It is also owing to his success in this noble work of the missionary that the tunneller is highly respected by all branches of the forces

BENEATH FLANDERS FIELDS By Peter Barton, Peter Doyle and Johan Vandewalle.

“Everybody damns the tunneller. GHQ because he invariably has his job finished months before the rest of the Army are ready for the "Great Push"; Army troops because he invariably upsets all their preconceived notions as to the safety of trenches and dugouts. Divisional troops damn him because he is outside their sphere of influence. Brigade troops because he refuses to move when they do and because he knows by heart that part of the line to which they come as strangers. Brass hats because they dislike his underground habits. Regimental officer because he refuses to allow them to use his deep and snug dugouts. Subalterns because of his superior knowledge. Tommy because he is the direct cause of numerous extra fatigues and, - alas it should be so - because of his extre pay. And, last and loudest…the Boche damn him because of his earnest and unceasing attempts at uplifting and converting them into surprised angels. It is also owing to his success in this noble work of the missionary that the tunneller is highly respected by all branches of the forces.” - E.Synton 1918

So starts a book so well written and researched, (over 25 years) as to be very difficult, for me to do it justice in this, short review. If you've an interest in the subject, do yourself a favour and beg borrow or buy a copy. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Plans, diagrams and photographs, both in colour and black and white; are spread within its 293 pages.

All in all, a thoroughly recommended read.


Published by Spellmount Ltd ISBN 1-86227-357-X and ISBN 978-1-86227-357-3