Trench 31

Clive Ward’s fascinating World War I book “Trench 31” centers on three young Derby men who want to adventure and join in the military. They are dispatched to the front after receiving instruction in Britain. Their notions of adventure were soon dashed by the ever-present fear of artillery bombardment and the arbitrary nature of life and death. Life in the trenches is only tolerable because of their strong friendship and grim sense of humor.