From the Crimean War to the beginning of the First World War there was a new breed of men who followed armies on campaign in order to send eye-witness reports of battles to their newspapers. Often barely tolerated by the military, this tough and tenacious band of war correspondent known as Specials had to endure hardships and dangers to bring the latest news from the battle-field to satisfy the increasing numbers of newspaper readers. It was a time when war reporting actually sold newspapers Often with little more than a bag of sovereigns, a notebook or sketchpad and a revolver, the Special was free to wander the battlefield and in many instances became involved in the fighting. They had to contend with poor food, deadly climates, harsh weather and physical dangers. Often they endured long hours in the saddle to reach the nearest telegraph office to send off their reports before returning to the battle front. They were shot at, stabbed, blown up and imprisoned and some lost their lives while seeking a good story. At the height of their fame, they often became the part of the story itself and their exploits thrilled the reading public. The military generally hated the Specials for exposing incompetence, although most Specials were patriotic and supportive. In the end, the military establishment won when they imposed a strict censorship which spelled the end of the Golden Age of War Reporting. This book pays homage to these extraordinary reporters who earned the title - Special .