Star Shell Reflections 1916
The Great War Diaries of Jim Maultsaid As the centenary of the Great War approaches, this book offers a unique perspective told in the words and illustrations of someone who was there, in the front line. Although an American citizen, Jim Maultsaid's parents were Irish and he lived in Donegal. Although he left school at age 13, the author was naturally gifted in both writing and drawing, with a great eye for detail, and has often been described as the unofficial war artist. Jim's personal style of writing is engaging, and along with his brilliant sketches and illustrations, takes the reader on a journey through not only the dark days and misery but also reveals the gritty humour that helped him and his 'chums' cope with the horrors of life in the trenches. The diaries offer in words and illustrations, a true insight into the thoughts of the ordinary soldiers, and are filled with untold stories from the Great War, covering aspects that have never been addressed in other books. In particular there is new light shone on the Chinese Labour Corps, where Jim served as Captain, after he was certified unfit for active service due to his wounds. The book has great historical and educational value, and will give those of all ages a real understanding of how this brave generation faced war, and how they struggled to survive. Colour and b/w illustrations
Jim Maultsaid was born in Pennsylvania in 1893 to Irish parents who returned to Donegal. Although an American citizen he joined the British Army in 1914. He was badly wounded on the First Day of the Somme (1 July 1916). Unfit for further active duty, he was commissioned in 1917 and worked with the Chinese Labour Corps until early 1920. In the post-war years he expanded the notes and sketches made in France into these unique Diaries.
Author: Barbara McClune
Format: Hardback, 208 pages, 172mm x 244mm
Published: 2015, Pen & Sword Books Ltd, United Kingdom
Genre: Military History
The Great War Diaries of Jim Maultsaid As the centenary of the Great War approaches, this book offers a unique perspective told in the words and illustrations of someone who was there, in the front line. Although an American citizen, Jim Maultsaid's parents were Irish and he lived in Donegal. Although he left school at age 13, the author was naturally gifted in both writing and drawing, with a great eye for detail, and has often been described as the unofficial war artist. Jim's personal style of writing is engaging, and along with his brilliant sketches and illustrations, takes the reader on a journey through not only the dark days and misery but also reveals the gritty humour that helped him and his 'chums' cope with the horrors of life in the trenches. The diaries offer in words and illustrations, a true insight into the thoughts of the ordinary soldiers, and are filled with untold stories from the Great War, covering aspects that have never been addressed in other books. In particular there is new light shone on the Chinese Labour Corps, where Jim served as Captain, after he was certified unfit for active service due to his wounds. The book has great historical and educational value, and will give those of all ages a real understanding of how this brave generation faced war, and how they struggled to survive. Colour and b/w illustrations
Jim Maultsaid was born in Pennsylvania in 1893 to Irish parents who returned to Donegal. Although an American citizen he joined the British Army in 1914. He was badly wounded on the First Day of the Somme (1 July 1916). Unfit for further active duty, he was commissioned in 1917 and worked with the Chinese Labour Corps until early 1920. In the post-war years he expanded the notes and sketches made in France into these unique Diaries.