Part 1

Note: Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive Canadian Libraries. See http://www.archive.org/details/tommyatkinswar00kilpuoft

TOMMY ATKINS AT WAR

"The English soldier is the best trained soldier in the world. The English soldier's fire is ten thousand times worse than hell. If we could only beat the English it would be well for us, but I am afraid we shall never be able to beat these English devils."

From a letter found on a German officer.

TOMMY ATKINS AT WAR

As Told in His Own Letters

JAMES A. KILPATRICK

New York McBride, Nast & Company

1914

NOTE

This little book is the soldier's story of the war, with all his vivid and intimate impressions of life on the great battlefields of Europe. It is illustrated by passages from his letters, in which he describes not only the grim realities, but the chivalry, humanity and exaltation of battle. For the use of these passages the author is indebted to the courtesy and generosity of the editors of all the leading London and provincial newspapers, to whom he gratefully acknowledges his obligations.

J.A.K.

CONTENTS

I OFF TO THE FRONT 9

II SENSATIONS UNDER FIRE 18

III HUMOR IN THE TRENCHES 30

IV THE MAN WITH THE BAYONET 39

V CAVALRY EXPLOITS 46

VI WITH THE HIGHLANDERS 55

VII THE INTREPID IRISH 64

VIII "A FIRST-CLASS FIGHTING MAN" 73

IX OFFICERS AND GENTLEMEN 82

X BROTHERS IN ARMS 91

XI ATKINS AND THE ENEMY 100

XII THE WAR IN THE AIR 112

XIII TOMMY AND HIS RATIONS 121

TOMMY ATKINS AT WAR

OFF TO THE FRONT