The Defeat of Austria as seen by the Seventh Division by Rev E C Crosse

ISBN 1-847347-57-6

The final days of the First World War, and the role played by the Seventh Division in Italy. 1st Battalion RWF, as part of the 22nd Brigade, feature prominently.

My researches into the last days of my great Uncle, Edward Edwards 76913, killed at the assault on the Grave de Papadopoli, led me to this book. The index alone is worth every penny, as it details the casualty lists for each Regiment of the Division. Like the history of the Seventh Division, it is immaculately researched, and although the typeface is rather small, it rewards reading.

I now believe I understand how Edward died, in the initial assault on the fortified island, and had provided me with the incentive to visit the battlefield in this largely forgotten theatre of war in WW1.

A serious book, for the more scholarly researcher, but a good read nevertheless.

Just a quick update on the book.

Last night, I started researching the veracity of the claim that only 7 RW Fusiliers died in the Period of the crossing of the Piave. This seems wrong in light of the CWGC website entries for the RWF in the period October 18 - January 19. Although incomplete as yet, there are at least 20 RW Fusiliers buried in the area. Giavera records RWF, as well as the memorial to the missing. From a quick look, I think Giavera was the location of a Field Hospital, as many of the soldiers died of wounds, rather than Killed in Action. Still cannot find details of a 2nd Lt mentioned in the book, I continue.

As I delved further, it seems that the soldiers buried in Tezze, to the north of the river, were removed from graves n the island or north of the island, and bodies from Giavera were killed south of the river. Injured seem to have been taken to Giavera for treatment.

Maybe it shows that sometimes authoritative texts fall a little short on detailed examination. Nevertheless, still a good book with plenty of detail.

Onward, Pete