WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The Amateur Army cover

The Amateur Army

By Patrick MacGill
Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

BiographiesBritish LiteratureHistory - Modern (1750+)History - Warfare

About This Book

A first-person account follows a volunteer's transformation from civilian to soldier, moving through enlistment, basic drill, billeting among civilians, and camp life. It records everyday routines—rations, sick parade, picket and night duties, leave, inspections, and large-scale exercises—alongside training with rifles and relations with officers. The narrative emphasizes the democratic mingling of social classes, the formation of camaraderie, and the mixture of practical detail, dry humor, and reflection on discipline and psychological adjustment as the recruits become prepared for active service.

About the Author

MacGill, Patrick portrait

Patrick MacGill

Patrick MacGill was an Irish author and journalist, best known for his vivid depictions of the lives of working-class individuals and soldiers during World War I. His notable work, "Children of the Dead End: The Autobiography of an Irish Navvy," offers a poignant insight into the struggles of Irish laborers. MacGill's writing often reflects his own experiences as a navvy and soldier, capturing the harsh realities of life in early 20th-century Britain and the trenches of France. His other works, such as "The Great Push" and "The Diggers: The Australians in France," further explore themes of war and camaraderie, contributing to the literary heritage of war literature.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
Children of the Dead End: The Autobiography of an Irish Navvy cover Children of the Dead End: The Autobiography of an Irish Navvy by Patrick MacGill The Brown Brethren cover The Brown Brethren by Patrick MacGill The Diggers: The Australians in France cover The Diggers: The Australians in France by Patrick MacGill The Great Push: An Episode of the Great War cover The Great Push: An Episode of the Great War by Patrick MacGill The Rat-Pit cover The Rat-Pit by Patrick MacGill The Red Horizon cover The Red Horizon by Patrick MacGill

You May Also Like

6 picks
Narrative of an Expedition to the Shores of the Arctic Sea in 1846 and 1847 cover Narrative of an Expedition to the Shores of the Arctic Sea in 1846 and 1847 by John Rae The Exploits and Triumphs, in Europe, of Paul Morphy, the Chess Champion cover The Exploits and Triumphs, in Europe, of Paul Morphy, the Chess Champion by Frederick Milnes Edge Martelaren van Rusland cover Martelaren van Rusland by Jules Michelet The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph cover The Story of the Atlantic Telegraph by Henry M. Field Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896] cover Musa Pedestris - Three Centuries of Canting Songs and Slang Rhymes [1536 - 1896] by John Stephen Farmer The Grand Fleet, 1914-1916 cover The Grand Fleet, 1914-1916 by John Rushworth Jellicoe