The First One Hundred Thousand.
By: Ian Hay
From: published originally about 1916 but can be easily obtained second hand in paperback, large print, hardback & e-book format from
www.abebooks.co.uk.
Ian Hay is the pen name for Major John Hay Beith who was a second lieutenant in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in 1915. The book clearly demonstrates his fondness for the ordinary soldier during WW1 and his anecdotes display a keen sense of humour as well as astute observations of the characteristics of soldiers of all ranks. He is recalling his experiences during the early stages of WW1 in a light hearted manner which somehow manages to get over the pathos as well as the down to earth nature of the fighting man (who used a sense of humour as a counterbalance to the horror surrounding them). It is easy to read but does not detract from the hopelessness of war. Worth a read.