The gas war : the Abernethy brothers and the Special Brigade in World War One

Johnston, Graham2018

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Summary

Gas warfare in the First World War is notorious, but not much is widely known about the techniques used on the British and German sides, or about the actual experiences of those involved. This is the story of two Shetland brothers, ordinary soldiers in Britain's gas unit, the Special Brigade. Their service at the Somme is set in the wider context of the gas war as a whole. Willie Abernethy died on the eve of the Battle of the Somme, but his brother Charlie went on to a long career as a global expert in golf-ball manufacture. Long afterwards Charlie's son found his war diary, which is at the heart of this story.Charles and William Abernethy from Shetland served in the Special Brigade during WW1. The Special Brigade were the gas warfare troops. William (Willie) died at the battle of the Somme Charles survived to become a global expert on the manufacture of golf balls. Based on Charles war diary, this book sets their service against the broader and little known story of Britain's gas troops.