Hey folks, welcome to the Battles of the First World War podcast.

In my recap of the 2022 Mirz-Argon Battlefield Tour in month in France,

I mentioned that I had finally visited Ipra for the first time.

There, Roger Stewart of Iper Battlefield Tours took my friend

Ryan and me on a day-long introduction to the Iper Salient. Roger showed us the major points

of the old salient, as well as a few other spots, some on the map and others not. He was a fantastic guide.

Roger knows the Iper battlefields in and out. He's been guiding on the Iper Salian for well over a decade,

and he also served as the chairman of the Royal British Legion's Iper Branch between 2014 and 2016.

Roger laid wreaths at the Menon Gate during the last post ceremonies commemorating the Great War in 2014 and 2015.

To really see him shine is when he guides you through the German cemetery at Langermark.

He knows the cemetery so well that he has literally written the book on it.

And that book is the subject of this book review episode.

Reading about the First World War is an endlessly fascinating passion for me, and I do enjoy going down a World War one rabbit hole when the opportunity presents itself.

When something interests me, I've always enjoyed doing a deep dive and learning everything I can about that one thing that holds my attention.

Touring I saw Roger's book for sale in the cloth hall shop.

And then, of course, he told us about it during our day trip.

There was no way I could now leave Iper without a copy, so I picked one up at the Ariani Hotel.

Roger's book is titled, Studenten Friedhof to Soldaten Friedhof, a history of Langermark,

German Cemetery, and self-guided tour.

For those listeners not yet familiar with German, the title translates to

Students Cemetery to Soldiers Cemetery. Set in three parts, the book tells the story of the

cemetery's evolution since its beginnings, provides a self-guided tour, and has an appendix of useful information in the final section.

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