Publisher's Synopsis
A series of fictionalised short stories (The Old Contemptibles) written for teenagers who love stories based on real events. They are based on the heroic actions of men awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in WW1 and honour the memory of ordinary men called upon to do extraordinary things. Whilst they are fictional accounts, there is the hope they might encourage a new generation to investigate and learn about the actions of true heroes in a war meant to 'end all wars.' The book contains four glimpses into the bravery of men in WWI for young adults. Four men-four deadly missions: - William Campbell-Royal Irish Rifles - reach enemy lines, capture soldier, and provide vital information about enemy positions.- Gordon Henry Blake-First Battalion of the Scots Guards -transport ammunition through 'Bomb Alley' to help prevent the slaughter of trapped troops. - H. Hodder -Royal Engineers - bike orders through enemy territory to enable French troops to advance. - Daniel Laidlaw-King's Own Scottish Borderers. - use his bagpipes to inspire men to advance into battle.Exceptional circumstances, exceptional men. All winners of the DCM for outstanding bravery.The German Kaiser called the British Army Regulars a 'contemptible' group of soldiers who dared to take on the might of the German army. He was to live to regret this slur as this group succeeded in thwarting the German army's progress through France.
