Do not expect tales of campaigns here nor much on battle tactics. This is a serious examination of the changes in structure and methods that took the army from being a relatively small, professional body whose technology was largely that of the late 19th century to a vast citizen army that had learned to fight an all-arms war using a new array of fighting technologies in just four years. The depth of research and sweep of coverage is simply amazing, and I was not at all surprised to discover that it took Charles five years to compile it. In truth, it is really a lifetime's work.

Barely a nook or cranny of the army escapes Charles's attention, from the formation of obscure labour units to the rules of recruitment, the adoption of new weaponry, morale, discipline and training. Inevitably, being full of facts and detail, "Call to arms" is not perhaps a fast paced, can't put down, bedtime reading book. What it is, is an indispensible reference which deserves a place on the shelf of any military historian.

I am especially proud to see that Charles lists this very website in his bibliography. Respectable internet sources are becoming just as important as the traditionally published work and Charles is among the first to acknowledge their value. He has also made reference to the Great War Forum and our network of "pals" who are so free with their own expertise.

Interested in the British Army of 1914-1918? What are you waiting for?