Breakdown

"Breakdown" by Taylor Downing explores the emergence of shell shock during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, revealing the extent of psychological trauma experienced by soldiers and the military's often harsh response. The book traces the journey of soldiers from their enlistment through the harrowing experiences on the front lines, shedding light on the widespread impact of battle-induced trauma that was misunderstood at the time. Through detailed investigation, Downing provides a compelling perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of World War I history.