Few people experience a live war situation; even professional soldiers can serve their career without going to war. Yet the question is often asked, what is it like? How do combatants cope with dangers unimaginable in civilian life? How does a battle look to the ordinary solider who has no idea of the grand plan, never sees the generals, but whose efforts at the front line may make the difference between defeat or victory? Bryan Perrett has created 12 fictional soliders, all based on recorded accounts, and put them at the heart of actions already familiar to readers. None of the protagonists is ranked higher than company commander; some are professionals, some volunteers or conscripts, none especially heroic. The actions range from Mons in 1918, through World Wars I and II to Malaya in 1956, Vietnam in 1968 and Kuwait in 1991. In a mix of dialogue, reportage and objective historical analysis - "faction" - Briyan Perrett brings the reality of war to the reader in a direct narrative.