Directing the War Underground

Main Themes and Topics

Directing the War Underground by Phillip Robinson offers a unique look into the often overlooked tactical and strategic roles of mining operations during the Great War. It highlights the British efforts in underground warfare, illustrating the methods employed to counteract enemy offensives and manage mining operations. By providing detailed accounts of his time with a Tunnelling Company and later roles at GHQ, Robinson sheds light on the significant yet lesser-known aspects of wartime mining strategies. The book eschews the typical graphic depictions of wartime horrors, instead focusing on the technical intricacies and the people involved in mining operations. It also includes humorous anecdotes that humanize the staff at GHQ, providing readers with a multifaceted perspective of life behind the front lines.

Writing Style and Tone

Robinson's writing style in Directing the War Underground is characterized by a blend of technical detail and personal narrative. His tone is often light-hearted, as evidenced by the numerous anecdotes interwoven throughout the memoir, which offer levity and insight into the daily life of military personnel at GHQ. The absence of graphic depictions of war's brutality creates a unique narrative that focuses on the organizational and strategic components of warfare. The editors have complemented Robinson's manuscript with detailed notes and illustrations, enriching the text and aiding in the reader's understanding of the complex mining operations described.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

Originally written as The Lighter Side of a Tunneller's Life in 1933, Robinson's memoir details his experiences in the British military's mining units during World War I. The narrative covers his progression from working in a Tunnelling Company to his significant role as an Assistant Inspector of Mines at GHQ in Montreuil. The book chronicles the shift in mining operations post-Messines Offensive and the eventual reassignment of tunneling companies to new tasks. Despite the professional focus, the memoir is peppered with humorous personal stories, offering a rich and engaging account of Robinson's military career. His work provides readers with a valuable perspective on the strategic maneuvers that shaped key operations in the war.