Our Casualty, and Other Stories 1918

"Our Casualty and Other Stories" by George A. Birmingham is a collection of short stories from the time of World War I, a period of great change and uncertainty; the book looks at war through the eyes of both soldiers and regular people, using a mix of humor, irony, and serious moments and stories to show the experiences of people during wartime, emphasizing the absurd and the sad aspects of military life. For example, the story "Our Casualty", introduces the Ballyhaine Veterans’ Corps, a group of older men in a quiet British town who try to act like soldiers, where Corporal Cotter, an older man who doesn't want to admit he's old, is determined to do his duties. The story shows their awkward attempts at military exercises, like trench drills on the beach in bad weather so the book illustrates the spirit and foolishness of those who want to help with the war effort, even when they are not really able to.