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War Diary of the Master of Belhaven 1914-1918
Ralph Hamilton fought almost continuously through the war, including action in the epic battles at Loos, Ypres and the Somme.First published in 1924, this diary provides an extraordinary account of an artillery officer’s experience during the Great War.From the cold and the mud to the omnipresent shelling, he paints a picture of devastating authenticity.At the Battle of Loos his battery scrambled in the sticky clay.At the battle of the Somme he fought bitterly at the infamous Delville Wood.At a town near Amiens he died.His batteries underwent constant bombardments from all types of guns but nothing was more feared than the silent landing of the gas shells.When not on the front lines, there was little to do but wait to be called into action. Yet even there, trips to divisional headquarters might see an errant shell or stray sniper’s bullet.Yet the Master of Belhaven remained upbeat. For Hamilton, as long as he could listen to his gramophone and his Wagner records, the war was bearable.‘An extraordinarily painstaking and accurate picture of war … with not the tiniest detail unrecorded.’ — Captain Cyril Falls, MC.Ralph Hamilton (1883-1918), the Master of Belhaven, attended Eton and Sandhurst before serving as an officer in the British Army. In 1901 he joined Grenadiers, and later the King’s Own Hussars in India. In 1908 he joined a battery of the Royal Horse Artillery of the newly formed Territorial Force. By the outbreak of the First World War he had attained the rank of major and entered the Western Front in August 1914.For details of other books published by Albion Press go to the website at www.albionpress.co.uk.Albion Press is an imprint of Endeavour Press, the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
540 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 4, 2016
A social commentary on a clash of cultures and class during the conflict we know as the First Great War seen through an officer in an artillery brigade. He served throughout the conflict where guns supported and protected the infantry right at the front; it was a developing strategy and which when used strategically was a devastrating component in attack and defence.
The book shows the war from among the officer class but apart from the life they knew and expected in terms of what we would call the good life, from gramophone playing to social gatherings. From the transport offered and billets found. However, the war mixed men together as there was no social differences walking in trenches and prey to snippers. With shells falling and exploding behind the lines there is no distinction of who is killed or spared. Death became common place and random events with dud shells not killing and a rouge shells killing one in a group and sparing the rest.
Reading this diary I understand more about warfare; the battlefields and the horror of killing.
Since this is a diary it is a honest account of day to day, and more or less uncensored compared to some of the letters from the front.
Above all it shows the senseless death of a generation of talent and promise on both sides. As readers and a later generation who hasn't faced such dangers and shared such loss we can only reflect and remember them. The more we read the more we can understand and respect a sense of duty and a willingness to serve.
As a diary it is not a piece of self-aggrandisement but a personal account of what happened without embellishment. Just something to keep to for himself, to remember in more peaceful times.
That it is published is due to the fact our writter sent it back to England in chunks or left when he was on leave at home.
I read it over a longer period than I would approach a novel and I feel content that I read it to the end.
The book shows the war from among the officer class but apart from the life they knew and expected in terms of what we would call the good life, from gramophone playing to social gatherings. From the transport offered and billets found. However, the war mixed men together as there was no social differences walking in trenches and prey to snippers. With shells falling and exploding behind the lines there is no distinction of who is killed or spared. Death became common place and random events with dud shells not killing and a rouge shells killing one in a group and sparing the rest.
Reading this diary I understand more about warfare; the battlefields and the horror of killing.
Since this is a diary it is a honest account of day to day, and more or less uncensored compared to some of the letters from the front.
Above all it shows the senseless death of a generation of talent and promise on both sides. As readers and a later generation who hasn't faced such dangers and shared such loss we can only reflect and remember them. The more we read the more we can understand and respect a sense of duty and a willingness to serve.
As a diary it is not a piece of self-aggrandisement but a personal account of what happened without embellishment. Just something to keep to for himself, to remember in more peaceful times.
That it is published is due to the fact our writter sent it back to England in chunks or left when he was on leave at home.
I read it over a longer period than I would approach a novel and I feel content that I read it to the end.
October 5, 2017
Very readable diary-style account of the experiences of a Artillery Officer in the First World War. This book gives a very strong description of the life of a wealthy officer, his interests and leadership, and the mud, and squalor of trench warfare. One warms to his character through the years and I felt a sense of loss when he is killed in the German Spring Offensive, March 1918 (I'm not "spoiling" as this is disclosed at the very start of the book). The technicalities of artillery management and targeting are fascinating and do not detract from the readability of this account.
April 10, 2022
I have never read a book quite like this.
The author was an educated thinking man who brings to life a subject that few others have - the life of a gunner in The Great War. You marvel at the way he makes light of producing highly technical fire plans in appalling conditions. I knew from the introduction that he was killed in 1918 and I just wanted it not to be true that a man like this did not survive the war.
The author was an educated thinking man who brings to life a subject that few others have - the life of a gunner in The Great War. You marvel at the way he makes light of producing highly technical fire plans in appalling conditions. I knew from the introduction that he was killed in 1918 and I just wanted it not to be true that a man like this did not survive the war.
October 30, 2020
This is an extremely readable book. It goes into a lot of detail about the daily life of a well to do artillery officer. The matter of factness about horrible situations, risks undertaken and whether he had had a good meal is refreshing.
It's not blood and glory, nor is it anti-war. It's a career officer simply getting on with his job and trying to make the best of frequently bad situations.
It's not blood and glory, nor is it anti-war. It's a career officer simply getting on with his job and trying to make the best of frequently bad situations.
March 22, 2022
Great Diary!
Admittedly, this is for the WWI aficionado. However, it does give one an excellent feel for what artillery men went through and what it takes to be a good officer. Highly recommended for those wanting to round out their WWI knowledge.
Admittedly, this is for the WWI aficionado. However, it does give one an excellent feel for what artillery men went through and what it takes to be a good officer. Highly recommended for those wanting to round out their WWI knowledge.
August 11, 2022
An excellent read!
Colonel Hamilton served on the Western front from 1914 until his death in 1918. He was in or near the front line throughout. The story was only marred by the number of typos.
Colonel Hamilton served on the Western front from 1914 until his death in 1918. He was in or near the front line throughout. The story was only marred by the number of typos.
March 24, 2018
Very detailed account
This book cover's nearly every aspect of war the one thing that spoils it is the numerous typing error's only
This book cover's nearly every aspect of war the one thing that spoils it is the numerous typing error's only
May 24, 2023
This is a fascinating read- just as it appears the author is invincible there is a devastating twist.
Brutal and incredibly detailed.
Would thoroughly recommend.
Brutal and incredibly detailed.
Would thoroughly recommend.
February 6, 2019
Amazing.
The spirit of Hamilton is effervescent, charming and sweeps you up even as he is clearly living through a special kind of hell.
Like Charlie May, the personality of this fellow infuses the memoir with power.
The spirit of Hamilton is effervescent, charming and sweeps you up even as he is clearly living through a special kind of hell.
Like Charlie May, the personality of this fellow infuses the memoir with power.
September 9, 2016
Foreword opening line:
"This is an account of the experiences of a gunner in a war that was, above all, a war of guns."
So begins the war diary of Hon. Ralph Gerard Alexander Hamilton. This is a very detailed, day-to-day account of his life in the trenches and mostly as the commander of a battery. I was amazed what he lived through! What an amazing gift he gave us through his writings; a personal insight into a soldier's life.
While this isn't an exciting read for everyone, if you like WWI history, this is a great book to read.
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced reading in exchange for my honest opinion. I am writing a story set in France during WWI I enjoyed the insights.
"This is an account of the experiences of a gunner in a war that was, above all, a war of guns."
So begins the war diary of Hon. Ralph Gerard Alexander Hamilton. This is a very detailed, day-to-day account of his life in the trenches and mostly as the commander of a battery. I was amazed what he lived through! What an amazing gift he gave us through his writings; a personal insight into a soldier's life.
While this isn't an exciting read for everyone, if you like WWI history, this is a great book to read.
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced reading in exchange for my honest opinion. I am writing a story set in France during WWI I enjoyed the insights.
June 15, 2018
Gives you a glimpse into what everyday life was like in World War 1 for the artillery officers, and how tough the conditions they faced were!
I read the Kindle edition of this however which was littered with typos!
I read the Kindle edition of this however which was littered with typos!
December 17, 2025
If this book doesnt break your heart then nothing will.
A superlative account of the first world war told from a senior officers point of view.
A superlative account of the first world war told from a senior officers point of view.
April 14, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 of 5
This is a really tremendous piece of literature. It is also a first-hand account of history as well as a tremendous look at war from an insider's view.
The Honorable Ralph G.A. Hamilton was an artillery officer who served on the Western Front 1915 to 1918. Hamilton kept a meticulous diary sometimes chronicling the daily chores of the soldiers in his command, sometimes detailing the fighting and shelling between his troupes and the 'Hun' and sometimes we get insight into the inner workings of the chain of command.
Hamilton doesn't hold back, neither on his lack of patience for incompetence, nor the graphic descriptions of grisly realities of war. On occasion he manages to make me smile - though not often, given the circumstances.
Although it's been a hundred years, I may also think twice about ordering a beer in France!
Hamilton's awe at the vagaries of war are scattered throughout the book ("To-day I have seen a wonderful but terrible sight. A real aeroplane battle in the blue sky, just above my head.")
One thing we learn through Hamilton's diary is that the politics of war have changed much in the last century. The men on the line often see things more clearly than the commanders at the back:
Sometimes Hamilton manages to write about the wounded with a detached observance and sometimes he gets passionate about what happens. And sometimes, as is the case with his ordering a round of artillery on a downed Ally plane, a little bit of both:
And though the diary manages to be generally very even-keeled, Hamilton does share some disgust from time to time: "After a tiring march of ten miles over vile Belgian roads..." and "I hate the district with a hate beyond words."
I was surprised by his account of an incident in his battery: "
I found a very regrettable incident has happened in my battery. "A telephonist on duty was caught asleep. I shall have to try him by court martial, and it is more than likely he will be shot."
But it is his accounts of the actual war ... the combat of the moment ... that is perhaps the most powerful
Hamilton wasn't writing fiction, but the diary reads with a crescendo of action and a cast of characters that would make most fiction writers envious. This is a long book and has been reprinted quite a bit, but it is well worth reading.
I have often felt that books and movies of war often come across as glorifying war - not intentionally, perhaps, but at least in terms of fictional telling, there is always the need for someone to rise up and overcome obstacles. But this diary neither glorifies nor condemns the actions. It is presented as plainly and clearly as I've ever seen, which makes it all the more fascinating.
Looking for a good book? The War Diary of the Master of Belhaven, the Hon Ralph G.A. Hamilton, is a remarkable read and is perfect for fans of non-fiction, history, or military history reading.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really tremendous piece of literature. It is also a first-hand account of history as well as a tremendous look at war from an insider's view.
The Honorable Ralph G.A. Hamilton was an artillery officer who served on the Western Front 1915 to 1918. Hamilton kept a meticulous diary sometimes chronicling the daily chores of the soldiers in his command, sometimes detailing the fighting and shelling between his troupes and the 'Hun' and sometimes we get insight into the inner workings of the chain of command.
Hamilton doesn't hold back, neither on his lack of patience for incompetence, nor the graphic descriptions of grisly realities of war. On occasion he manages to make me smile - though not often, given the circumstances.
17th January (Sunday)
I had a horrid job this morning. I took the squadron to have a bath in the brewery. This is a dreadful ceremony, and much resented by most of the men. Huge tubs in which beer is made during the week are filled with hot water and used as baths. Never will I drink beer in France again.
Although it's been a hundred years, I may also think twice about ordering a beer in France!
Hamilton's awe at the vagaries of war are scattered throughout the book ("To-day I have seen a wonderful but terrible sight. A real aeroplane battle in the blue sky, just above my head.")
One thing we learn through Hamilton's diary is that the politics of war have changed much in the last century. The men on the line often see things more clearly than the commanders at the back:
General Philpotts came round to-day. Apparently this place has some fascination for generals; they can't keep away from it! He discovered what I have known all along-- that we are not under cover from the ridge, so far as our flashes are concerned.
...
Blame is always carefully passed on down the "chain of responsibility" and sometimes praise is also.
...
One thing seems quite clear, and that is that the gas experts do not know what gas the Germans are using.
...
About this point we met the new divisional commander and the C.R.A., both raging at having been kept waiting over an hour. However, I produced my orders, and it was all right. It seems that they forgot to send out an order last night saying that we should be inspected at a different place. ... It was a great pity that the inspection did not take place at the beginning of the march, as a couple of hours on the chalky road had not made anything look any cleaner. The generals were very pleased with the whole turn-out, as well they might be, after all the trouble taken.
Sometimes Hamilton manages to write about the wounded with a detached observance and sometimes he gets passionate about what happens. And sometimes, as is the case with his ordering a round of artillery on a downed Ally plane, a little bit of both:
The infantry have 'phoned to say that after our salvos last night fearful screams and cries were heard, so we must have killed some at least.
...
I managed to cut my thumb down to the bone in opening a can of bully beef. Fortunately Caddick is a doctor, and he was able to tie me up at once.
...
I afterwards found that a 5.9 had landed in one of my ammunition pits and blown up 400-odd rounds of high-explosive shells. Something hit me an awful whack on the side of my steel helmet, and the blast of the explosion blew me down the stairs and right into the tunnel. The remaining events of the day are more or less a confused blur to me, as I was knocked quite silly by the concussion. As soon as the 5.9’s had wrecked the place they put in some gas-shells, which got into the slit and made the men working there unconscious. I have a confused recollection of pulling a man out of the slit by his heels who had dropped down unconscious from the fumes, and I gather that soon afterwards I collapsed myself. I eventually found myself on my bed in the tunnel, with various people, including the doctor, giving me brandy. I had a violent pain in my head and felt ghastly ill. They got all the men out in just over three hours, and, strange to say, all were alive. Gunner Alexander, my clerk, is badly wounded in the head, shoulder, and arm, and about eight or nine more are suffering from the gas or shell shock. I have recommended Sergeant Meecham for immediate reward, as he appears to have behaved in a most gallant manner; had it not been for him, the men would have died.
...
My wound is rather troublesome, the glands under the arm are swelling and the wound itself is inflamed, but it does not worry me so much as the inoculation I had against tetanus. I am so stiff all over my chest that I can hardly move.
...
The Hun shot down one of our planes, which fell in the German lines. Our observers reported that there were at least a hundred Huns crowded round it, examining it. Fortunately, two of my batteries could reach the plane, so I gave a zero- time, synchronised watches and ordered ten rounds of gun-fire, i.e. the most rapid rate of fire possible. The observers reported that the shells burst right on the crowd, which fled in all directions. With any luck we must have got a good bag. I am always sorry for our airmen on these occasions, but we have strict orders to bombard any of our planes that we can reach if they fall in the Boche lines. If the airman is not wounded, he probably has time to get away before we begin.
And though the diary manages to be generally very even-keeled, Hamilton does share some disgust from time to time: "After a tiring march of ten miles over vile Belgian roads..." and "I hate the district with a hate beyond words."
I was surprised by his account of an incident in his battery: "
I found a very regrettable incident has happened in my battery. "A telephonist on duty was caught asleep. I shall have to try him by court martial, and it is more than likely he will be shot."
But it is his accounts of the actual war ... the combat of the moment ... that is perhaps the most powerful
ZILLEBEKE, 7TH JUNE, 1917
At exactly 3.10 a.m. Armageddon began. The timing of all batteries in the area was wonderful, and to a second every gun roared in one awful salvo. At the same moment the two greatest mines in history were blown up — Hill 60 and one immediately to the south of it. I cleared everyone out of the dug-outs and was watching for it. Never could I have imagined such a sight. First, there was a double shock that shook the earth here 15,000 yards away like a gigantic earthquake. I was nearly flung off my feet. Then an immense wall of fire that seemed to go half-way up to heaven. The whole country was lit with a red light like in a photographic dark-room. At the same moment all the guns spoke and the battle began on this part of the line. The noise surpasses even the Somme; it is terrific, magnificent, overwhelming. It makes one almost drunk with exhilaration, and one simply does not care about the fact that we are under the concentrated fire of all the Hun batteries. Their shells are bursting round now as I write, at 6.10 a.m., but it makes one laugh to think of their feeble little efforts compared to the “ausgezeichnete Ausstellung” that we are providing. We are getting our revenge for 1914 with a vengeance. It is now beginning to get light, but the whole world is wrapped in a grey haze of acrid fumes and dust. (6 a.m.) It is as noisy as ever. The wounded have been streaming past for the last two hours.
...
(Midnight.) It is really getting intolerable, more and more German batteries are concentrating on this bit of country, and shells are arriving at from ten to twenty a minute. The dug-out is rocking with the concussion, and the place is full of fumes and earth that has been blown through the door and window. The corner of my mess had been hit and the trench outside in several places. The servants’ shelter has been blown in and they were buried. We have no protection except a row of sandbags that might just keep out shrapnel. It is only a matter of time before we are hit.
Hamilton wasn't writing fiction, but the diary reads with a crescendo of action and a cast of characters that would make most fiction writers envious. This is a long book and has been reprinted quite a bit, but it is well worth reading.
I have often felt that books and movies of war often come across as glorifying war - not intentionally, perhaps, but at least in terms of fictional telling, there is always the need for someone to rise up and overcome obstacles. But this diary neither glorifies nor condemns the actions. It is presented as plainly and clearly as I've ever seen, which makes it all the more fascinating.
Looking for a good book? The War Diary of the Master of Belhaven, the Hon Ralph G.A. Hamilton, is a remarkable read and is perfect for fans of non-fiction, history, or military history reading.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews