‘No Finer Courage’
An appraisal by Liz Stewart-Liberty (June 2004)That war is obscene no one can deny – however we must remember those involved in past horrific conflicts and the sacrifices they made. That’s why ‘No Finer Courage’ by Michael Senior is so important to this village (and all the other villages in Great Britain similarly affected but not so fortunate as to have had such a fine memorial as this splendid testament to the courage of all those fighting men).
Mike was able to call on the personal memories of living descendants of those who answered the call to arms in 1914 - 1918 which make this book so poignant and personal. It is this quality which gives ‘No Finer Courage’ a unique claim on our time and indulgence. If you can, read it in one go. As I said at the launch, it builds to a climax that is so terrifying, so unavoidable and so wasteful it verges on the farcical.
Possibly those involved in the combat realised the futility of their endeavour, which makes their courage and steadfast obedience and faith ever more remarkable.
From a rustic, peaceful, predictable life these men were plunged into the abyss of unimaginable horror. What a contrast – life at The-Lee to the struggle for survival on the battlefield. From trees to trenches, cheerfulness to chaos, birdsong to bullets.
Mike has captured the crescendo of the battlefield, the hideous inevitability and the courage of our men, in this remarkable, well-written, immaculately researched book, which he has asked me to review and which I heartily recommend...