Part of Life Itself: The War Diary of Lieutenant Leslie Howard Miller, CEF

Leslie Howard Miller's wartime diary, written in 1914, provides a detailed account of his military service in the First World War. The diary is unpublished, written in bracing and engaging prose, and illustrated with Millers own drawings and unseen photographs. It illuminates a bygone world and stands as one of Canada's most important wartime diaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

This extensively annotated wartime diary provides a detailed account of the military service of Leslie Howard Miller (1889–1979), a Canadian soldier who served in the First World War. Miller joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) in 1914 and began keeping this remarkable diary during his off-duty hours. The diary spans his training, deployment overseas, service on the Western Front, and periods of leave in the United Kingdom.

Graham Broad, working from a transcription of the diary produced by Millers family, has included a comprehensive introduction and afterword, along with over 500 notes that provide context and explanation for Millers numerous references to people, places, and events he encountered.

Unpublished for over a century, the diary is written in bracing and engaging prose and is illustrated with Millers own drawings and unseen photographs. Part of Life Itself offers a glimpse into a bygone world and stands as one of Canada's most important wartime diaries.

Miller's service in the First World War was notable, as he served in the 10th Battalion, CEF, and was deployed to France in 1915. He spent nearly three years on the Western Front, where he witnessed the horrors of war and experienced the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers.

The diary provides a detailed account of Millers experiences, including his training, deployment, and battles on the front line. He describes the conditions he faced, the battles he fought, and the losses he and his fellow soldiers endured.

In addition to his military service, Millers diary also sheds light on his personal life and thoughts during the war. He reflects on his experiences and emotions, and his thoughts on the war and its impact on society.

The diary is a valuable resource for historians and scholars studying the First World War, as it provides a firsthand account of a Canadian soldier's experiences. It also offers a glimpse into the social and cultural context of the time, as Miller describes his interactions with his fellow soldiers and the people he encountered during his deployment.

Overall, this extensively annotated wartime diary illuminates the military service of Leslie Howard Miller and provides a rich and detailed account of his experiences during the First World War. It is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers and their contributions to the war effort.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487503864