Thomas F. (hardtack) -
Some of World War II's biggest and more decisive battles were fought in India and Burma. However, despite the fact that the British 14th Army was its largest and most racially diverse army in the field, not much has been written about it in popular histories.
Quartered Safe Out Here is a wonderful tribute to the men of that army, as told through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old infantryman---the author. Most of what he recounts is centered around his ten-man section, but he also relates how those men interacted with and respected other troops from many countries---including the Japanese.
Respected historian John Keegan is quoted as calling this "one of the great memoirs of the Second War World." And it is. I would certainly rate it right up there with "Pick Up Your Parrots and Monkeys," another great memoir of the 14th Army.
What makes "Quartered Safe" exceptional is the author's inclusion of the dialogue among the men of his section, men from every corner of Britain. Their resolution in battle, their fatalism, humor, and intense comradeship, even with those they dislike, allows you to understand how these men coped with serving in one of the most formidable battle areas in the world, fighting against three Japanese armies.
If the author's name rings a bell with you, it is because he is more well known as the author of the Flashman series, novels in which a rogue and a coward always ends up with the glory and the girl. Perhaps his service in the 14th Army had much to do with that.
The author periodically discusses wider issues, such as the atomic bombing of Japan, military atrocities, and the present-day need for counselors for those who have seen death or suffered trauma. All of these are approached with his candor as he examines both sides of the question. A final chapter on his participation in a 50th Anniversary of the war adds to your understanding of the men who fought it.
Quartered Safe Out Here is almost required reading for those interested in World War II or who have a need to understand how men coped in battle.
The author relates much of the conversation among the men in their own vernacular, a combination of Indian, Burmese and English tongues. At first, it seems somewhat daunting, but after a bit it becomes easier to understand. However, much of the text of the book is written in standard English.
Quartered Safe Out Here is a wonderful tribute to the men of that army, as told through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old infantryman---the author. Most of what he recounts is centered around his ten-man section, but he also relates how those men interacted with and respected other troops from many countries---including the Japanese.
Respected historian John Keegan is quoted as calling this "one of the great memoirs of the Second War World." And it is. I would certainly rate it right up there with "Pick Up Your Parrots and Monkeys," another great memoir of the 14th Army.
What makes "Quartered Safe" exceptional is the author's inclusion of the dialogue among the men of his section, men from every corner of Britain. Their resolution in battle, their fatalism, humor, and intense comradeship, even with those they dislike, allows you to understand how these men coped with serving in one of the most formidable battle areas in the world, fighting against three Japanese armies.
If the author's name rings a bell with you, it is because he is more well known as the author of the Flashman series, novels in which a rogue and a coward always ends up with the glory and the girl. Perhaps his service in the 14th Army had much to do with that.
The author periodically discusses wider issues, such as the atomic bombing of Japan, military atrocities, and the present-day need for counselors for those who have seen death or suffered trauma. All of these are approached with his candor as he examines both sides of the question. A final chapter on his participation in a 50th Anniversary of the war adds to your understanding of the men who fought it.
Quartered Safe Out Here is almost required reading for those interested in World War II or who have a need to understand how men coped in battle.
The author relates much of the conversation among the men in their own vernacular, a combination of Indian, Burmese and English tongues. At first, it seems somewhat daunting, but after a bit it becomes easier to understand. However, much of the text of the book is written in standard English.
