Peter Humfrey

Destination Unknown: The Diary of Gunner Bates R.H.A. 1914 Peter Humfrey

Ted Bates joined the Royal Horse Artillery in 1910. Moving to France in August 1914 with the British Expeditionary Force, he fought in battles at Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne. In October 1914 the Brigade marched to Ypres and there faced the German forces across the Flanders fields. Ted was shot and blinded on 21st October 1914 at Ypres. In his diary Ted describes the events of each day, in retreat and in advance, in defence and in the heat of battle. With humour and humanity he reveals the skill and professionalism of the regular solider, and his loyalty to his comrades and compassion for victims. The author, Ted's grandson, sets each day in the context of the campaign. The causes and effects of military decisions flow through the daily events of the soldier's life in battle. This book covers the campaign up to the end of the First Battle of Ypres in November 1914. Photos and maps illustrate the stages of the campaign.