Trenches and Trees

In August 1914, Lord Kitchener, the war minister, began a recruiting campaign calling for men aged between 19 and 30 to join the British Army.

Harry Williams was born in 1896 and as you will discover from reading his story he volunteered for the army before his 19th birthday. Men could volunteer at age 18 but were not allowed to serve abroad until they were 19 years old. This did not deter Harry!

Harry's story vividly describes some events that no-one should ever be exposed to - let alone a teenage boy.

It is not an encyclopaedic record, but it is a true account of his army exploits. Despite his claim to be uneducated, his writing has a colourful style, punctuated by his unique humour and descriptive narrative of the often pitiful conditions he and his comrades were subjected to. He recounts the challenge of telling his parents he had joined the Army, especially as his mother who was strongly against military service. Harry describes the early days of training, and the difficulties faced by new recruits adapting to harsh conditions and learning the unforgiving realities of military life.

With no previous experience of War, Harry's arrival at the Front Line is devastating. He finds himself in trenches running with waist-high mud, witness the suffering of wounded soldiers and the destruction of towns like Ypres. Harry recounts his own experiences during the battle, including being wounded and losing comrades. He express his fear and the psychological impact of the war. Despite the horrors, Harry also shares moments of humour and hope, and the importance of finding camaraderie among fellow soldiers.

Harry was surprised to find he was "Mentioned in Dispatches" which he is characteristically modest about. He also contracts Malaria, something that would continue to affect him the rest of his life.

Harry's story provides a powerful and insightful portrayal of the realities of war, highlighting the courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the soldiers who fought on the Western Front.

They sent mere boys to fight a tragic war, one million British men never returned home.