Overview

Donald Dunbar Coutts was in a unique position as a frontline infantry battalion's Regimental Medical Officer (RMO), for his aim was to save life, rather than take it. He served with typical professionalism and dedication and won the DSO for his enduring courage whilst treating wounded men under fire. This book is based on the war diary, frontline experience and life of Pom Coutts and the officers and men of his beloved 24th Infantry Battalion, (part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Australian Division). The 24th fought at Pozieres on the Somme in 1916, Passchendaele in 1917 and in 1918 was in the thick of it throughout. It held firm against the German offensives, was at Le Hamel on 4 July and then played leading roles at Amiens on 8 August, Mont St. Quentin in September and finally at Beaurevoir and Montbrehain in October. Donald Coutts was on hand to play a crucial part in those events and record them from his unique point of view in his diary. For many decades his narrative was confined to his immediate family and close friends, but now, with their blessing, the story and example set by this ordinary man who became a reluctant, though extraordinary hero is published for all to read.

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9780752479767

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IAN PASSINGHAM served for over 17 years in the British Army before embarking on a new career as a Historian and Defence Analyst. He has written three books, which cover the Battle of Messines in June 1917, the German Soldier's experience of the First World War on the Western Front and the German Offensives of 1918, as well as a 26-part TV series, Clash of Warriors, for the History Channel. As a Defence Analyst, he works for the MoD and currently the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC), whilst continuing to lecture and write on diverse themes covering modern military history and international affairs.

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