Memoirs of an Infantry Officer

'An officer must be the last man to take shelter from fire, and the first to move forward.' First published in 1930, Memoirs of an Infantry Officer is a moving fictionalised account of Siegfried Sasson's own experiences fighting in World War I. At the centre of the novel is young, self-effacing yet brilliant officer, George Sherton, who, once enlisted in the British army, serves in the trenches. As Sherton navigates military life, we learn about his personal struggles and aspirations, unveil the true horrors of war and the brutal day-to-day realities faced by soldiers. After being sent home due to a life-altering injury, George re-examines the concept of war, critiquing its absurdities, sheer violence, and lack of acknowledgement of the psychological and physical toll it takes upon its participants. As compelling as it is poignant, Memoirs of an Infantry Officer is a sobering reminder of the senselessness of war and conflict. This audiobook edition is skilfully narrated by Malk Williams. Siegfried Sassoon (1886 – 1967) was an English poet, writer and soldier, famed for his recollections of World War I. Although decorated for bravery on the Western Front, Sassoon was deeply critical of the continuation of war, and attempted to distil the utter terror of battle through his writing. His works are still widely read today.