The Leicestershires beyond Baghdad

"The Leicestershires Beyond Baghdad" by Edward John Thompson is a historical narrative that tells the story of the 2nd Leicestershire Regiment during World War I's Mesopotamian Campaign and their fight to capture Baghdad. The book shines a light on the everyday lives of the soldiers, their strong bonds with each other, and the difficult conditions of war in a foreign place, using both personal stories and information about the war itself. It begins by showing how important the Mesopotamian War was, even though many people didn't pay much attention to it compared to the war in Europe. Thompson introduces the Leicestershires and points out that they didn't get much recognition, even though they were involved in important battles. He looks back at the plan to take Baghdad again, sharing military plans and the experiences of the soldiers on the battlefield. The story shows the mix of fear, courage, and humanity that the soldiers showed while dealing with the terrible truths of war, setting the scene for a complete retelling of the battles and the personal stories that go with them in later chapters.