"Holding the line"

"Holding the Line" by Harold Baldwin is a firsthand account of a Canadian sergeant's time in World War I, penned in the early 1900s. The story dives into the author's decision to join the army, his preparation in training facilities across Canada and England, and his eventual assignment to the battlefields of France. It explores the strong bonds between soldiers, along with the tough and mentally draining parts of war. Starting with his sign-up in August 1914, the author shares how he felt unsure of himself because he was shorter than the others, but he was determined to do his duty. The story moves quickly to show his travels from Saskatoon to Valcartier, showing the different lives of the soldiers he fought alongside. Balancing jokes with the serious truths of battle, the book is set up by Baldwin's honest thoughts on the ridiculous and hard parts of military life. His friendships with soldiers such as Morgan and the things they went through to get ready lead to the big fights ahead.