The chances of survival for an infantry subaltern in a rifle company during the campaign in North West Europe were slim. Most survived for a few weeks. Sydney Jary survived for 10 months from July 1944 when he took command of 18 Platoon of the 4th Battalion, The Somerset Light Infantry in Normandy until the war ended for them near Bremen in early May 1945.
But this book is not the war memoirs of lucky and experienced junior officer. It is the biography of 18 Platoon and the story of the loyalties and friendships which created - from a collection of individuals formed by randon selection and survival - a unique identity which survived 10 months of bitter fighting and which still survives today.
It is a tribute to the ordinary NCO's and soldiers who showed extraordinary qualities of courage, endurance, and humanity but whose part in winning battles is often neglected by serious historians.
Starting with the battle of attrition which was Normandy, continuing with the crossing of the Seine, and the race up to Arnhem and ending with the discovery of the horrors of Belsen, 18 Platoon tells the story of the war the infantry knew from the standpoint of one of its smallest tactical units - the platoon.
Acknowledgements by:
Lt Gen Sir Nick Parker Col Comdt The Rifles
General Sir David Fraser author of Alanbrooke, We Shall Shock Them, Treason In Arms.
Max Hastings Editor The Daily Mail
TEB Howarth LO with Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery
John Keegan Defence Correspondent The Daily Telegraph
Dr John Pimlott Head of Dept War Studies RMAS
All profit from the sale of this book will be shared between The Rifles and Somerset Light Infantry Associations. Price includes P&P (UK Only).
Overseas customers please note the following additional postal cost will apply- Europe: £7.50 - Rest Of The World: £15.00
