Les Carlyon (1942–2019)

Solidly in the 'Donkeys' tradition of World War One history, Carlyon's Gallipoli is an angry book but there is much to be angry about in this campaign. The description of the battle of the Nek is the book's high point but its anger clouds much else; do we really need so many laboured references to Hunter-Weston and butchery? Partly because of the endless sarcasm and also because Alan Moorehead was a better writer, there is nothing here that moved me in the same way as the account of the landings at Helles on April 25th nor of the suicidal Turkish assaults of May in Moorehead's book. Even Compton Mackenzie's famous 'kettle' story is dusted off again but to less effect than in Moorehead's better book.… (mere)

A very good narrative about the Gallipoli campaign, as unapologetic as it is detailed, yet, fair, balanced & incisive. There's a lot of detail here, but only what's appropriate to the subject. Both a look from he soldiers point of view and from the point of view of general strategy, this highly readable account of the events of 1915, is bewitching & involving. I'd not read much, if anything about this theatre of World War One. And the pacing and use of appropriately located maps was very good and made reading the shoe thing easier. Very good. Highly recommended.… (mere)