The German warships' bombardment of the East coast and shells screeching over Hartlepool seafront 'like huge pencils on slate'; German shops attacked by angry mobs; food shortages; riots over delays in demobilization... these are among the less familiar aspects of the First World War recalled by the dwindling band of survivors. Drawing on the memories of the country's oldest men and women, this is a compelling narrative of four years of hardship, anxiety, loss and, finally, bittersweet victory.
