Three years in France with the Guns: Being Episodes in the life of a Field Battery

by C. A. Rose

"Three Years in France with the Guns: Being Episodes in the Life of a Field Battery" by C.A. Rose, M.C. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work chronicles the experiences of a British artillery battery during World War I in France, offering insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by soldiers. Through Rose's narration, readers are introduced to a range of experiences from camaraderie and training to the intense realities of battle, as the battery participates in various key engagements. The opening of the book sets the stage for the narrative, beginning with the Brigade's arrival in France in August 1915. It describes their initial experiences, including the journey from Havre to the village of Seningham, where they acclimate themselves to their surroundings and prepare for active duty. Rose provides a blend of humor and earnest observation about the men and their horses as they adapt to new routines and challenges. A sudden call to active engagement foreshadows the transition from peaceful training to the harsh realities of war, highlighting the blend of camaraderie and anxiety that defines the life of soldiers on the frontline.