Red Lights on the Somme

by Garry Willmott

In a series of four books based on war, each with a different focus, G.S. Willmott has extensively researched war 'histories' and from them, has created 'his stories'. This, the fourth and most compelling, recreates a multitude of experiences of the young men caught up in the frenzy and futility of World War 1. Sex and death, eternal themes, bind together these individual stories; the shared experiences of love and death are the strong bonds which link these young Australian and British soldiers across France, Egypt, Flanders, even Syria. Their suffering is what makes us think deeply about ongoing conflicts which eternally destroy human lives and from which we seem to have learned nothing. In Red Lights on the Somme, Willmott unearths surprising and positive aspects of war; man's inhumanity to man is counter-pointed by mateship between soldiers, tenderness between lovers, and trust and inter-dependence between humans and animals. The contrast between the nobility and loyaty of non-humans (including dogs, pigeons, horses) forms a stark contrast against the brutality and treachery of mankind. 'This book tells the stories of young men far from home in the battle of their lives, fighting ultimately for their survival. Evocative, gruelling and often brutal the book touches on most aspects of life as an infantryman on the western front and the harshness, sadness and realities of life for those who participated in the first world war. Historically accurate, factual and graphic this well written book is a must read for anyone with an interest in Australians in World War One.' - Christine McLean-McIntyre

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Garry has written eighteen historically based novels, “The Other Side of the Trench -The Spirit of War” ,“Brothers in Arms” and “Red Lights on the Somme”, “Survival” “Small Farm Warriors”, “ Boys Own War”and “Colour Blind”. Global Warming - A Weapon of Mass Destruction, The Fab 60's,The Last Pirate Hanged, 1000 Yard StareGrand Deceptions.
He has also written a non fiction book called "Escape" about true accounts of POW escapes.
His ninth novel “You Forgot the Sauce “ based around Alzheimer’s has just been published.(see review) The Other Side of the Trench has been published as an ebook and paperback. Brothers in Arms is available in Hardback, Paperback and as an ebook.
Escape is available in both ebook and paperback it has been expanded with several new escapes. Red Lights on the Somme is available in both ebook and paperback formats.
Garry was invited to write an article for "The Punch" a News LTD publication regarding the “MISSING” on the Western Front. Published in 2011 it was very well received with over sixty comments.

Garry has been married to Anna for twenty years and has two adult daughters, Emma and Sophie from a previous marriage.
Garry and Anna live in an 1840 homestead in the Huon Valley Tasmania.
He had thirty-five years in the IT industry and had several articles published in industry magazines.
Born in Melbourne he has lived in five states and travelled extensively for both business and pleasure.

The reason for writing The Other Side of the Trench was brought about when he established “Let Them RIP” to pressure the Australian Government to introduce procedures to ensure the remains of fallen diggers were reported and buried with dignity.
After contacting over thirty politicians and many senior business people apathy was the only reaction he received. He contacted Andrew Wilkie who agreed to ask "the question" of Julia Gillard in Parliament. Her answer was predictable.
He decided the only way he could get the appropriate people to listen was write a book, become famous as a best selling author and be invited to speak on television and radio.
So he did.
He has been interviewed on radio a number of times and Ian McPhedran a well known journalist had an article published across the News Limited papers espousing his cause.
He remains committed to the cause although frustrated with the response. It seems not many care.

Reviews

[George W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garry Willmott has written a compelling novel that incorporates many of the facts known of the historical lives of “diggers” and “tommies” on the Western front with dialog to give voice to their joys and sorrows. Those lives, some cut short, others accepting the life of a deserter, and most importantly those who returned forever changed by the carnage they bore witness to will leave an indelible memory on readers. The diversions on short times away from the trenches were few, but the bordellos and restaurants of Poperinge figure prominently in the lives of all where an hour of lust could easily turn into weeks of recuperation from the venereal diseases prevalent among the ladies of the evening.

G. William Weatherly
author "Sheppard of the Argonne"