Kitchener's Army

Britain's World War I army, numbering over five million, was unprecedented in the country's history, with nearly half being volunteers. Around 2.5 million men enlisted between 1914 and 1915, many drawn by Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener's appeals. Peter Simkins details the formation of Kitchener's New Armies and assesses the political, economic, and social impacts of the recruitment drive. He delves into the experiences and perceptions of the officers and men, exploring their reasons for enlisting and their preparation for active service. By examining diverse sources, he challenges established notions about the 'rush to the colors' and patriotism in 1914. This book appeals to both history students and general readers curious about Britain's citizen soldiers in the Great War.