Starshine — John Wilcox

1914. Outnumbered British forces are desperately trying to hold off the oncoming German soldiers in France. Star shells fly high into the night, illuminating the chaos, violence and death taking place in the French trenches below.
Like so many other men, Jim Hickman and Bertie Murphy are plunged into this nightmare. As the war progresses, Jim receives honour after honour, whilst Bertie sinks deep into depression. And back home Polly, the girl they both love, must choose between the two men.that is, if they ever come back alive. As the trio are trapped in physical and mental torment, a terrible tragedy befalls them.
Wilcox perfectly captures the horror and tragedy of the First World War in this vivid and moving novel.