They Called it Passchendaele – Lyn MacDonald

They Called it Passchendaele is the first in Lyn MacDonald’s series of books on the first world war. Aimed at a populist market, MacDonald’s primary resources are eyewitness reports, and she weaves long witness statements into her narrative to create an immediate style, with a hint of reportage.

This approach ensures that the reader’s attention is focused on the conditions of the combatants, and the book is never bogged down in the sort of technical detail which can blight military writing. That said, the book is still a serious piece of writing, which could not be accused of ‘dumbing down’. Rather, the focus on individual experiences democratises the process of writing about the war; the Imperialist aims of the conflict are unimportant here, the story lies in the effect of the war on the ordinary soldiers.

MacDonald’s narrative at times slips into a working-class vernacular, creating a continuity between her writing and the soldiers’ memories. As a consequence, the book is quite firmly centred on the British point of view. However, the book still manages to give the reader a fascinating and often overlooked insight into the way the opposing soldiers viewed one another.

Whilst there are stories of fierce, ‘to the last man’ encounters, They Called it Passchendaele also shows a high level of mutual respect between the armies. Many of the German troops had lived in London, and the trenches were close enough for conversation between the soldiers. There are many examples of humanity, as German soldiers refused to fire on the wounded or stretcher bearers, and British troops ensured the safety of injured opponents.

MacDonald also highlights the lack of morale, particularly in the German army, which would often lead to men surrendering without making the slightest effort to fight. As they were marched back behind the lines, prisoners and captors would equally curse the war, and the conditions. From these small examples, it is possible to extrapolate that there was a notable level of class solidarity between the opposing armies, which was not limited to the more famous ‘Christmas truce’. It was vital for the ruling class to squash this consciousness, before it irrevocably damaged their war effort.

On the other hand, when the actions of those planning the campaign are scrutinised, they are often found wanting. The blame for this protracted and bloody battle can be laid at the feet of Lloyd George, who saw the campaign as a sideshow for a planned invasion of Italy, and General Haig, who was inflexible and stubborn, pressing ahead with a plan where the benefits were unlikely to offset the losses. Caught in the middle of this, the commanders in direct charge of the troops, who saw the attack for the futile slaughter it was, were overlooked and ignored.

Certain elements of the planning beggar belief; time, and the opportunity to attack in good weather, were wasted as soldiers were diverted from the front to re-enact the original attack for the benefit of King George. As the battleground turned into a swamp, soldiers polished buttons and paraded endlessly, allowing the German army to regroup.

In the end, the gains made by the Allied forces over the course of the 3 battles around Ypres were abandoned shortly afterwards. One general had suggested abandoning the ground at the beginning; only after several years, and the deaths of hundreds of thousands, was this course of action taken.

MacDonald’s writing style is strong, and few demands are made of the reader in terms of prior expertise. They Called it Passchendaele combines a strong, dramatic narrative with a fascinating collection of witness accounts, building up a rounded picture of life as an Allied soldier during the latter stages of the war, and also an evocative glimpse at a wider working class culture.