Twelve Days on the Somme: A Memoir of the Trenches, 1916)] [ By (author) Sidney Rogerson ] [July, 2009]

by Sidney Rogerson, Malcolm Brown, Unknown Author

A joint operation between Britain and France in 1916, the Battle of the Somme was an attempt to gain territory and dent Germany's military strength. By the end of the action, very little ground had been won: the Allied Forces had made just 12 km. For this slight gain, more than a million lives were lost. There were more than 400,000 British, 200,000 French, and 500,000 German casualties during the fighting. Twelve Days on the Somme is a memoir of the last spell of front-line duty performed by the 2nd Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment. Written by Sidney Rogerson, a young officer in B Company, it gives an extraordinarily frank and often moving account of what it was really like to fight through one of the most notorious battles of the First World War. Its special message, however, is that, contrary to received assumptions and the popular works of writers like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, men could face up to the terrible ordeal such a battle presented with resilience, good humour and without loss of morale. This is a classic work whose reprinting is long overdue.

This edition includes a new Introduction by Malcolm Brown and a Foreword by Rogerson's son Commander Jeremy Rogerson.

Genres: History, World War I, War, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Military History, Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1933

About the author

Sidney Rogerson (1894 - 1968) was enrolled at the University of Cambridge when World War I broke out. He departed to join the West Yorkshire regiment. After the war he went into public relations for British Industries and advised the War Office at the request of Winston Churchill

Reviews

[Jamie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it for its detailed description of a tour of duty in the trenches, but I was never convinced by the author’s assertions that despite all the dangers and hardships the average British soldier remained cheerful, optimistic, and firmly convinced that the war was a just and noble cause.

Many of the classic Great War memoirs were published between 1928 and 1930, including All Quiet on the Western Front, Undertones of War, Good-Bye to All That, and Memoirs of an Infantry Officer. They depicted the war as incompetently led pointless slaughter, and while they had respect for the soldiers who stoically endured the filth, misery, and terrors of the trenches, they dismissed as lying propaganda, fit only for home front consumption, the claims that they were embarked on a great and noble crusade.

A backlash ensued, led by politicians and ex-soldiers offended by the notion that the suffering and death had been for nothing. Most of the books these men wrote are now long forgotten, and some have a desperate tone that reads like a demented refusal to confront their own memories. Twelve Days on the Somme has escaped that fate, both because it is better written and because it focuses on the day to day lives of soldiers in the line. For that twelve day period the author kept an almost hour by hour record of events, showing the rhythms and routines of the soldiers’ lives.

They were kept busy day and night cleaning their gear, carrying supplies, and standing sentry duty, and when not working they tried to rest in the often waterlogged trenches. All this happened with the ever present knowledge that death could find them at any moment. Artillery was the big killer in World War I, and the sound of shells whistling overheard or crashing nearby was a constant part of their lives. Many of the trenches by that time had started as just connected shell holes, so a great deal of time was spent deepening and improving them, or fixing damage from rain or shellfire. Working parties went out almost every night to repair or strengthen the wire, and reconnaissance was made to inspect German defenses or try to capture a prisoner.

Food is always important to soldiers, and is one of the things they remember most clearly. The author’s descriptions of meals seemed improbable to me, a far cry from what one reads in many Great War memoirs, of subsisting on a monotonous diet of Maconochie stew, plum pudding, and weak tea brewed from bad water. According to him his soldiers ate very well in the trenches (certainly better than I ate when I served on Navy ships decades later). They always seemed to have plenty of bacon, toast, and jam as part of full hot meals served several times a day.

The author does not fail to mention the hardships of trench life, such as bitter cold, soaking rains, and ever present mud, but he maintains that the soldiers were cheerful, resolute, and committed to their country’s war aims. That description does not square with what comes across in many books, which depict them as resigned to their fate, certain that their only escape from the madness of the war would be through death or disfiguring wounds. They all hoped for a Blighty, a minor, non life-threatening wound that would nevertheless send them home, but they had seen too much violent death to expect a happy ending for themselves.

Siegfried Sassoon, in Memoirs of an Infantry Officer, wrote that officers and men were used up after six months, no longer fit for front line service. John Keegan, in The Face of Battle, said that courage under fire is a non-renewable resource, and the longer men are in combat the more their performance degrades, as their mental attitude changes from a) it won’t happen to me, to b) it could happen to me, so I better keep my head down, to c) it will happen to me; it happens to everyone and it’s just a matter of time until my number is up.

So why were the men in Sidney Rogerson’s battalion so cheerful? It could be that he was just projecting his personal sentiments on them, or that in the years since the war his memories had faded or been repressed, but it could also have been because many of them had not been at the front long enough to understand what awaited them. According to the British army, during the war an average of 7000 men per day were lost to all causes. And that was just the overall average; during battles the daily toll would have been horrific. The British took 450,000 casualties on the Somme between July and November 1916, and the events in this book took place in the last weeks of that battle, so it is possible that Rogerson’s battalion had been depleted and reinforced, and the chipper soldiers he met were replacements who did not yet understand the meat grinder they were in.

The book’s strengths are in its depictions of the day to day lives of soldiers at the front, and for that reason it is worth reading. An even better book, with a longer term look at the life of a battalion over the course of the entire war, is J.C. Dunn’s The War the Infantry Knew, 1914-1919. If Rogerson hoped to counter the perception of the war as murderous futility, he failed, because it is the remembrances of Remarque, Sassoon, and Graves, and the poetry of Wilfred Owen which have formed modern perceptions of the Great War. As such, this book occupies an odd corner of the memoir genre: worth reading for its details, but suspect in its overall viewpoint.

[Caroline]

This is a thoroughly readable account by someone who was there. Rogerson deliberately chooses not to dwell on the horrors although the threat of death is constantly there in the background. You really feel as if you are in the trenches with Rogerson and his men, coping with being tired and cold. Thoroughly recommended if you're interested in WW1

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, as far as I can tell, is an unvarnished narrative of soldiers’ experience near the end of the 1916 Battle of the Somme. It’s about a group on the front line, but not at a point of noteworthy action. As such, it seems to give a good sense of what it might have been like to be there as an ordinary soldier. I’m glad I wasn’t there.

[Wanda]

23 SEP 2014 -- recommended by Geevee. Many thanks!

[Dropbear123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounding down for Goodreads. Only read if interested in WWI memoirs that are not about big battles.

Decent and short memoir about a short period in the trenches in November 1916, towards the end of the 1916 Somme campaign. Pretty matter of fact without being too flowery in language. One of the interesting things (just repeating the modern intro a bit) is that it was written in 1933 as a reaction against books like All Quiet on the Western Front that were very negative about the war. The author also has a bit to say against pacificism (someone else says quite a bit on the subject but I suspect it was the author putting his views through another person) which makes sense considering it was published around the time of the Nazis taking control in Germany and the Japanese were acting up in China. There isn't much in the way of action as the author was not part of a big offensive but there is a lot of detail on holding one area (without much in the way of German aggression) for a few days and life when at the front.

So I wouldn't recomend it to everyone because not that much really happens but WWI nerds might like it for insight into the details of trench life.

[Elliot Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into what it was really like I’m the Somme and what common soldiers had to endure, both painfully and elatedly.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir shows what life was like for a British soldier on the Somme in the closing stages of the battle. It doesn't cover the bloody opening day, but 12 days in the biting cold of November 1916.

Sidney Rogerson is a young lieutenant in the 2nd West Yorks as the Battle of the Somme comes to an end. His memoir isn't the stuff of derring-do, but the everyday experiences of the Tommies on the Western Front. The best part of the book for me is when the battalion is in the trenches on the front line. However, the whole thing is valuable for the glimpse it gives into the mindset and experiences of ordinary soldiers during the First World War.

Sidney Rogerson is a refreshing narrator, obviously of his time, but still highly readable and easy to relate to. The horror of the surroundings and experience is still there, but casually so. Bodies are direction markers or unpleasantly close companions. Trenches are little more than muddy ditches until the battalion takes advantage of a lack of rain to make them habitable. Throughout this memoir, the men display humour and resilience without being weighed down by the circumstances. Every student of the First World War should read this to get a flavour of day-to-day life both in and out of the trenches.

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1933, when Sidney Rogerson decided to publish his WWI memoirs of the Somme struggle in 1916, he was trying to counteract the current of Appeasement and War regret then swirling around the history of the Great War. Lloyd George, in his memoirs, had been regretful of the massive casualties -wondering if the sacrifice had been worth it. Political forces were afoot in Europe that cast the Allied Victory in a weaker light. Rogerson wanted to explain that the war had been terrible - but not the nightmare portrayed in some fiction and memoir. To prove his point, he gives us a "typical Fortnight" of frontline service for his Battalion, the second of the West Yorkshire Regiment, as it moves between camps and the trenches. The four companies, with Rogerson in Command of B company, take about 450 men into the frontline positions- and lose only a few men dead, missing or wounded over their time - although they are not particularly active either. What we get is their time improving the trenches captured in the offensive, assisting Engineers and Artillery units, and keeping themselves supplied and functioning, a struggle all its own in the French mud.

This is really as much about man- management and group dynamics as it is about the Great War. Rogerson is always moving around - keeping his Company on task and safety oriented. As someone who became a Staff officer later(He would Advise Churchill on Press Relations in WWII) he can discuss the issues both up and down the command chain, and gives great critiques of British Army practices and habits. At all times his love of his men and "Tommy Atkins"(the British Equivalent of GI Joe) in General comes through. His subtle message - we did it once-in awful conditions- and if we have to we can do it again- reminds me of my own grandfather- in German Service in the same war- who rose to the Second World War's Challenge too. You root for him to bring his "Lads" home safe- and exult when he can do it. Very compelling content.

The book is surprising bereft of complex adult themes, and graphic description is muted, although the presence of dead bodies in ubiquitous, so a Junior reader over about 12 should be able to get value out of this read. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, its a really good resource. Not a lot for Scenario development material for the Gamer(are people really gaming trench warfare in France, 1916?), but the Modeller and Enthusiast should get a lot out of it. There are several scenes that might make dioramas, and the enthusiast will be enthralled by the minutiae of trench living and the nocturnal society and lifestyle required to stay alive. The modern day reader will be properly disturbed by the manner of survival- but also understand that it was hellish- but not hell itself- awful yes- as all wars are awful- but something that good men could survive (although the casual way several characters are described as dying later, before the end of the war- but out of the book's timeline- can be disconcerting) if they were properly led and supplied. Rogerson also takes time, like the professional he was, to explain much of the logistical underpinnings- both successes and failures- that made the British Army in France the most modern in the world by 1918. This is a book on WWI that is not depressing to read, and one that can reach any reader.

[Robert Neil Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The war machine knew no rest” wrote Sidney Rogerson of the First World War British Army in his memoir, Twelve Days on the Somme. Rogerson was an officer in the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment, directed to occupy the most advanced positions reached in that momentous months long battle. The war machine he described, however, was not one of constant grand offensives and set piece battles but the endless grind of small events that made up most of the war. Rogerson’s war, or at least this small section of it, was one of routines, monotony, and resignation interspersed with moments of high drama, excitement, and humour all set in a landscape of almost unrelenting horror.
Rogerson’s memoir begins behind the lines with the order to replace another regiment at the front. Just getting there in the clinging mud and through sporadic shellfire bringing random death was an ordeal. On arrival, the newly captured frontline was little more than a thin defensive trench with barely adequate protection and no comforts for the soldiers. Rogerson’s men spent much of their time digging a proper trench where they could live and not just survive, though even that was a relative concept. The drip, drip of attrition that this war had become still killed and maimed men, however, some in peculiar circumstances, and the knife-edge tension of being at the front is ever present. After a few days of that, the West Yorkshires were relieved by another regiment and returned to the rear to assist in the busy work of preparing supply lines while winter set in. Then orders came to leave by train for the safety of proper rest far away from the Somme. The unwritten epitaph for Rogerson’s war seems to have been “rinse and repeat”, such was the existence of the ordinary British soldier.
I distrust memoirs as a rule. They are subject to hindsight and interpolation, which sometimes creates contradiction, and even the best recovered memories can round off the edges of experience. Therefore, memoirs must be handled carefully. That is true for Twelve Days on the Somme, though that does not detract from the overall impression that Rogerson wants to convey. He rejects the extremes of post-war literature that either present war as relentless, abject misery and a complete waste and the glorification of war at the other end of the spectrum. Rather, he sees war as a tragic necessity that sometimes has to be endured. His brief narrative reflects this by demonstrating that even though the circumstances might be horrible, soldiers retain their spirit and bond in ways that cannot be achieved in peacetime. Nevertheless, the shadow lurking behind the text is that Rogerson and his men had seemingly become inured to the horror he describes so graphically. That sense authenticates Rogerson’s memoir and it make it a poignant and thought-provoking study of men experiencing war in all its nuances.

[Charles Inglin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir written by Sydney Rogerson in 1933. Rogerson was, in 1916, a 22 year old company commander in the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment, part of "Kitchener's Army," the rapidly expanded army that was created when it became apparent that the war wasn't going to be over by Christmas. Rogerson took part in the Battle of the Somme, but chose as the focus of his memoir a short period near the end of the battle, not quite two weeks in November 1916, and that's what makes the book interesting. Rather than focusing on the blood and gore of the first days of the battle, including the single bloodiest day in British Army history, July 1, Rogerson presents the more mundane experience of the war. After a period of rest and retraining, his battalion moved up to replace another battalion in a section of recently captured German trench line. To say trench line is misleading, since the German works had been badly battered by artillery and the British position was composed of surviving bits of collapsed trench and artillery shell craters. Rogerson's company spent their nights working to deepen and reinforce the trenches, digging connecting trenches and saps to forward observation posts, all the while being subject to random shelling and sniper fire and suffering from rain, cold, and mud that could be deadly. While there was no serious fighting Rogerson's battalion still took casualties; a sergeant killed by the concussion of random artillery shell on the movement to the front line, a new recruit wounded in the mouth by a bullet on the first day, an officer who disappeared in no man's land on a reconnaissance and was never seen again. It's a story that gives you admiration for the ability of humans to survive privations and carry on.

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Twelve Days on the Somme: A Memoir of the Trenches, 1916", by Sidney Rogerson

Reading this account of World War I puts you right there. It is written by someone with first hand knowledge of what it was like to be in the frontline trenches of war. You experience with Rogers the cold and the hunger these men endured. You feel the terror they carried with them day after day and night after night with no end in sight.

Though Rogers does not dwell on these horrors, his skillful and articulate storytelling brings you front and center with him and his regiment. Through him we experience endless days of monotony as they dig the trenches in which they are expected to live in on the frontlines, with the threat of death always hanging over you.

Rogers does not glorify the war, nor does he condone the belief that war is a waste and accomplishes very little for a very high price. He seems to take the middle ground, seeing that at times war is necessary and we must endure it. He tells how these men under the worst possible conditions, bond and come together, lifting each others spirits and solidify friendships that in other times and other places would never occur.

If you are a war buff and enjoy frontline narratives you will enjoy this book. It is well written, extremely informative and reads smoothly. I recommend this to all fans of memoirs and histories of war.

[Chris Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't do book reviews

I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it evoked a strong sense of what it might have been like to spend 12 days on the line after the huge battles of the Somme in July.
This was the story of one company it’s commanders and erks, a story of friendship in time of war surrounded by war at its whitest heat!
If you have read books on the Somme you would enjoy it more - best read with a knowledge of the subject to really enjoy - if enjoy is the right word.

[Katelyn Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of this campaign has always floored me and as a young person, I feel it's so important to learn about the things that had dramatic impacts on prior generations (and it really wasn't that long ago). Though difficult, this felt like an important read and highlights how important it is to remember.

[Mark Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was particularly interested in this account as the 2/West Yorks were in the same Brigade (23rd) as my Grandads regiment the 2/Middlesex, though they are not mentioned other than to say they are in the 23rd Brigade!
It's a very clean account, there's no blood and gore its more about mud and being cold! Its a quick read but does give an idea of what it must have been like.

[Justin Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read from a different perspective, but fails to fully illustrate to the reader what must have been a horrific period, of course aside from the copious amount of time spent describing walking in mud.
The book also contains some offensive text which even at the time it was written must surely have raised a few eyeballs.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about trench warfare in WW1. While the personal story was good, the book did not have a lot of action. The individuals endured more hardship from the weather and lack of supplies than they did from the enemy.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Toby White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant insight into a fortnight of soldiering in the trenches of the Somme. A great deal of information surrounding the time these soldiers spent albeit the period covered does seem to be of some down time (?) and backfilling other regiments. Will have to read some of the other notable books.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely gripping memoir which makes you feel as if you’re there and actually know all the characters. A must read for anyone interested in WW1.

[Gareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written. The way he describes the setting with such pin point detail and accuracy you really get a mental image of the trenches.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best war memoirs that I have read, presenting a less subjective portrayal of the Great War. Rogerson presents both the dark and light sides of the war with an incredibly personal touch.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have any interest in World War I, this book is a must read. Most folks tend to read the novels centering around The Great War like ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN, and JOURNEY'S END. What sets this book apart from these novels is this is the diary of British officer Sidney Rogerson and the twelve days he spent on The Somme during the Winter of 1916. Although Rogerson was not in the trenches of The Somme that fateful day in July, 1916, he gives us a vivid portrayal of what the conditions were like during the time he was on the front line and near the front.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little on the short side given the authors position vis-a-vis an important historical event. Yet, Rogerson's brevity does provide an easy to digest primary source for researchers/authors interested in this particular period. Rogerson is also a good source for insights into morale in the late all-volunteer period of the BEF.

[Maduck831 · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating stuff