Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Field of Fire : Diary of a Gunner Officer, Paperback / softback Book

Field of Fire : Diary of a Gunner Officer Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

Description

Jack Swaab joined the veteran 51st (Highland) Infantry Division on 3 January 1943.

He kept a series of diaries over the following two and a half years, recording the combination of boredom and fear that characterises active service.

In mid-March 1943 he saw battle for the first time as Montgomery attacked the Mareth Line.

In July that year Swaab took part in the Allied landings on Sicily, writing of the scorching humidity of the Sicilian summer.

In May 1944 he records the restless time as his regiment prepared for the invasion of Normandy.

In September 1944 Swaab's role changed dramatically, as he moved from commanding a troop to being a forward observation officer.

His new position meant that he was working closely with the infantry in the front line.

Swaab's first five months as a forward observation officer came to an abrupt end on 13 February, when he was wounded in the leg by shellfire.

He was again selected for FOO duty during Operation 'Varsity', the Rhine crossing, in March 1945, and received the Military Cross.

Information

Save 12%

£15.99

£13.95

 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information