Billie The Nevill Letters: 1914-1916
0
0
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Author Description
Of all the stories arising from that disastrous day, July 1 1916, on the Somme, none is more poignant than that of Lt Wilfred Billie Nevill, an officer of the 8th East Surrey Regiment, who issued his men with footballs to kick into No Man s Land when the whistle went for the advance - as though the Somme was to be a Wembley Cup Final writ large. Nevill and most of his men were dead within the first few minutes of the battle, but their story remains as an icon of the British sporting spirit set against the mechanised realities of modern war. Based on over 200 letters to his family from the front, this volume tells Nevill s story. The text is accompanied by 30 b/w photos and three sketch maps.This correspondence forms one of the best collections of First World War letters held by the IWM.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
The Somme offensive of 1916 saw the tragic loss of Lieutenant Wilfred Billie Nevill and most of his men, whose story is immortalized by their advance into No Man's Land with footballs. This volume chronicles Nevill's experiences through over 200 letters written to his family from the front lines during 1914-1916. The collection offers a poignant glimpse into the British sporting spirit juxtaposed against the brutal realities of modern warfare. Accompanied by photographs and maps, these letters form a significant historical record of the First World War.
THE SCOPE MAP
- Correspondence from Lieutenant Wilfred Billie Nevill to his family, spanning 1914-1916.
- Detailed accounts of life and combat during World War I, including the lead-up to the Somme offensive.
- A focus on the story of Nevill and his men, known for carrying footballs into battle.
- Over 200 personal letters providing firsthand insight into the war.
- 30 black and white photographs illustrating the text.
- Three sketch maps to provide geographical context.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
This collection of letters offers a deeply personal and poignant perspective on the First World War, particularly focusing on the iconic story of Lieutenant Wilfred Billie Nevill and his men. The inclusion of over 200 letters provides a rich, firsthand account of the realities of trench warfare and the spirit of the British soldiers. The accompanying photographs and maps enhance the reader's understanding of the historical context and the personal experiences documented. The volume is recognized for preserving a significant and moving aspect of military history.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
2003-03-01
Publisher:
Naval & Military Press
ISBN-10:
1843425556
ISBN-13:
9781843425557
History
Biography
Non-Fiction
Letters
Military History
Community Tags
Similar Books
