When this Bloody War is Over

Book excerpt: When this bloody war is over, No more soldiering for me. This book brings together the words - humorous, cynical, bitter, wistful - of the songs the soldiers of the First World War sang. The haunting songs of the First World War still have a powerful emotional impact; these are the words the soldiers actually sang - on the march, in the dug-outs and trenches - amidst the appalling carnage of the battlefield. The stoic courage and endurance of the ordinary soldiers shines through such songs as We are Fred Karno's Army, No More Soldiering for Me and It's a Long, Long Way to Tipperary. Each song is introduced by Max Arthur, giving its historical background. Together with contemporary cartoons and drawings, this attractive, evocative book cannot fail to delight and move anyone with an interest in the First World War.