The Somme was surely one of the bloodiest rendezvous for battle of all time. High Wood, dominating the Bazentin Ridge, was the fiercely contested focal point of the battle. The Germans showed great determination and sacrifice defending the feature and it was not until September that it finally fell to the attackers. Ironically the successful divisional commander was rewarded with dismissal for wanton waste of men". This exceptional book not only paints a graphic and gruesome picture of the fighting but sheds light on the problems of high command."