As an established great novelist I was uncertain how Jilly Cooper would tackle the emotional task of depicting how animals were and indeed are used in warfare both past and present. The result I can confirm is a wonderful mix of both accurate and calm portrayal of facts along with a deep compassion. As an animal lover I already knew a little of the utterly horrific conditions of war for both humans and animals, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer numbers of animals involved, the depravation and terror that both endured. The reader is humbled by the sumpreme effort and unrewarded sacrifice made by animals (and of course our fellow man....) during times of war and also during military 'testing'. This book should be read by everyone who professes a fondness for our fellow species. Bravo, Jilly, for bringing these little known facts to our attention and may we never forget the incalculable cost of the sacrifice.
