Great War Diaries of Brigadier Alexander Johnston

Nonfiction, History, Military, Other, World War I, Modern
Cover of the book Great War Diaries of Brigadier Alexander Johnston by Edwin Astill, Pen and Sword
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Edwin Astill ISBN: 9781781594506
Publisher: Pen and Sword Publication: November 13, 2007
Imprint: Pen and Sword Language: English
Author: Edwin Astill
ISBN: 9781781594506
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Publication: November 13, 2007
Imprint: Pen and Sword
Language: English

Alexander Johnston went over to France in August 1914 as the signals officer for 7 Infantry Brigade. He went on to serve in that capacity with 3rd Division before becoming, in turn, Brigade Major, Commanding Officer 10th Battalion Cheshire Regiment and finally Officer Commanding 126 Infantry Brigade.

Throughout he proved himself to be a brave, resourceful and determined soldier. He was always close to the front line, yet his signals and staff duties gave him insights into the conduct of the war at higher levels. Therein lies the value of this diary. Many of the major engagements of the war are covered. He took part in Mons, Le Cateau and the subsequent retreat and advance to the Aisne.

The diary provides valuable insights into the battle of La Bassee and the trench warfare of 1915. As a Brigade Major he was kept busy in 1916 with both holding the line (in the face of intensive enemy mining operations) and the Somme battle. By 1917 his work in command of 10th Cheshire Regiment showed positive results in the battalion’s performance at Messines and gained him promotion to Brigadier General. Within days of taking command he was up at the front line where he was badly wounded. But for the wound Johnston may well have gained even higher command and wider acclaim for his services. The diary is an important addition to the literature of the Great War.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Alexander Johnston went over to France in August 1914 as the signals officer for 7 Infantry Brigade. He went on to serve in that capacity with 3rd Division before becoming, in turn, Brigade Major, Commanding Officer 10th Battalion Cheshire Regiment and finally Officer Commanding 126 Infantry Brigade.

Throughout he proved himself to be a brave, resourceful and determined soldier. He was always close to the front line, yet his signals and staff duties gave him insights into the conduct of the war at higher levels. Therein lies the value of this diary. Many of the major engagements of the war are covered. He took part in Mons, Le Cateau and the subsequent retreat and advance to the Aisne.

The diary provides valuable insights into the battle of La Bassee and the trench warfare of 1915. As a Brigade Major he was kept busy in 1916 with both holding the line (in the face of intensive enemy mining operations) and the Somme battle. By 1917 his work in command of 10th Cheshire Regiment showed positive results in the battalion’s performance at Messines and gained him promotion to Brigadier General. Within days of taking command he was up at the front line where he was badly wounded. But for the wound Johnston may well have gained even higher command and wider acclaim for his services. The diary is an important addition to the literature of the Great War.

More books from Pen and Sword

Cover of the book Rails in the Road by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Lincoln in the Great War by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Kut by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Tiger I by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book The Dark Side of the Sky by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Zulu War VCs by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Discovering Classical Music: Prokofiev by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Military Low-Flying in the UK by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Facing Fearful Odds by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Terror From the Sky by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book They Were There in 1914 by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Napoleon’s Army in Russia by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Battle of Maida 1806 by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Aircraft Down by Edwin Astill
Cover of the book Comet! The World's First Jet Airliner by Edwin Astill
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy