The Recollections of Rifleman Bowlby cover art

The Recollections of Rifleman Bowlby

W&N Military

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About this listen

A classic of WWII, this is the vivid memoir of Private Bowlby, who came through the North Africa campaign only to have to battle in bitter fighting against a stubborn and skilled German defence in Italy. It is a truly authentic account of what it was like to fight your way through one of the most gruelling and dangerous campaigns of the Second World War, where so often the hunters became the hunted.

©2021 Alex Bowlby (P)2021 Orion Publishing Group Military Military & War World War II Veteran War

Critic reviews

"One of the great Second World War memoirs...will be read as long as that war is remembered." (John Keegan)

"Extraordinary realism." (Sunday Times)

"A touch of the Somme and more than a hint of Wilfred Owen." (TLS)
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant book on the British battle for Italy and a top drawer narrator. Highly recommend

Excellent

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Warts and all story from a soldier’s view, it brings the horror and loss of life to the fore

A great read from the sharp end

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I loved how Alex fought his fear to see it through not everyone could summon that courage.He found a love of some men through his respect for them and that is human nature.I can't help wondering if I and I would like to think I would battle through as Alex did.

Not every man is a hero.

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When the book started I felt like i'd joined the story half way through but I stuck with it and i'm pleased I did . Unlike any war biography I have read . It's a warts and all account .Bravery and deserters... To be honest I think i might have deserted or have been found a gibbering wreck in the bottom of a slit trench given the awful things these men had to endure. As much as I enjoy war stories this book is a painful reminder of how terrible war is. Don't get me wrong there is alot of humour in this book and the comradeship that I think only soldiers that have been though war share. Roger Davis as usual does a brilliant job of narration. This book is a must for anyone interested in WW2 and first hand accounts

Gritty British WW2 Recollections

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This account of war shows the humour that the British squaddie can find in even the worst situation. His story telling uses all 5 senses to describe the battlefield. A good read.

Told with humour

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