Narrow Gauge in the Arras Sector


Book Description

The Arras sector of the Western Front in World War I (WW1) was held partly by the British and Dominions 1st Army from September 1915, and almost wholly by the 1st and 3rd Armies from March 1916. No less than in the Ypres sector to the north and the Somme sector to the south, the struggles of the French and then British troops in this sector were pivotal to the outcome of the War. The sector included countryside in the south, but in the north a major part of the industrial and coal-mining area of northern France, around Lens and Bthune. In this book the contribution of metre and 60 cm gauge railways to the Allied war effort in this sector is examined in the context of the history of the metre gauge lines already established. The build up of light (60 cm gauge) lines from 1916 is examined in detail area by area, and the contribution of the related metre gauge lines is reassessed, from British and French sources. After the War the role of these railways in the reconstruction and recovery of this devastated region of France is described. Later the surviving part of the 60 cm gauge network served the sugar beet industry east of Arras. The history is followed through another World War to the closure of the last of these railways in 1957.The book refers to previous works on British War Department light railways in WW1, but contains sufficient general information for readers new to the subject. It also describes how to find key locations now, and how and where rolling stock can be seen. Six walks and an urban tour are included for those who wish to explore the territory in greater depth.




The Cartographer of No Man's Land: A Novel


Book Description

A Guardian Best Book of the Year Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award A Dayton Literary Peace Prize in Fiction Finalist A Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection An ABA/Indies Introduce Debut Dozen Selection The lauded masterpiece about a family divided by World War I, hailed as “brilliant . . . altogether a remarkable debut” (Simon Mawer, author of The Glass Room). From a village in Nova Scotia to the trenches of France, P. S. Duffy’s astonishing debut showcases a rare talent emerging in midlife. When his beloved brother-in-law goes missing at the front in 1916, Angus defies his pacifist upbringing to join the war and find him. Assured a position as a cartographer in London, he is instead sent directly into battle. Meanwhile, at home, his son Simon Peter must navigate escalating hostility in a town torn by grief. Selected as both a Barnes & Noble Discover pick and one of the American Bookseller Association’s Debut Dozen, The Cartographer of No Man’s Land offers a soulful portrayal of World War I and the lives that were forever changed by it, both on the battlefield and at home.




No Man's Land


Book Description

The Great War gave birth to some of the twentieth century's most celebrated writing; from D. H. Lawrence to Siegfried Sassoon, the literature generated by the war is etched into collective memory. But it is in fiction that we find some of the most profound insights into the war's individual and communal tragedies, the horror of life in the trenches, and the grand farce of the first industrial war.Featuring forty-seven writers from twenty different nations, representing all the main participants in the conflict, No Man's Land is a truly international anthology of World War I fiction.Work by Siegfried Sassoon, Erich Maria Remarque, Willa Cather, William Faulkner, and Rose Macaulay sits alongside forgotten masterpieces such as Stratis Myrivilis's Life in the Tomb, Raymond Escholier's Mahmadou Fofana, and Mary Borden's The Forbidden Zone. No Man's Land is a brilliant memorial to the twentieth century's most cataclysmic event.




Narrow Gauge in the Ypres Sector


Book Description

The Ypres sector of the Western Front was held predominantly by the British and Dominions Armies from 1914 to 1918. The Ypres Salient, at the centre of this sector, was one of the most intensively fought over single locations of the First World War. By the end of 1917 the sector was full of railways, dumps, camps, and other facilities. Much was lost in the German advance in April 1918, but from September 1918 the German Army was driven eastwards until the Armistice. Although Ypres and most of the forward areas are in Belgium, much of the support area is in northern France. In this book the meter gauge networks of both countries established before the First World War are examined, with their uses and extensions during the War. The build up of light (60cm gauge) railways from 1916 to 1918 is described, with an assessment of the contribution of both narrow gauges to the war effort. After the war the light railways in this sector were generally used only for short term clearing up and salvage. The meter gauge railways in Belgium were rebuilt or repaired. Those in France had been less affected. The story is followed to the closure of the last of these railways. This book is a companion volume to those on the Arras Sector (2015), and the Somme Sector (2018). It refers to other previous works on British, French and Belgian railways, especially during the First World War, but contains sufficient information to stand alone.




The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land


Book Description

The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land, by Ralph Connor, is a compelling tale of courage and faith set against the backdrop of World War I. The story follows a devoted chaplain, known as the Sky Pilot, who serves on the front lines amidst the horrors of trench warfare. His mission is to provide spiritual support and comfort to soldiers enduring the brutal realities of combat. Connor’s narrative vividly portrays the Sky Pilot’s experiences as he navigates the dangers of No Man's Land, offering solace and hope to those who are suffering. The novel explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the power of belief in the face of adversity. Through his interactions with soldiers and the challenges he faces, the Sky Pilot exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the impact of faith during times of extreme hardship. The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land is celebrated for its emotional depth and its portrayal of the personal sacrifices made by those who serve in times of war. Connor’s evocative prose and authentic depiction of wartime experiences make this book a moving and memorable read. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the role of faith in providing hope and solace during the darkest of times. Readers are drawn to The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land for its inspiring story and its exploration of the intersection between faith and conflict. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in wartime literature and the extraordinary stories of individuals who bring light to the shadows of war. Owning a copy of The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land is a tribute to the enduring strength and compassion of those who serve with unwavering dedication.




The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land


Book Description







Festiniog Railway: The Spooner Era and After, 1830–1920


Book Description

Festiniog Railway 1836–2014 describes the history of the worlds first steam-operated narrow gauge railway to carry passengers. It covers the history of the railway from its beginnings as a horse-worked tramroad in 1836, through its technical developments with the introduction of steam locomotives, Fairlie articulated locomotives and bogie carriages through its twentieth-century decline, to closure in 1946, and then to the preservation era and its development as a major twenty-first-century tourist attraction.Built to serve the extensive slate industry in the Ffestiniog area of North Wales by carrying slate from the quarries to the port at Porthmadog, from 1865 the railway also operated a passenger service to serve the local community, which also attracted tourists. Closed in 1946 the railway was revived in stages from 1955, when a prolonged compensation claim was mounted against a major state-owned company for land taken to build a power station. Volunteers from all over the world came together to restore and operate this important piece of world industrial heritage, including the construction of the 2 mile deviation needed to bypass the power station. Services were resumed between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1982.The Festiniog Railway runs through some of the most beautiful countryside in North Wales, with spectacular views of mountains and lakes. The railway also has a very impressive collection of modern and historic motive power and rolling stock. It is one of the most successful tourist attractions in Wales and is one of the most important industrial history sites in the world.




The First Battalion


Book Description