Sniping in France (1920) – Training Notes for Scouts, Observers & Snipers | Kessinger Publishing

Overview

Originally published in 1920, Sniping in France offers a firsthand glimpse into the life of a WWI sniper. Hesketh-Prichard pairs vivid battlefield scenes with careful notes on the scientific training of scouts, observers, and snipers, presenting a historical resource that reads like a field diary.

Your guide to the book's strengths

• Firsthand perspectives on camouflage, observation, and fieldcraft that convey the texture of life on the front lines.
• Notes on training disciplines, including the science behind marksmanship and observation, useful for historical study of strategic thinking.
• Detailed descriptions of tactics and decision making in skirmishes and patrols, with practical implications for understanding historical warfare methods.
• A fascinating look at the challenges and realities of sniper duties, framed by late World War I contexts.

Edition highlights

• Facsimile reprint that preserves the original layout and aged charm for collectors and researchers.
• Includes context about the author and the era, while remaining faithful to the source material, including typical library marks you may encounter.
• Clean, readable presentation designed for study and discussion of historical tactics, not as a how to guide for modern use.

Who should read

Military historians, students of tactics, and readers who enjoy immersive battlefield narratives will find value in this edition. It invites careful reading, cross referencing with other WWI sources, and thoughtful consideration of how training shaped combat decisions.

Format and accessibility

This edition preserves the voice and structure of the original text, offering a window into early 20th century military literature. Expect classic prose, period terminology, and a sequence that rewards patient, focused reading.

Immersive realism

Through the author's firsthand accounts, you'll sense the sounds of distant artillery, the chill of morning air, and the careful, patient work of observation that defined early 20th century fieldcraft.