Biography
A captivating and poignant biography of a Coldstream Guardsman in World War Two which looks at the hardships faced during battle by a man on the front line.
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Our Boy tells the factual and tragic, yet incredulous story of a Coldstream Guardsman in World War Two.
From the discovery of a bundle of old letters and documents, a journey of discovery unfolded that led to fascinating revelations of the exploits of the author’s uncle who died shortly after the end of World War Two. Using information from multiple sources, a story slowly emerged of friendship, bravery, deprivation, elation, and horror. It transpired that the battles he fought in were some of the most gargantuan and bloody of the war in Europe.
Dix explores the horrendous, gruelling battles of the Rhineland, crossing the Rhine and fighting innumerable battles across north-west Germany against the elite and fanatical German Parachute Army. The book also details the very human story of life at home where the family struggled to cope with the anxiety for their son’s safety, rationing, the blackout and all the hardships that come with war.
This is a gripping and fascinating biography of one man’s journey and the difficulties he faced during World War Two.
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Having read several history books documenting the latter years of World War 2, I found this story about the short life of Coldstream Guardsman, Basil Bateman particularly moving. One becomes accustomed and almost desensitised to injesting lots of grim facts and statistics whilst reading about the numerous battles the Allied forces faced from 1944 onwards. However this book, greatly portrays the horrors experienced by this young man from Oxfordshire, and the sights, sounds, and smells he would have encountered during his time in northern Europe. The author achieves a contrast from the mayhem on the battlefield and the relative tranquility of family life back in England. If you are looking for a book which really tells what it must have been like for an ordinary young chap like Basil thrown into the chaos of war, then I would recommend reading it, as this story delivers it comprehensively.
