Glyn Harper brings this ill-fated battle to life. The background to the situation facing the Allies in October 1917 is outlined, and the first assault on Passchendaele is described. The rationale of the strategists, the concern of some officers and the desperation of the fighting men are all recorded her. Judicious use of diary extracts and recorded interviews transport the reader to the centre of this harrowing event. The appendix lists the names and details of the soldiers killed at Passchendaele.