This was the first of three volumes, which focused on the Italian campaign, and is based on personal, previously unpublished diaries from members of No1 Troop and B Squadron, and covers the departure of the 9th Reinforcements from New Zealand and their experiences in Italy until the war’s end. The book includes over 180 large format photographs from private and museum collections, the majority of which are previously unpublished, and all have detailed captions. Also included in the 200+ pages there are seven, coloured, A4-sized maps, coloured vehicle illustrations and associated data, unit formations and war establishments.

These personal accounts, photographs and maps illustrate aspects of the specific war that the Divisional Cavalry fought. Sometimes the weather conditions were extreme and threw up more obstacles than the enemy, and at other times boredom was the biggest problem of all. And, like all soldiers, these men feared dying, mourned lost mates, and dreamed of the war ending and of returning home to family and friends.

Please note that this is a first print run and the later print has extra material added