The Long, Long Trail

This book is a splendid compilation from 500 letters written almost daily by Montie Carlisle to his wife Kitty, during the whole of the Great War. There is relatively little by way of front-line action described here, but the minutiae of the daily life of a regimental (and towards the end Brigade staff) officer is quite fascinating. In particular, his requirements for items of clothing, cigarettes, food, razors, writing paper, etc are all well documented, together with the names of the suppliers and the prices to be paid by his wife! There are many references in the letters to friends and relatives, many of whom become casualties as the war continues.

 

Montie, born in 1889 into a family with business interests in South America, attended Harrow School and Caius College, Cambridge - where he captained the University golf team. He volunteered very early in the war and was given a Temporary Commission in the 8th (Service) Battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers.

 

After training in England, Montie joined his unit and landed at Suvla Bay on Gallipoli. However, in less than 2 days he was on his way out after suffering a number of slight wounds during the advance on Chocolate Hill.

 

Montie eventually returned to his unit in Egypt, and moved with them to France in time to join the offensive on the Somme in September 1916. He was again wounded, this time by machine gun fire, near Mouquet Farm.

 

On recovering from his wounds, he gained a permanent commission in the Highland Light Infantry. He attended a Staff course that eventually allowed him to be posted in August 1918 as Staff Captain to 101st Brigade, with which he experienced the final advance into Belgium and Germany.

 

Not perhaps right up there as a 'must have' book, but nonethless an interesting insight into the daily routine of a regimental officer and certainly a lasting memorial to a brave and loving man.

 

Long out of print. However, should be available from time to time in region of £7-15. Try www.abebooks.co.uk