No. 52

Dorothy Lawrence was an extraordinary lady who claimed to have infiltrated herself into the army and served for a time in the trenches. She has been written about before by feminist writers (mainly) and produced an account of her adventures herself. These accounts are totally unreliable and “Dorothy Lawrence – Sapper Extraordinary” was written to examine these accounts critically and put Sapper Dorothy in a correct perspective. This was a difficult task but A J Peacock’s careful scholarship has pulled it off. No. 52 also has an account of his war written for his mother – “What was it like? The Story of Dick Wills of York” – and enclosed with this issue are the six French postcards mentioned above. These are absolutely fascinating and put together make up a composite picture depicting Geman “frightfulness”. Until recently (perhaps still) they commanded huge prices from dealers. The cards and the 72 page journal here cost a pittance.

ISSN Number: 0951 662X