Ward, John (University of Edinburgh UK)

The 'Die-Hards' in Siberia: With the Middlesex Regiment Against the Bolsheviks 1918-19 Ward, John (University of Edinburgh UK)

With the Middlesex Regiment against the Bolsheviks 1918-19

This unusual book from the First World War period. It tells of the attempts of the British-in company with European and American allies and the Japanese-to stem the red tide of Bolshevism in Russia by providing military aid to the White Russian forces. These are the experiences of the men of Middlesex Regiment-'B-oners'-already worn out in other theatres of war and hoping their days of campaigning were about to be over-as they rose to an extraordinary challenge in the harshest of environments in the Siberian winter. This is a fascinating book for those interested in the sideshows of the Great War in which the typically stolid 'Tommy' served-here portrayed in the most affectionate terms by the author-who was also their Colonel. It is also a vital work for those interested in the Russian Revolution, the Civil War and the policies and attitudes of the involved nations as they created the conditions for another World War and helped establish the international balance of power for three quarters of a century.