Overview

This subject appeals not only because it is dramatic and controversial, but also because of the complexity, uncertainty and unpredictability of raiding. Leadership was critical since raiding posed many challenges including vicious hand-to-hand fighting most often at night in unfamiliar trenches. These are just some of the reasons why raids are high in “human interest.” The book examines the nature, purposes, mechanics, execution and value of trench raiding. In this it succeeds admirably. It is also unique in three aspects. First, it shares the originality that features so strongly in all of Radley's books. This in itself is appealing given that all too many books today seem to be less original that they are reiterative. While there have been in the past two accounts of raiding, in this latest work originality shines through in Radley's choice and use of sources; in the imaginative use of Kipling's six honest serving men that makes the answers to Kipling's queries stand out sharply; and in the detailed description of preparing raid plans and orders, including their format, content and increasing sophistication. No other book so thoroughly and clearly guides readers from conception to plan and then translation into operation orders and instructions. What is also evident is this soldier-historian's ability, which stems from long-service in the Canadian Army (Regular), and sound military education including Staff College, to apply the tests of military probability, soldierly logic and military common sense to what he has studied. These enable interrogation of misapprehension, nuance and unfounded deductions and conclusions. AUTHOR: Lt. Col. (Retired) Kenneth Radley is a former officer of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, holds a doctorate in Canadian History from Carleton University, Ottawa, and is a graduate of the Staff College, Toronto.

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9781912390755

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Reviews

… what this book covers has been done with incredible focus. A highly detailed study of a fairly neglected aspect of the First World War and well worth reading. * ORCA Master Account - DO NOT USE 28/02/2019 *

... what this book covers has been done with incredible focus. A highly detailed study of a fairly neglected aspect of the First World War and well worth reading. * CUK ORCA MASTER - DO NOT USE 28/02/2019 *

Author Information

Lt. Col. (Retired) Kenneth Radley is a former officer of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, holds a doctorate in Canadian History from Carleton University, Ottawa, and is a graduate of the Staff College, Toronto. He is the author of Rebel Watchdog: The Confederate States Army Provost Guard and We Lead Others Follow: First Canadian Division 1914-1918. The latter remains the only focussed account of any Canadian Division of the Great War. His most recent book (2014), Get Tough, Stay Tough: Shaping the Canadian Corps, 1914-1918, was nominated for the Templer Medal. He is also a contributor to the Encyclopedia of the Confederacy and, more recently, to Courage Without Glory: The British Army on the Western Front 1915 (2015, Helion Publishing, Spencer Jones, ed.). He is now working on a new book on the Great War. Lt. Col. Radley, his wife Lillian and two British Shorthair cats, Christopher Robin and Alice, live in western Canada.

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