The Secret Battle

The Secret Battle is a novel by A. P. Herbert, published in 1919, based on his experiences as a junior infantry officer during World War I. The story follows Harry Penrose, an eager soldier who enlists at the war's onset, only to confront the brutal realities of combat at Gallipoli. Notable for its honest depiction of the psychological toll of war and its critique of military justice regarding desertion, the book stands out for its stark narrative, devoid of Herbert's later humor. It is one of the earliest works to vividly describe the Gallipoli campaign.