Field of Fire: Diary of a Gunner Officer

by Jack Swaab

Jack Swaab joined the veteran 51st (Highland) Infantry Division on January 3rd, 1943. He kept a series of diaries over the following two and a half years, recording the combination of boredom and fear that characterizes active service. In mid-March 1943 he saw battle for the first time as Montgomery attacked the Mareth Line. In July that year Swaab took part in the Allied landings on Sicily, writing of the scorching humidity of the Sicilian summer. In May 1944 he records the restless time as his regiment prepared for the invasion of Normandy. In September 1944 Swaab's role changed dramatically, as he moved from commanding a troop to being a forward observation officer. His new position meant that he was working closely with the infantry in the front line. Swaab's first five months as a forward observation officer came to an abrupt end on February 13th, when he was wounded in the leg by shellfire. He was again selected for FOO duty during Operation 'Varsity', the Rhine crossing, in March 1945, and received the Military Cross.

290 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[James Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the hardback version very shortly after it came out. I collect first hand accounts of the WW2 and unit histories of the 51st Highland Division in particular, so this one was a must buy. That said it is one of the best first hand accounts that I have read, and certainly the best from a gunner (it comparies favourably to George Blackburn's Guns of War series - he was also a Forward Observation Officer).

You can have no doubt about the hardships of war, what the conditions were like for both the gunners on the gun line and the infantry on the front line. The book is very descriptive without becoming flowery and it avoids glossing over some of the less pleasant aspects. Also it tells you about everything, not just the combat and the aftermath, but also of the minor details of daily life.

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rarity amongst war memoirs, in that the author actually maintained a diary all through his war years, covering the Africa, Sicily, Europe and German campaigns, rather than reconstructing experiences later. Kept himself going by writing copiously in his diary, letters to his family and girlfriend, and alcohol.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this book. It’s vivid and compelling.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it a hard book to get through, because of the boredom and same old same old days. And then I thought if it was hard for me to read, Lord it must have been horrendous for the guys who had to go through it! So I do take off my hat to you guys.
The battles seemed very intense, and must have been scary as hell. But like Jack maintained you become very non care about it in the end, let it just begin and see what happens.