In the Russian Ranks: A Soldier's Account of the Fighting in Poland

"In the Russian Ranks: A Soldier's Account of the Fighting in Poland" by John Morse is a gripping firsthand account of an Englishman's time fighting within the Russian army during World War I, specifically in Poland, documented in the early 20th century. The book begins with the author in July 1914, naively journeying through Germany, only to soon witness the war machine churning as troops mobilize, and a sense of dread fills the air, forcing him to flee to Kalisz, Poland, before war is even officially declared. There, he confronts the atrocities of war committed by German forces, revealing the initial seeds of madness and moral breakdown before engaging the enemy. Morse's detailed experiences provide a harsh and personal perspective on the war's chaos and inhumanity, setting the scene for a deeper narrative of his time amongst the Russian ranks.