Biggleswade and the Great War: Our Own Flesh and Blood

Told through the experiences of those who fought and those who remained behind, this is the story of how the Great War affected Biggleswade. This book does not just offer basic details of the men from communities who were killed during the Great War, but builds and humanizes their stories in the context of the war, and explores how this impacted a typical town of the period. Letters from the men at the front feature throughout, revealing the stoicism, fortitude, humor, and determination of those who fought. The author uses his own research, war diaries, and local newspapers to weave local, national, and international strands of the story together. Out of a population of just more than 6,000 Biggleswade saw 199 of its men killed, while hundreds of others were wounded. This fascinating account does not seek to glorify war but strives to ensure that these men are not forgotten, and that their sacrifice is remembered.