Blood and Bandages gives us an insight into the life of William Earl when he was enrolled into the Royal Army Medical Corps, He was a Nursing Orderly with the 214th Field Ambulance Unit. Born in May 1915, he was training as a chemist’s assistant when he was called up to join the RAMC in 1940. William saw action in North Africa and the entire Italian Campaign including Salerno, Anzio and the Gothic Line.
Review
Blood and Bandages is a true life account of William Earl’s life in the RAMC and the run up to being enlisted. Written by William Earl himself with the help from Liz Coward, this book follows one man from the run up to War being declared, through some of the bloodiest battles and frontlines known to man and onwards to Victory.
Blood and Bandages is published by Sabrestorm Publishing and can be purchased from Casemate. It is a hardback book with 160 pages of high quality gloss paper which is jam packed with William Earl’s experiences or War, information about the layout and positions of the different aid posts including the dangers that faced them. It also mentions other in depth information about the RAMC that may not be common knowledge. The book consists of text and images including some pictures from William’s personal archive.
The Format of Blood and Bandages is set out in a way that makes it easy to read and also notice what parts are written by William Earl and the parts written by second Author Liz Coward. Liz focuses on the background of the Royal Army Medical Corps and War Situations in North Africa and Italy.
Conclusion
In my personal opinion, I really enjoyed Blood and Bandages. It’s got a lot of information in it that interests me. However, I would begrudge paying £20 for an A5 sized book which is mostly full of common knowledge information. It also has some information in it that doesn’t need to be in the book which at times spoils the book. I like how it has William’s personal accounts in most of the book which appeals to me as a reader, I would enjoy it more if it was just his work.
SUMMARY
Highs: I found the parts of the title written by William Earl particularly interesting to me.Lows: I felt that the parts authored by Liz Coward broke up the flow of the book.Verdict: While I enjoyed the book for the most part I felt the cost was on the high side.
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About Darren Baker (CMOT) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...
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