Walking Ypres (Battleground I)

Well researched, well written, well illustrated and well presented and, if that is not enough, it is exactly the right size for those visiting the area.Too often, when discussing the events of WW1, authors concentrate on damning the generals and worshipping heroes. In this instance, however, we have the stories of ordinary folk of all ranks placed together in fascinating detail. Whereas each account is a short story in its own right, once combined they are forged together into a remarkable document which does not repeat what the reader may have read elsewhere. The book is written in such a way that the reader instantly becomes as interested in the French troops on horseback, Indian soldiers, the donning of gasmasks or the role of the stretcher-bearer as they are with the death of Brigadier General Charles Fitzclarence VC or the man that might so easily have changed Canada forever - had he survived the war.The stated aim of the book is, of course, to assist and guide those who visit the former WW1 battleground areas which surround Ypres. For four years during the Great War of 1914-1918, these were where the majority of British and Commonwealth soldiers were based and where one quarter of all their deaths took place. It was also a war which changed British attitudes forever. The way in which generals on both sides sent thousands of men to their deaths in a carnage never seen before, led to a change in attitudes between British working men and the upper, ruling classes. No longer would that man be so quick to use such words as “M’Lord” or even “Sir.” No longer would he doff his cap as a mark of respect, no longer would the ordinary police Constable be so quick to “arrest that man” just because a well dressed person had ordered him so to do. Those changes came with the realisation that far too many ordinary men had died at the front!Whereas the serious subject matter is handled properly throughout, it is the way in which author Paul Reed skilfully combines trivial detail alongside the central theme of War which creates such an excellent read.In short, if you want to know more about the First World War of 1914-1918, you do not have to visit Ypres at all. Instead, you will learn much more about that war by reading this book than might otherwise be the case. Having read it, you will probably consider making the trip and will be pleased to note the author has also included visitor information and ‘what to bring.’ For those who are making the journey, the work is altogether quite excellent and, therefore, indispensableNMBritish army major (retired)

I have previously visited the Salient twice, last year with the Kindle version of this book. I found the new book especially meaningful after having visited the Salient and it helped put things in better perspective for me. I especially enjoyed reading more about the men buried in the many cemeteries here and how they met their ends. Excellent period photographs. Reading this book gave me more ideas of places to visit when I return to the Salient for one week in June 2019. Highly recommended!

I have just returned from the weekend in Flanders to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. This book was recommended reading by the tour company and I am so pleased that I invested the few pounds it cost. Whilst I did not use the book as a walking guide this time, I will certainly return to the Ypres Salient in the future and I will try out some of the walks then. This time, as part of an organised coach tour, I followed the itinerary and for each site visited I read the appropriate section whilst we were en-route. On arrival, I was able to research the Cemetery Register and locate the graves of the men mentioned in the book. It made the visits more focused and in some small way more personal and relevant and I felt some small connection with these men and boys who passed away so long ago.I was very fortunate during my visit to Tyne Cot on Saturday 10th November to meet Paul Reed the author, who very graciously agreed to sign my book - it is just as well I got the paperback version and not the Kindle edition !The book is very well written and easy to follow. I would highly recommend this for anyone driving or walking around Ypres or even going on a coach tour. It really will help you get much more out of your visit and it will give you the chance to connect with some of the men who will lie forever in Flanders Fields.

I recently bought this book for a 5 day solo trip I undertook to Ypres. While I only took one walk from the book (more on that later), the book accompanied me every day allowing me to dip into the book on several occasions at various cemeteries and landmarks.Having been to Ypres on several occasions I was keen to undertake a walk that would take me to locations I hadn’t been to before, as a result I undertook the Hellfire Corner and Potijze Walk, while the walk is advertised as 6.8 miles you will walk further when you visit the various cemeteries, I also added a further visit to Aeroplane Cemetery just up the road from the French Cemetery on the walk. Each landmark is well covered and contains the details of some of the men remembered in the book giving the reader a point of interest to visit rather than wandering aimlessly!I’d highly recommend this book for anyone visiting Ypres even if you’re not planning to walk anywhere, having said that the best way to discover the ground is to do it on foot!

Great book to get to grips with different places and the stories behind the real men buried or commemorated. Easy to read style and packed with info to make more of your trip both whilst standing there and at home when sorting your memories with your photos. Can not rate it highly enough as opened my eyes to the realities of war( does not hold back on the unpleasant where needed!)

An excellent guide to the area. One can only really understand the battles of the First world war by walking the ground and this excellent book helps one gain a real understanding of Ypres. We have walked most of the walks now and with the possible exception of the town walk we have found them all very informative. Yes the maps could be better and distances would be a very easy and helpful addition to them. Perhaps todays edition contains GPS waypoints which could be helpful too. I would thoroughly recommend the book and its cheaper than a tour-guide and just as valuable.

Great book and very useful as my grandfather was all round Ypres in the R.E. and one day I hope to go to the places that he was at before hewas badly wounded and brought home.I will take this book with me it was a great price and quick delivery thank you.