That is my story, and if I had to go through it again, I would do it gladly for my country and the flag.''

In this fascinating collection you will find more than 20 personal accounts of World War I from those who experienced it themselves. These stories range from accounts of life in the trenches to the terrifying ordeals of going ''over the top'' to the sudden truce and festive atmosphere that broke out on Christmas Day, 1915.

Filled with moments of tension, tragedy, and, on occasion, even humour, these tales open a window into the experiences of those soldiers who fought in what was known at the time as ''The Great War.