Royal Air Force Uniform

The uniform that my grandfather was wearing was identified as:

It's a standard RAF issue Sidcot Suit (from the inventor, Australian RNAS aviator Flight Sub Lieutenant Sidney Cotton) made from proofed khaki twill over a rubberized muslin inter-lining and a mohair liner.  However, he may not have been going to fly in the immediate future, as he's wearing ordinary shoes, rather than an airman's fur-lined 'fug' boots, though sometimes airmen flew without the boots if the flight was to be short and/or at low level.

It seems strange that a man that served in the RFA since 1907 ended his career in the RAF. He remained in the RFA even-though he was sent to the RAF from Jan 1, 1918 to 1919. 

Still Learning

My grandfather's story continues to unfold as I learn more about his English heritage. Just recently I made contact with second cousins in the UK and they are supplying me with new information. them sent me three photos of my grandfather.
One showed him in what appeared to be a flying suit. Through the Great War Forum I was informed that the suit was a standard RAF issue Sidcot Suit (from the inventor, Australian RNAS aviator Flight Sub Lieutenant Sidney Cotton) made from proofed khaki twill over a rubberized muslin inter-lining and a mohair liner.  However, he may not have been going to fly in the immediate future, as he's wearing ordinary shoes, rather than an airman's fur-lined 'fug' boots, though sometimes airmen flew without the boots if the flight was to be short and/or at low level.

Is it The Man or The Opportunity

While writing The Great Promise the thought came to me, "Does heroism come from the person, or is it the result of the opportunity presented?" Deliberating I've concluded that it is both opportunity and the person. It is the person's response in the critical moment that defines heroism.

However, recognition for a heroic deed is dependent upon a multitude of factors; such as witnesses that substantiate the act and the magnitude of it.

I pondered this while reading some of grandfather's journal entries, such as:

     The shells were falling like rain with such horrific force that
they caused all the Gordons to run for it. The shelling was so
murderous that I also felt like running. However, I realized
that if I left my instrument that our guns would not be able to
return fire. I stuck while the Gordons ran, all except Bruce. He
asked me if I was going to stay and I said yes. He replied, “If
it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for me.”

To remain in position under those circumstances was a heroic act that required risking his life while performing his duty. I suppose that his act wasn't considered beyond the call of duty, even though its elements were of heroic proportions.

Recognition of heroism is different from the action itself since it requires criteria that is judgement based. Appreciation of one's actions is rewarding it doesn't alter the act itself, it is more for the benefit of others than  the perpetrator.

I salute all the everyday heroes. Those who's response places their lives in question for the prospect of saving another.

Royal Field Artillery Documents

The Great Promise

My grandfather's assistant signally certificate

Letter from Liverpool AA Defenses stating my grandfather's appointment to Adjutant. Part of a dispute between he and the army on pay grade between 2nd Lt and that of Adjutant. He eventually won his case. 

A Great Descriptive WW One Book

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Clarion Review gave it four stars
Readers on Amazon have given it five star
A rating of 4.33 stars on GoodReads

The Question

From a letter written in 1945 Capt Frederick G Coxen RFA

I survived World War One and in only twenty years later our boys are fighting World War II and experiencing the horrors I know so well. So each night I ask myself, "What did I do today for those that gave their life for me?"

Review - by Kevin Quirk

In 2014 we will likely begin to see a run of new books tied to the 100-year anniversary of the start of World War I in 1914. That will bring long overdue attention to what has long been called "The Great War" but more often is treated as The Forgotten War. "The Great Promise" is an early arrival among such books and it has so much going for it, I have no doubt that it will solidly hold its ground among any other reflection or exploration of the conflict that was so bloody it was expected to be the war that ends all wars.

The memoir is built around the journal entries of Frederick G. Coxen, then a British soldier with the Royal Field Artillery. Somehow he survived several of the war's earliest battles, with astoundingly high casualty rates: the First Battle of Mons, the First Battle of Marne, the First Battle of Ypres. Most of us have read some war journals, but few deliver what this one conveys with its vivid details and honest reporting of one soldier's perspective. Countless times Frederick Coxen somehow survives while others around him are dying every minute. He endures and maintains his focus and commitment, but we can feel his sense of loss and sadness as he witnesses his comrades going down. His voice captures the spirit of the British outlook toward what they expected to be a short war, rather than the prolonged conflict that led to the U.S. entry in 1917. Anyone seeking to understand not only the history but the impact of World War I from the beginning will have much to sink their teeth into through the journals alone.

Wrapped around these stark personal accounts from the battlefield, the author offers historical background and reference points that help us more easily follow along the trail. These added pieces are all the more poignant because the author is the soldier's grandson. Rick Coxen obviously took a thorough and meticulous approach to tying history into his own grandfather's experience.

Yet there's something else that will elevate this memoir above others sure to follow. Rick Coxen shares with readers how he came upon his grandfather's promise made to three chums at the start of the war. If any one of them made it out alive, he would visit the families of the others to share personal stories of how their loved one died and who they were among the ranks of soldiers. Frederick Coxen is the only one of the four who survived. Unfortunately, he did not fulfill the promise, something he laments over during an updated journal entry duing World War II, long after he had settled in the U.S.

Rick Coxen was so touched by this promise that he decided he would pick up the baton. He soon launched a relentless campaign to find some living relatives of his grandfather's three chums. Like World War I itself, his mission has turned out to be a long struggle, and it's still not complete. To achieve victory, Rick recognizes that he needs help "over there" (in Britian) or anywhere the clues may be lying. He's hoping that someone who reads this book can yet steer him toward those relatives to fulfill his grandfather's great promise.

- Kevin Quirk, author of "Your Life Is a Book And It's Time to Write It" http://www.amazon.com/Kevin-Quirk/e/B001H9XYQ0

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I Promise To Tell Them

I PROMISE TO TELL THEM OF YOUR DEATH

As the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) marched towards Soignies Belgium, four friends serving in the Royal Field Artillery, Fred Coxen, Pudgie Taylor, George Bramwell, and Bobby Glue were discussing their concerns. Their fear was how their possible deaths would be conveyed to their loved ones back home.

By August 20^th the BEF was only two days away from Soignies when their plan took form. They promised each other that those that survive the war would find the loved ones of those that had fallen, and tell them how and where they died.

Little did they know that by October 9^th George Bramwell, whose real first name was Percy, would be the first to fall. The following entry in Fred Coxen’s journal describes George’s death:

October 9^th

This day was going to be well-remembered. During the morning things were a little more quiet than usual. We were sitting around the guns (6 inch Howitzers). I had left my telephone beneath one of the gun limbers.

We were having a feast of Bully Beef and potatoes (potatoes did not come our way often), when a battery of German artillery found us with shrapnel shells.

The first round burst directly over our number three gun, which was just a short distance from us. Needless to say we all scattered. Bramwell and I ran towards the gun limber where I left the field phone. George was on my right when I heard the shell burst and saw him go down.

I dove under the limber to phone my chum Collins, while two gunners dragged Bramwell to the shelter of the limber. It was just seconds after they delivered him when three more shells exploded and the two gunners went down.

Collins came running, and he and I did what we could for poor Bramwell but it was useless. Bullets from bursting shells hailed down on the limber as I held him in my arms. Collins and I expected to be hit any second but the limber saved us.

After the shelling stopped we removed poor Bramwell; it was an unpleasant sight to see a chum’s brains by one’s side. Once Bramwell’s body was removed, I noticed that a shell case was stuck in the ground just two yards from where I laid. Luckily it didn’t splinter, for Collins and I would have been killed. Everything seemed to bear marks of that lively hour excepting for us two.

Less than two months had passed since the four chums set foot in France and now only three remain to carry on. Who would be the next to fall?

Exerpt from the novel, “The Great Promise” written by Frederick L Coxen.

Armistice November 11th

November 11th at 11am the world will pause to pay tribute to those that died during World War One. This recognition will gain additional significance within the next two years. August 2014 will mark the centennial of the Great War that devastated the economy of many countries along with consuming a cruel number of their men.
Historians have documented the causes of the war as well as the military strategies of how it was fought. Few books tell the story of the war from those that experienced it, The Great Promise is one of these books. Those that have experienced war somewhat understand what horrors the soldiers of this war suffered through, while the rest of us can only try to comprehend. However even those that have lived through war can fully realize the horrors faced by those that lived through this conflict.

Purchase, The Great Promise to help you pay tribute to those that served.

N9111 Short 184

According to Sturtivant and Page's 'Royal Navy Aircraft Serials and Units 1911-1919', Air-Britain 1992, page 298.  N9111 is a Short 184:  Delivered to 1(S)MAD at Hamble 9 Jan 1919, then at 210 TDS Calshot (Just a bit further south down Southampton Water from Hamble) from16 Jan 1919 to about 30 Jan 1919.  It was also tested at Westgate 10 July 1919.  So RAF just post-war. It looks a bit like Calshot.

The Great Promise trailer

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British WWI Soldier Returns Home

I'm trying to come up with an acronym or a title for a new blog about Americans returning British soldiers World War One documents back to England in time for the WWI centennial in 2014.

After writing my book, "The    I pondered on what to do with my grandfather's British military documents. They are a family heirloom that I cherish, but who should I select to take care of them after me? I already experienced the lack of interest from my brother. My children don't seem interested, which causes me concern regarding their care after I'm gone.

Because of their historical importance in telling my grandfather's war experiences I decided to donate them to the Imperial War Museum in London. After all, he was a British soldier and his documents would be of greater interest in the UK than in the US. This decision also gave me peace in the knowledge that his documents will be forever cared for. I will not worry that at some point in time his journal and documents might end up in a garage sale or worse of all, thrown away. Most importantly I feel it would be something that my grandfather would want. He would like to rejoin his comrades, to be taken back home.

So I was thinking last night, "There are no doubt hundreds of families that have inherited pictures and documents that once belonged to an English relative that served in the British Army during World War One." "Perhaps they, like myself, would want to safeguard their precious documents and donate them to the Imperial War Museum."

Please consider this meaningful gesture and let me know if you are interested by adding your thoughts in the comment section of this blog.

Review - Echoes of Armageddon, 1914-1918

I just finished reading the book written by B. Cory Kilvert Jr., "Echoes of Armageddon, 1914-1918. I really liked the book on many levels, the first being the human side of war. The author tells the story of the lives and deaths of eight British soldiers. While writing each story he weaves in his own experiences while researching the lives of each man. I was amazed by his efforts to uncover the details of each man's life and those people that were part of it. Perhaps if I would have read this before writing my book I could have picked up some pointers on how to find more about the three soldiers I was researching. However, he had at least a first and last name which I didn't, in fact I wasn't sure if any of the names were actual.

The book gives the reader background of the battles each soldier was involved in, as well as some overall political happenings that impacted the war.

In summary, the book does an excellent job of describing the horrors of war experienced by soldiers, families and their community. I would give this book five stars.

Calling All Experts

My continuing search for a WWI expert to review my book continues. I just emailed Dr Ian F W Beckett, the author of several books including "Ypres". Currently he is on the staff of the Strategic Studies Institute, United States Army War College.

I'm torn between being up front and blunt by just requesting a book review, or supplying some background information to create interest. I suppose so combination would work best but I haven't discovered the magic sequence.

At times I feel that I wasted four years of my life and spent a money on loosing cause. The book has received great reviews by those that have read it. The problem is to find a way to motivate readers. I've thrown out a lot of seeds but few have germinated. Every day I search for new avenues to draw interest to the book but without success.

I'm writing this to inform new authors of the hardship of marketing of their books. I suppose there is equal frustration in all book types , but historical nonfiction takes so much time in detailed research before you even begin to write, it is disheartening that the author has to work so hard after they work so hard.

I've been told that I should be pleased and proud that I completed a book and one that has received good reviews. I am but I find myself saying, "No applause, just money". The Great Promise

Listen To The Promise

Listen to APM program "The Story" to hear the interview with the author of The Great Promise. Click on the link and upon opening click on "play now".

http://thestory.org/archive/The_Story_8811.mp3/view

cpl George Hodge

The Great Promise on page 62 November 18, 1914 During the first battle of Ypres my grandfather writes about returning to the 40 battery and was told of the death of "Hodges" his "Lube-off-man". Through the "Great War Forum" I found out the following:  "there was a Cpl George James Hodge, RFA, who was killed in action  on 18th November 1914." 

Slowly I'm piecing together information on the soldiers that served with my grandfather. 

Great War Forum

They did it again.

I posted the new pictures on the "Great War Forum" and typical to form I received some great feedback. The single photo with him in uniform is marked 1915 but it had to have been taken some time between 1918 and 1919. This was brought to my attention because he has the RAF insignia on his uniform. The RAF was not formed until 1918.

The parade photo was taken around the same time or later. In fact, one believed that it was taken in the US. I'm wondering about this since my grandfather didn't bring his family to the US until 1922. Perhaps it could have been an Armistice Day parade after he moved to the US.

Trying to assemble a 100 year old puzzle without the person who created the pieces is difficult.
The Great Promise

Newly found photos

Found these photos in a box of old photos.

Find The Story

Several people have told me that they have family documents that they feel are noteworthy, that the information would appeal to a wider audience, should they write a book? My fist reaction is usually, "Hell no", who needs additional competition! Really it depends on the content of the documents and the person asking the question has any writing ability. The most important element, IS THERE A STORY? 

I was very fortunate in many ways. First, my grandfather already created my story line by detailing the promise. Second, my grandfather was a decent writer so his journal entries are compelling; plus the journal entries supported the story.

To determine if there is a story surrounding the documents, one must separate themselves from their emotional entanglements. Then they have to ask themselves, would others be interested in great uncle Jim crossing "No Man's Land" to capture 50 prisoners? If this event connects to a story line, then it must be determined if grate uncle Jim was a decent writer. If he wasn't, then one has to determine what genera the book will follow, non-fiction, memoir, or historical fiction. If you have to create the script for Jim's daring trip across the expanse of land between opposing trenches. Working his way towards the enemy's fortifications through the mud and water filled shell craters. Again I was lucky because my grandfather was a decent writer and thus his journal entries required very little adjustment.

I can use Neil's story to exemplify my point. His father was American and he volunteered to be a driver in the British Army. He was with the BEF when it first went to France in 1914 and experienced many of the battles my grandfather did. Therefore I found the information fascinating and expressed this to Neil. However, he thought that his father's writings were common among so many similar war accounts. He was right, except that the stories were from two different views, enlisted soldiers and officers. This makes the stories unique, but the problem remains, is there a story-line? I did express to Neil that together we could have written a very powerful book.

History net

Today I sent an inquiry letter to Weider History Group - Historynet.com/ British Heritage magazine. I gave them a brief summary of my grandfather's story, The Great Promise, and how I thought it would fit well with their magazine's intent. Since the story is a connection between the US, England and the up-coming centennial.

I have come to realize that the work involved in writing a book plays but a small part in having your story read. It has been an unexpected surprise that of the millions of people interested in The Great War only a few have purchased my book. Since the reviews I have received have been four out of five stars, it must be that I haven't reached them with the proper marketing. So the battle for readers will rage on!

My Clairon book review

The wait is over. I received the professional book review from Clarion Review.


Clarion Review
HISTORY
The Great Promise
Frederick L. Coxen
Create Space
978-1-4637-0293-9
Four Stars (out of Five)
Frederick L. Coxen’s life was changed when he stumbled upon his late grandfather’s journal
from World War I. Coxen did more than just transcribe the worn, weathered diary and annotate
it with maps and a historical narrative to create this volume. He devoted years attempting to
fulfill the terms of a pact his grandfather had made with three fellow soldiers in the summer of
1914—an unkept pledge that, to his dying day, haunted the elder Coxen.
The Great Promise is thus a primary source, a history, and a personal quest. Coxen’s
grandfather (also named Frederick Coxen) was called to the colors to serve in the Royal Field
Artillery. He was among the first British soldiers to land in France at the start of The Great War,
and he fought in every major engagement until being gassed in 1915. The journal covers his first
year at the front almost day by day. His reports, observations, emotional asides, musings, and
even occasional jokes lure the reader into a fascinating, detailed, and very human time capsule.
To assist those unfamiliar with the period, the younger Coxen intersperses his
grandfather’s entries with short but clear passages explaining the commanders, maneuvers, and
terminology of the First World War. His simple, clean maps show the routes his ancestor trod
and the towns he fought over. These help set the stage for his grandfather’s wonderful and rarely
hurried prose.
There are episodes of unconscionable horror, such as the crucifixion of captured soldiers
(by both sides) and reflections on the deaths of friends and enemies alike. Upon seeing one man
fall, for example, the elder Coxen writes, “I wondered if this means the breaking of a woman’s
heart, or had he little children?” There are also warm moments, such as when soldiers share their
already meager rations with starving refugee children, and bits of very British pluck, notably of
how “nothing short of an earthquake would make us miss our tea time.” The journal entries
allow the reader to follow one of many green young men as he matures within months into a
war-weary veteran.
While his ancestor’s words and experiences are the true stars of the text, there is a
second story here, one told almost as an afterthought in the last twenty pages of an already slim
book. The elder Coxen and three comrades made a pact that if any of them fell, the survivors
would visit the deceased soldier’s family, relate the story of his passing, and offer comfort.
Coxen saw all three of his mates die, even holding one of them in his arms as he expired. Yet, he
never made good on his part of the bargain.
As he laments in an entry made in another journal in 1945, when living in America and
writing during a second war, those old comrades continued to haunt Coxen’s dreams, asking if
he would ever fulfill that great promise. How his grandson sought to made good on Coxen’s
word, and the detective efforts he undertook to find the descendants of those dead soldiers, is a
short but engrossing and very moving story, and one well told by the author in his final chapter.

An Amazing Story

Through the Western Front Assoc. a person by the name of Neil Munro contacted me regarding a book he was writing that is based on his father's memoirs. His father was Fredric Coleman, an American that went to France in 1914 and volunteered as a staff driver. He would drive officers around and thus experienced the war from both the enlisted soldiers and officer's point of view.
   I was stunned to find how closely Coleman's accounts mirrored that of my grandfather's journal. Mr. Munro is publishing segments of his father's story on the Western Front's website under the title "My Father's War".

Best WW One Site

I've been researching WWI for over four years and in the process I've joined several websites and forums. The best by far in the Great War Forum.

Why? Because the members of "old sweats" are experts on most topics. Beyond that, they don't just answer your post, they offer a great deal of background information. They have been a God sent to me and still are.
Check them out Great War Forum

The Western Front Assoc placed a nice article in their August newsletter about my submission of the journal, both images and transcription. Check it out! Western Front Assoc

New Information

Continuing my research into my grandfather's military experience, I posted a request for information about the Royal Field Artillery special reserves, ranks, makeup and such to the Great War Forum. As I've always said, this forum is a must for anyone trying to find information about a relative that served in the British Army in the Great War.

I found out that my grandfather joined the regular RFA in or around 1905 (which put him at the age of 18). After 6 years he transferred to the RFA reserves, which is not the special reserves. He remained in the reserves until he was activated in 1914. While serving in the regular RFA he received an additional education, as shown in his composition certification. In 1911 he received his assistant signal instructors certification.

Tweet?

I was told by a knowledgeable person that to sell books you have to really get involved in social networking, which includes "Tweeting". Now I'm a person of reasonable intelligence and I'm fairly savvy with today's technology. Somehow I missed the training manual for Tweeter. I received all these tweets that I don't understand and don't know how to respond to. I send out tweets that are not responded too, or at lease I don't know if anyone responded.
   I have several followers but I'm not sure what they are following and I'm following several tweeters although I'm not sure what I'm following. It is a different world and I always thought I was current until now. So, if anyone understands this tweet thing I would appreciate a short dissertation on how it works.

As of now book sales are moving along and I'm expanding my marketing base. Marketing is harder than writing. Writing you can put it down and when you work on it you can focus on just your ideas.

The Western Front Assoc

The Western Front Association is dedicated to educating others on the history of the Western Front during World War One. I believe in the fine work that this association performs in presenting and preserving WWI heritage.
   I've been in communication with them regarding my grandfather's journal and they decided to post my transcription of the journal as well as the digital images of the first half. To view the journal and read the transcripts, go to http://www.westernfrontassociation.com/great-war-people/diaries/2613-the-diary-of-frederick-l-coxen-rfa.html

Sample Journal Entry

April 29 th 1915       THE GREAT PROMISE

We must have been spotted by an enemy observation airplane, for the German artillery gave it to us warm in the afternoon.

In the evening the officers made a bivouac beneath a layer of trees, just a few yards on my left. A few shells, real coal-boxes, were bursting very near the officers, so they moved into a dugout further over to the left. This was good fortune because a few minutes later a shell hit the tree and snapped it like a match.

Since other shells followed we had to leave the guns for a while. When the shelling was over, we went back to where the officer’s dugout had been. The hits had blown the place to pieces. The two coats that hung on the tree were absolutely in ribbons and almost everything else was ruined.

One of the officers had been sitting on a box of biscuits that was now blown yards away. The box was reduced to a piece of twisted metal with not even one biscuit remaining. Everything was almost unrecognizable, including the bodies of the officers.

Mr. Dowling, one of the officer’s servants, got both his arms badly splintered. All night the enemy continually shelled the roads to our right rear.

F G Coxen's Military Career

My grandfather may or may not have had an interesting military career but I believe that he did. He entered the service when he was either 17 or 18 by joining the Royal Field Artillery special reserves. I never had a chance to ask him why he choose the RFA but perhaps it was a chance to ride horses and fire canons.
  The training in the special reserves sounds much like that of the US National Guard. The reservist go each summer for two to three weeks of training and they can be called up for active duty when needed. Which was the case for my grandfather when he was called to active duty when Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914.
  When he was activated he had received training as a signalman for the RAF. This position required him to be in a forwards observation post to identify where the artillery shells were landing and report back to the battery so that they could adjust their effectiveness. In the beginning this was accomplished by using flags but by the time the war erupted they were using field telephones.  (see front cover on The Great Promise)
  My book, The Great Promise, is based upon my grandfather's memoirs of serving with the RFA during the early battles of the war. In one entry he describes how he and one of his close telephonist were called into their CO's office where he told them he was recommending them for a field promotion. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in August of 1915.
  According to his military records, he returned to England in September 1915 and was sent to review the AA (anti-aircraft) defenses around Liverpool; he was in this position from 5/1916 to 11/1916.   During this time he held the position of Adjutant and was responsible for the establishing and operating the defenses for Liverpool.  
  By December of 1916 he returned to the RFA and was responsible for training new recruits until November of 1917. At his time he was sent back to France and placed in charge of an anti-aircraft battery in Paris, France. He remained in this position until November of 1918 when he returned to England.
  In July 1918 he was temporarily transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force to be in charge of their payroll department. He was promoted to the temporary rank of Lieutenant and after partitioning the RFA he was given the permanent rank of Lieutenant. The RFA requested his return but the RAF needed him so he remained with the RAF until his departure from the service later in 1919. After his departure he requested that he receive the rank of Captain since his responsibilities with the RAF were that of someone with a captain's rank. He was given his permanent rank of captain later that year.
  So my grandfather served with the RFA, the AA defense battery and the RAF during his military career.
               

More Research Results

My grandfather received a field commission to 2nd Lieutenant in 1915 but after that his commissions were rather confusing. Case in point is the following letter.

In this communication he is requesting that he be considered for permanent rank of Lieutenant with pay reimbursement at a Lieutenant's pay scale retroactive to when he was promoted to Lieutenant on July 1, 1917, which must have been a temporary rank. I say this because this correspondence is dated June of 1919 and he uses 2/Lieut Hon Lieut F. Coxen. Yet, in this correspondence dated 10th December 1916 he uses "From t-Captain F. Coxen R.F.A, "t" possibly representing temporary.
  So was he promoted to the temp rank of Captain prior to his temp rank of Lieutenant?  Was he given this temp rank because he was Acting Adjutant, Liverpool A.A. Defenses.

Then in 1919 he partitioned for the permanent rank of Captain, which was awarded.

THE GREAT PROMISE

Blessed With Friends

Everyday I experience unexpected help and support from so many people. Today a fellow writer congratulated me on releasing The Great Promise. He pursued it further by including my story in his blog, http://www.lifeisabook.com/blog/?p=308  I now realize how many lives I've touched during the past four years and how they took the journey with me and find joy in helping me bring my dream to fruition. To ALL of you - Thanks

Old George

The journal contains two Georges, the first being George Bramwell and the second is George Millington. If you purchase The Great Promise then you'll find the differences between the two. However, George Millington was a major character in my grandfather's writings and they were dear friends; as shown by the following letter. I don't know if my grandfather ever found "Old George" but I hope that he did.

More Discoveries

Even after I completed the book I continued to look over my grandfather's military documents and in the process I've uncovered missing pieces of information; such as: Promotions

In April of 1915 his CO recommended him for a field promotion. According to his record book he was awarded the promotion to 2nd Lieut on 8/21/1915. Then when he was adjutant for the AA batteries defending Liverpool he was given the temporary rank of Captain. However, he was given the permanent rank of Lieut on 7/1/1917.

He was transferred to the newly formed Royal Field Artillery in 1918 and remained there until 1919. After leaving the service he partitioned the military to award him the permanent rank of Captain because of his position of responsibility during his time with the RAF. He was award his rank later in 1919.

Social Media

Spent time using social media sites for marketing. Since Amazon posted my book to their site today I was able to use this information for promoting the book.
  First I added my book to "GoodReads" website. For those that don't know about this site, it is one of the best sources for reviewing and rating books. If you're an avid reader and you know what books interest you, you can go to this website and pull up the appropriate category  for your type of book and presto books appear and you can checkout their review rating. It is a little risky for the author to post their masterpiece because your book may not receive favorable reviews, which is usually a death sentence for sales.
  Of course I posted information on my Facebook page and sent messages to everyone I could think of. The only problem is that CreateSpace doesn't report live sales numbers so I don't know how the book is selling. According to CS Amazon sales are reported within four days after the manufacture of the order. What this boils down to is a customer places an order and it is forwarded to production which schedules the book to be printed. Once printed it is boxed and shipped. The author's account isn't credited for the sale until the book is printed and your account is up-dated. Wouldn't it be nice if they credited the account when credit card is approved?

Now my loyal followers it is time to go to Amazon and order your copy of The Great Promise. If you've been following my posts, you know the work and time I spent on presenting an unforgettable book. Please check it out.

Post Partum Blues

Here I sit wondering what to do next. I released my book but it hasn't appeared on Amazon yet. Until that happens it really doesn't exist except in my e-store.

I order books for my book launch on August 24th but they will not arrive until, cross your fingers, August 22.

I thought I heard a drum roll when I clicked the button "I approve the proof". However, the cymbals never reported the results. How true it is that participation is ten-percent of  anticipation, or is it the other way around. Regardless of the structure, I was anticipating more of a response and it didn't happen!

It will never be known when or whom purchased the first book. I would like to know that information because that person purchased a part of me and I would like to thank them and find out why they did it; what made my book stand out from the rest.

So here I sit. All dressed up with nowhere to go. God! I'm beginning to sound like Eeyore!

The site "Good Reads" is brought up by many. They ask if my book will be listed on their site. Until they asked I didn't know it existed. I'm now a proud member but after trying several methods for adding my book it came down to, "only librarians can add a book"; I didn't pursue that avenue. I believe that a book has to be released by the publisher in order for it to exist - at least it seems that way.

So here I stand - got tired of sitting, pacing the floor wondering what I can do to make life move a little faster - at least in the realm of books.

First Journal Entry

This is the first page from my grandfather's journal. The entries begin on August 4th 1914 and end in May of 1915. He served in the 40th Battery, 43rd Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery. In 1918 he was transferred to the newly formed Royal Air Force where he served in accounting and payroll until 1919.

Hard Facts About Marketing

Everything I've read relaid the message that to be successful you have to develop a marketing plan and then stick to it. I did just that and so when my book was released, I started to implement the first part of the plan, which was to activate my support base.

I thought that my family and friends would help spread the word and push my book - wrong! With releasing my book I was riding on an emotional high by finally reaching a four year goal. However, my support group wasn't directly involved and therefore not at the same level of involvement as I was. Personal involvement leads to commitment, without participation, words are not converted into action.

People, which includes family and friends, are involved in their own lives and by nature they proceed through their day without wanting additional burden. Therefore, your greatest asset of a pyramid of exponential numbers is only potential energy.

Thank goodness I was diverse in my plan which included organizations and websites. Even these are difficult to motivate to action. I found this to be true with the Western Front Association, Great War Forum, and a few others.

Only sure thing is paid advertising and that is cost prohibitive. I suppose that marketing a book is like writing one in that both take a great deal of time before results are displayed.

I was hoping that upon releasing the book I would see leap in initial sales - it didn't happen. Disappointing but expected.  

FOR SALE

I just approved the final book proof and "The Great Promise" is for SALE!!

It will take a couple of days for it to be listed on Amazon, however it can be purchased on The Great Promise

For those that have been following my blog the time has arrived to act on your interest in see what self-publishing is all about - the finished product.

Houston! We Have A Problem

In one of my earlier postings I said that I talked with a customer service representative from Create Space regarding the correction of just one element. I thought that I gave her my approval of the remainder of the book so that once the correction was changed they could move on with printing.

Will it never goes like one believes it will. I received an email informing me that the service group applied for a proof book to be printed and shipped. Now I have to wait a few days for the book to be printed and a couple more for shipping. This would place the print date around August 17 th, just one week prior to my book launch. This is not good!!

I'm thinking of accepting the proof before I actually receive it in order to move up the print date. I examined the digital proof in detail and didn't fine an error so my comfort level is elevated.

I'll wait until Friday to see if they printed the book and shipped it. If it isn't, I'll accept the changes and the book should to into print next week and shipped by the end of the week. They should arrive at the gallery by the middle of the week of the 24th.

The Second Proof

Received an email from Create Space that the corrected proof could be downloaded for review. I downloaded the file but I was about to leave on a trip so I didn't have a great deal of time to look it over. The first error was found within the first few pages.

The first change I made was removing the "fictionalized description of the following", and added "memoir account of the following battles:". The change resulted in, "memoir account of the following: the following battles".

I quickly reviewed the other changes  and each seemed correct so I called the Create Space service desk. I requested the correction to the double "following" and told them that the other changes seem correct so I approve the proof. The representative said that the minor change would take two business days, which is hard to believe in this day and age.

Even if it does take two days the book would be finished on the requested date of August 8th, although it would be ready for printing on that date. It is my hope that the book would be in print by the end of the week.

I'm feeling that the up-coming book launch is going to be huge so I'm considering the purchase of 200 books, that is in addition to the 50 free books. With that quantity I'll have to prepare a standard quote or the signing would become a nightmare. Anyone out there have a suggestion on how I should handle this?

Electronic Book?

In this day and age many readers have strayed from the marvelous feeling of hold a book while reading. The smell of a newly printed book when it is first opened. However, like so many of our old standards such as magazines, newspapers, music CD and movie DVDs, times are a changing.

In order to make money, or break even, I have to consider publishing my book electronically on the Kindle format. The royalties are higher but the reader's cost per book lower, but then again the volume is higher, so I guess the money that can be made is about the same.

To convert the book to electronic format I contacted Create Space. They have a program that will convert the book but they didn't say if it is free. It seems that nothing is free except advice and often, if taken, can be very expensive.

I haven't heard from Create Space on the progress they're making on the changes I've made. Wondering why, I logged on and saw that my upload of changes were still active. I clicked on the update button and my upload vanished from the page. This worried me since I uploaded the changes over a week ago and my print deadline is approaching. Worried, I sent a message to my support contact wondering why I haven't been contacted regarding the changes and I was told that until I actually sent the changes they didn't have the information to work with. It would take 7 business days for them to make the alterations and then a couple of days for print and mail the proof. My God! This is cutting it close - too close.

With the launching coming up on the 24th, I fear that the books will have to be sent express in order to make it to the Gallery on time, which will cost a lot more for shipping. I'll keep you posted on how this event unfolds.

Organizing The Launch

I met with Nancy from the gallery that will host my first book launch. She sent out their news letter that included an ad for the launch (eyecandygallery@centurylink.net via mail29.us1.mcsv.net ) 
An ad is was also placed in a local magazine, the Pinestraw. 


I'm concerned if the book will be published in time to place an order and have it delivered to the art gallery in time for the
launching. 


There hasn't been any feedback from Ken, my WWI expert even-though it is the first of August and he said that he would
read it by the end of July.  I'm also waiting to hear from the webmaster from the Western Front Assoc. to see if he received 
the journal images I sent as well as the corresponding transcriptions. It seems that you try so hard to do what counts and 
then it comes down to depending on others and I'm helpless to influence the timing. 

This coming week I'll meet with my daughter to organize a time and place to give a presentation to a group of seniors in 

one of her healthcare facilities. I'm going to promote that they consider writing their stories for their family's. In the process 

I'll tell them about my experience in writing the book and the power of the journal. 

Review Services

I've been researching services that offer a professional that will read my book and write an honest, objective review. They are a little pricey, but then again I'm not having a great deal of success getting a known reviewer to read and evaluate my work. One additional benefit is that some services, like Clarion, add the review to their database and it is used by libraries and other institutions for selecting books.

Create Space, my self-publishing company, offers this service through both Clarion, and Kirkus Indie. I was torn as to which one to select since they sort of specialize in different markets. Kirkus was interesting since show and movie writers use this service to scan for new books that could be of interest. Those that have read my book say that it would make a great movie, especially with the 100 year anniversary coming up. But, being conservative, I decided to go with Clarion, since Baker & Collins use their service to select books, and they supply all the US military bases. I figure my target reader are those interested in military history.

I feel nervous putting my book out there for review. So much is pending on the out come and one never knows how their work will be received. It would be salt rubbed into a wound if I didn't receive a favorable result after paying for it. I guess it goes along with, "if you believe in your story then proceed".  

Free, Free

For those loyal followers! Sign up to follow my blog and for those that do join, I'll have a drawing August 23rd for a signed copy of my new book, "The Great Promise". The first three names, randomly selected, will received a book, so make sure that you include your email address so I can contact you in case you win.

All I ask from the winners is an honest evaluation of my book posted on this blog. As of today I have over 500 visitors yet only one follower, (that being me when I tested the application), so sign up and get the opportunity to receive your own, original first printing of "The Great Promise".

With the release of the book just a few weeks away, I just want to tell those loyal followers, THANK YOU. I hope that my blog has helped some of you understand the trials and tribulations of writing and self-publishing a book.

My blog will continue to follow my experiences during the marketing and distributing of the book. Perhaps through me others can learn what works and what doesn't in the unknown world of books.

Getting It Right

I've had the chance to look over the book proof and found a few errors. I contacted Create Space and inquired as to the process for making changes. I was told that they would attach a change form to my account which would allow me to make up to 80 text changes without incurring an additional expense, unless the error was their fault. I'm uncertain if they count each letter or text as in a word. If it is based on each figure, then 80 isn't a realistic number.

From my account I downloaded the change form and began the process of finding and recording the mistakes. One issue was spacing between the period at the end of one sentence and the letter at the beginning of the next sentence. It varied throughout the book without rhyme or reason. Since this was a book-wide problem I called Create Space to find out how to handle it. Their service representative requested that I give her an example. Of course it took me a little time to locate an example. She pulled up my submitted manuscript to determine if the error was their fault or mine; It was their error.

She thought that it could be handled by their design department but wasn't sure so she would get back to me.  The next morning I received an email from the design staff stating that I would have to record each instance on the change form. Knowing that there were more than 80 cases and statistically my chance of missing one or more would be probable, I called the support line.

This time the representative said that she would have a member of the design team call me so that we could explore possible solutions. It took a couple of hours before I received the call, but it was good news because the designer discovered that the problem was in the type of word font that was used. They had experienced a similar issue and by changing the font would correct the problem. THANK YOU LORD!

On one page I found that apostrophes in a conjunction, such as "can't" were replaced with right pointing arrows, such as "can>t. I wasn>t sure this was another font issue or something else so I recorded it on the change form just in case.

In order to meet my August deadline I completed the change form today and downloaded it to my account. The design representative told me that she would make the font change at the same time they make my requested changes. The whole process would take less than a week and they would mail me another proof for me to approve.  Once I approve the proof the book should be available for print within a week, which is within my deadline for ordering books for the book launch on August 24th.

I'll sleep a little better tonight knowing that the book will be in print on time.

Proofing The Proof

I finally returned home after travelling for two weeks. There waiting for me was the proof copy of my book.

Removing it from the confines of its cardboard encasement I marveled at the impressive book cover. However, I had envisioned the book being thicker then it was. Whenever I printed out a manuscript it amounted to almost 190 pages, yet the final book contained but 134 pages.

Immediately I delved into reviewing the contents of possible errors. I already knew that I wanted to change the statement that it was a "fictionalized account of the following". The first error I spotted was in the "Prologue". The next to the last sentence was cut short and its ending was carried down to start a new sentence.

On page 6 my conception of Fred reviewing his journal is italicized and indented matching that of the journal entries, this must be reformatted.

I'm not overly pleased with the maps, however most readers skip the maps in order to maintain the flow of the story, besides, I can't change them now.

Over all the book looks and reads well.

I a little concerned about the price I decided upon. Comparing other books, I ended up with a price somewhere in the middle, but the competition's books are of smaller dimension thus have more pages than mine. I'm afraid that potential readers will compare cost per page than content. Again, it is something I can not change right now.

Apprehension must be a normal feeling prior to the release of one's first book. It is unknown, uncharted territory with much riding on it. As I've always done, draw in a deep breath and move forwards with confidence that I can make the necessary adjustments as issues unfold.

On Monday I shall call Create Space and find out how to go about making the changes I discovered. I'm torn between forging ahead, "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" mentality and getting things right. It would be a mistake not to make the corrections now because if discovered by the readers they might think the book was poorly written. Once released it is out there for the world to evaluate!



 

Spreading The Word

I just inquired if the editor for the Western Front Assc. received the journal transcription and the first half of the page images. I'm very interested in finding out his reaction to its contents.

The final manuscript was sent to my contact at the Imperial War Museum in  London. I would like his views on the content as well as it possible contribution towards presenting the personal side of war. I told him that I would send him a signed copy when the book is published.

Curious, I Googled the BBC on WWI and discovered that the Imperial War Museum is involved in a WWI project of collecting photographs and stories from families of WWI soldiers. They want to present them each week until the anniversary in 2014. I believe that my project would be an excellent source to contribute to their project.

I'm a member of the "Public Information Network", which covers topics for Public Radio/ TV. At times they present questions for members response. I decided to present a question for them to consider, "What do they know about the history of WWI". Perhaps they should consider getting the US involved in the 100th anniversary of the war.

The Winner Is

The Imperial War Museum in London will be the final resting place for my grandfather's journal and military documents; the Royal Artillery Museum didn't respond to my inquiry.

My contact at the RAM was excited to receive the original and said that he would be willing to meet with me if I decided to present the documents myself, which I would love to share with my two siblings. Along with my inquiry I included a description of my book and the story behind the journal. He stated that he would be interested in reading the book and offering a review. 


Since I have two proof copies of the book, I'll send one of them to him. If he enjoys the book, perhaps he can request the museum's bookstore to purchase a few. Maybe I could get the BBC involved by hyping the donation of my grandfather's documents and the corresponding book. This could be very interesting!

Time To Reflect

I've been on vacation traveling out west via a 40 foot motor-home. This has given me a chance to pause and gain a perspective on the events of the past several months, as well as contemplate the sequence of happenings for the next six months.

There are a few changes to the book that I feel important and I suppose I could make them before my returning home and shorten the turn-around time for publishing. However, seeing the book proof and thumbing through its pages is an important step in the process.

One reviewer suggested that I add more details about my grandfather, such as where and the date he was born. I suppose this would allow the reader to get to know a little more about the man before reading his adventures. How important this would be is an unknown and since I'm limited to the quantity of changes, I believe I'll focus on revising the genera from historical fiction to non-fiction or memoir. The only place I mention fiction is in the beginning of the book but to get around it will require several sentence changes.

I haven't received a response from any of the Amazon reviewers. It has only been a few days so I'll have to suck it up and wait before sending out additional inquiries.

Even though I read that writers should continue their writing in stead of marketing their book or books, I have a difficult time letting go and focusing on writing. Perhaps my lack of writing is because I never contemplated on becoming a writer. My only goal was to write and publish my grandfather's story. I feel marketing is essential in order to distribute the book and get it into the hands of as many readers as possible. Until I feel that I've given the book a chance of becoming a success, I will not be able to consider writing a follow up book.

The Package Has Been Delivered

Just received the proof book, or I should say that my daughter received it. I happen to be on vacation so I had it delivered to my daughter's house. She opened the package and sent me a picture of the book - can't wait to hold it in my hands and know that it is for real.

I've been sending emails to Amazon book reviewers inquiring if any of them would like to review my book. According to what I've read a book with positive reviews is more successful than those without. This is especially true if you're lucky enough to have one of the more popular reviewers read your book.

As soon as I look over the proof and make the necessary changes I'll download the updates and hopefully it will go into print by the first part of August. According to my package I'll receive 50 free books, which will go out to reviewers. I'll order 100 or more for the book launch and other personal appearances.

Researching how to market your book, I read that some believe that to make any money as a writer you have to keep writing books and not spend time on marketing them - the old numbers game. Others say you should balance the two. All agree that some sort of marketing has to take place and continue for awhile. That it takes time to build up readers so a continuous marketing plan will build readers.

As for myself, I didn't plan to become a writer, I only wrote the book because I believed in the story and I felt compelled to tell my grandfather's story. For this reason I'm trying hard to get the message out and become a one book wonder. Although, the bug has bitten me and the thought of a second book is creeping into my realm of possibilities.

Non-Failure To Launch

Will the date and time are set for my first book launch, it will be August 24th, 6:30 pm to 10:30 in the Eye Candy Gallery in Southern Pines, North Carolina. If anyone lives in the area, consider yourself invited.

My friends Frank Pierce and Nancy are advertising it and I'm adding all my contacts in the area so it should be a fairly good turn out - although I have no clue of how many books I might need.

Anyone have a suggestion?

I suppose the quantity isn't critical since I'll be having other chances to unload them.

Yesterday I was contacted by the design group that will create my book trailer. They had several questions that I had to answer about what I envisioned for the trailer. In essence I said that I wanted it to be just like the NPR podcast that used an actor with a British accent to read one of the more compelling journal excerpts. Something that will grab a reader's attention and make them want to buy it in order to read more.  

Residuals

What I've discovered from my project is that I'm receiving residuals from my research. Since I posted so many request for information and journal entries over the past four years some responses are still trickling in. As example, just the other day I received a post on a subject I originally back in July 2011, almost one year ago. The fellow wanted to thank me for posting excerpts from the journal. He was visiting a war memorial around Flanders to find his great uncle's grave, who served in the RFA , from 1916 until is death. He went on to say that they helped him to understand, at a deeper level, what it must have been like to be a soldier. 

This was for this reason I posted the excerpts.To have readers experience the war through the descriptive writing of one man.. 

Not too long ago I heard from a researcher who added information to my post  on Great War Forum. He listed information on soldier by the last name of Haywood. I had to search the journal to determine where Haywood's name was mentioned. As it turned out it was when my grandfather was visiting some old friends in another battery. They were talking about old times and that is when they told him about Haywood's death.

Bits and pieces of information comes in from various sources and each is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Scheduling The Launch

Now that I have an idea of when the book will be released, I'm going to schedule my first book launch party for the end of August. It is going to be held in the art gallery where some of my paintings are on display. The name of the gallery is "The Eye Candy Art Gallery" and is located in Southern Pines, NC.

Over the past six months I've been accumulating emails of those I would invite and will bulk send them all an invitation. Frank, the owner, will advertise the party in local media as well as an extensive list of clients. It should be an exciting night.

I'm uncertain of the number of books to order for this event but even if I over order it will not matter for I'm scheduling other launches and signings.

Perhaps the publicity will create an interest for the local bookstore to schedule a book signing, sort of a double dip for sales.

My marketing avenues will include Amazon US, UK, and Europe, Library of Congress, library book catalog, news media and several other book suppliers. I believe in the shotgun approach and then focus in on what moves.

I would love to send a book to Tom Hanks, or the other well known producers such as Clint and suggest they start filming so that it would be ready for release by 2014. I would be willing to sit in on the filming and help as the journal expert!

The Proof Book

I contacted Create Space to find out the time frame for wrapping up the book. They responded that they finished the book cover and will be mailing out the printed book proof for me to review and if I approve it, then it could be released for sale within five business days. If I want, I could give them a date for release so that I could plan for it.

How strange it all seems that after working on this project for so long that it is, or at lease the first portion of it is coming to conclusion. I have focused on the one goal of completing the book and getting it published. Now the time is near and the race is only half over. I have to create a new mindset from writing to marketing. If I don't make this transition then my dream of walking into a bookstore and finding my book on their shelf will die.

Perhaps it is because it is my first book, or that it was written out of love for my family, but whatever the reason my grandfather's journal stories will always lie just below the surface. An example of this happened last night while I was watching fireworks. The big ones that spiral towards the heavens and then explode with the sound of an artillery shell, lighting up the sky with all forms of color. My mind made the journey back to WWI and my grandfather's description of standing on a ridge, as the day faded into night, over looking the continuing battle around Mons, Belgium. He said that he stood there in awe, like a kid watching a fireworks display, looking at the shells exploding over the battlefield. Listening to the exploding fireworks I wondered if artillery shells were as loud or louder. Then I began to realize that the sound of bursting shells was only a minor element. I couldn't possibly comprehend the horror that one would experience when shells would strike the ground around you and lift up large sections of earth. This horrific experience would continue for hours until fear would consume one's very soul. I can only imagine.

Magazine Article

I'm working with the editor of, "The Western Front Association" (WFA) on including journal transcriptions, along with page images, in the WFA magazine. This will be a great opportunity to introduce their members to the content on my book thus creating interest in purchasing a copy.

The editor already agreed to review The Great Promise and add his review to the corresponding book review section of their magazine.

Next project - take on the big military magazines! Attack! Attack!

Building The Pipeline

Lets see where I am.

Blogs:
Writing My First Book and The Great Promise
Facebook: Frederick Coxen - about the author and book
Website: wwone100yearanniversary.com
Twitter

Member of: 
Great War Forum, RootsChat, Western Front Assoc, The Long, Long Trail, Ancestry, First World War, UK National Archives and a few others

Reviewed By:
Penny Freeman -http://bit.ly/L2pTel 
Ken Marsden - hasn't finished
Anne Skinner - editor of Australian newspaper

Waiting on Create Space to send my proof copy

Created my email list to spread the word

I'm sure I'm missing something. It is a full time job just keeping my blogs up-to-date and social networking wherever I can.

Why do I have this feeling that the work has just started? Perhaps its because its the quiet before the storm. Once I play Paul Revere and get the word out I'll have to do book signings, book launching, interviews and God knows what else.

I'll have to get a publicist! Perhaps an agent or legal counsel for TV show or movie contracts. I'll have to buy a new suit in case I get invited to the White House or to be knighted by the Queen!

Ya never know what might be around the corner!

Perhaps I'm a little ahead of myself but it feels good to dream of the possibilities - although I doubt I would be knighted. In fact I could get into trouble because family lore has it that my grandfather, while rewiring the British Parliament building, sat on the Throne of England while eating his ham and cheese sandwich - I wonder if he left any tell-tail chums behind?

 If this book is a success, I wonder if I could write a second volume about his life after the war? Anyone have thoughts on this subject? Care to write a comment or join the blog or request a signed book?

The Great Promise: First Review

The Great Promise: First Review

The Expert

I just received an email in response to my request for a WWI expert to review my manuscript.

The gent is in the UK and he is a member of RootsChat and he said he would be pleased to review my manuscript.

This is huge because it will give creditably to the book as well as assure me that the facts I used in writing the battle descriptions are correct. I would be embarrassed if the book is published with errors that would be recognized by those knowledgeable in WWI history.

I'm always amazed with the number of people that go out of their way to help. On the flip side are those that don't bother to get involved at all.

As I have posted, I have contacted several people requesting their time to review the manuscript and never received a reply. Even when enticed with a digital copy of the journal, which I would think be of great interest. Even museums are unresponsive. I sent several queries to the Royal Artillery museum asking them if they would be interested in the journal - never a reply. It has been almost a week since I emailed the Imperial War Museum inquiring if they would like to replace the digital copy with the original journal, still no reply.

I guess I was raised during a time when manners were taught and expected at home. That you respond to people when they're trying to communicate with you. I should stop complaining since I can change things.

Still waiting to hear from Create Space on the time frame for receiving the proof copy of the book. Right now I have the patients of a child at Christmas Eve. I have my finger on the trigger to launch my marketing plan. All I need is a date that the book will be available.

Sequel?

Currently I'm communicating with some knowledgeable members on "Roots Chat" about obtaining information on George Millington. This George took the place of the first George who died in the battle of Marne.

I'm hoping they have the ability to look-up other members of the 40th battery which could be very interesting. I have my doubts because other sources said that the army didn't keep records at the battery level - I don't know but it seems to me that those in charge of a battery would want to know if everyone was present and accounted for.

I would like to research more about the 40th battery. There seems to be more information about other RFA batteries but not the 40th, which is strange considering their configuration was the same.

If you're wondering what I'm talking about you'll have to wait for my book to be released.

The Review

On Wednesday I received my first review located at: http://amindwandering.blogspot.com/ 
I was very pleased with how the reviewer used passages from the book to support their insightful understanding of the book's passages.

From review:
"The Book:
I opened this manuscript expecting a novel constructed around the framework of Captain (then artilleryman) Coxen. However, I found the actual journal entries, and they are more powerful than any novelist could fictionalize."

"In addition to the transcription of his grandfather's journal, Rick Coxen provides us with commentary about the battles, the war, some of the weapons Captain Coxen refers to, and his own experiences researching both the war and his grandfather's mates. Because of this, and the fact that he ad to clarify or guess at some of the entries, he originally thought to present it as historical fiction. However, this is truly a memoir and a powerful one, not only of his grandfather's experiences but his own in uncovering a lot and forgotten past."

"Despite his classic British stoicism, Coxen inwardly weeps for his mates, the obscene loss of life, the horrific, grizzly effects of modern technology pitted against antiquated battle strategies. His loneliness away from his wife and baby daughter makes it but once or twice onto the page. He peppers his observations with his dry British whit, but his yearning to end the madness and go home bleeds through as subtext. When the journal entries stop abruptly just when the German begin chemical warfare, it comes as a relief."

"Rick Coxen provides excellent back story on the war, as well as commentary on his own search for his grandfather's trench mates. Unfortunately, like the war, few definitive answers are reached, but Rick's greater understnading of and connection to his grandfather makes the journey one worth taking."

 "Bottom line:  This is not a historian's book or a novelist's book. One cannot call it brilliantly executed. However, it is a good book and one people should read, discuss, and share. They need to keep it on their shelves to be reminded of the horrors of war, the futility of sending millions of men to their deaths, and the up-close-and-personal we too often forget when analyzing battle strategies and politics and who assassinated whom."

"