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Shot at Dawn
Shot at Dawn: World War I, Allan Mcbride France 1917 | John Wilson
1 post | 1 read | 1 to read
Sentenced to death for abandoning his unit, a soldier recounts the events leading up to his arrest.
The reality of trench warfare is a shock to Allan McBride. Like many other young soldiers, he enthusiastically signed up for the chance to join the war effort and be a part of the fighting. But after months in the ravaged battlefields, watching men, including his friend Ken, get blown up by German shelling, something in Allan snaps and he leaves his unit, believing he is "walking home to Canada" to get help for his friend.
After nearly a week of wandering aimlessly, Allan is taken in by a band of real deserters — men who have abandoned their units and live on the edge of survival in the woods of northern France. Once Allan realizes what he's done, he is paralyzed by the reality of his circumstance: if he stays with these men, it's possible they will be found and have to face the consequences; and if he returns to his unit, he will be charged with desertion — a charge punishable by death.
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Genre: History, War
Date Started: November 2, 2019
Date Completed: November 28, 2019
How did you choose this book: Series, History
Write a brief summary of the novel; who was the protagonist; what was his/her problem and how was the problem resolved?
Protag: Allan McBride
Problem: Shellshocked by war, McBride decides to run away from the battlefield.
Resolve: He is reunited with comrades but is sentenced to death for desertion.

gab_the_drawer Continuation of summary: Allan McBride deserts the military and battlefield after witnessing multiple gruesome deaths, including his close friend. After wandering away from the battlefield he meets a group of other deserters, namely Canadian, and befriends them. The friendship continues but becomes a betrayal. McBride after making his decision, leaves and turns himself in and awaits execution by firing squad. 5y
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