and distribution, and lots more. Everything about what can make a horse sick or injured and how to treat them. And to treat them, a couple show more of chapters about the veterinary services. And even more, with information on saddles, bridles and all those other things you can put on a horse. And so much more, like shoeing. Oh, and mules and donkeys too.

And, just to be fair, there is a chapter on non-equine animals in British Army service, like elephants, camels and even messenger pigeons.

Overall a very interesting and fun book, if it is an area in which you are interested in. show less

lovely book with lots of good information about traditional European style vegetable/flower garden. Good pictures and useful drawings.