Uncle Cy's War: The First World War Letters of Major Cyrus F. Inches: 14 (New Brunswick Military Heritage) - Softcover

Valerie Teed

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0864925425 ISBN 13: 9780864925428

Publisher: Goose Lane Editions, 2009

Synopsis

At 31 years old, Major Cyrus Inches resolved to survive the Great War, and did so without losing his sense of humour, in spite of the tragedies he constantly faced. His letters home were stored and left undisturbed for almost ninety years. Cleverly written with wit and humour, they reveal voluminous details of life during the war. Cyrus Inches also kept a diary and published a booklet called The 1st Canadian Heavy Battery in France -- Farewell Message to NCOs and Men, which chronicled the movements and the battles of his battery. The booklet and letters combine to create a complete history of one Canadian officer's experiences -- from Valcartier and the First Battle of Ypres to Mons, and the months of demobilization after that.

About this title

Review:

"This book passes on the story of a soldier who remained cheerful throughout the Great War, even after enduring the grueling combat on the Western Front and the loss of both his parents. Uncle Cy's War demonstrates the resolve and strength of the human spirit." - Edward A. Guti?rrez - canadianmilitaryhistory.ca - 20120424

"[A] revealing window into the military life of an artillery officer who confronted the war with a smile ... Uncle Cy's War provides a distinctive voice to the Canadians soldiers' experience during the Great War." - Edward A. Guti?rrez - canadianmilitaryhistory.ca - 20120424

From the Back Cover:

At 31 years of age, Cyrus F. Inches set off to fight in the Great War, soon afterwards joining the First Canadian Heavy Battery. He was determined to survive without losing his sense of humour and love of story, despite the horrors and deprivations that he witnessed. By the time the War had concluded, he had written hundreds of letters, detailed diary entries, and a short history of the battles and movements of his artillery unit.

Undisturbed for more than 90 years, Cyrus Inches's voluminous papers, compiled and edited for "Uncle Cy's War," provide a compelling, human, and sometimes humorous portrait of life on the front lines during the First World War, including first-person observations of the battles at Ypres, the Somme, and Mons.

About this edition

• Publisher: Goose Lane Editions
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0864925425
• ISBN 13: 9780864925428
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304