Volume XX: Julian Grenfell, soldier and poet: letters and diaries, 1910-1915
Julian Henry Francis Grenfell was the eldest son of William Henry Grenfell, first Baron Desborough, and his wife, Ethel (Ettie) Anne Priscilla Grenfell. Their home was at Taplow Court, Buckinghamshire, but in 1913 Ettie inherited Panshanger, near Hertingfordbury, Hertfordshire. Standing over six feet in height and with 'an immense enjoyment of life', Julian joined the army in 1910, having been educated at Eton and Balliol College, Oxford. He served with his regiment in India and South Africa, until, on the outbreak of war in 1914, he was sent to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. He appeared to love war and not to fear death. He became noted for his courage and was posthumously awarded the DSO. At Ypres, in late May 1915, he was wounded by a shell splinter which penetrated his brain. Despite two operations, he did not survive. He is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in Boulogne. A minor First World War poet, his best known poem 'Into Battle' was published in The Times on the day after his death. Throughout his army service Julian wrote long, descriptive letters to his family and friends. These letters, which are published here in their entirety, add immeasurably to the body of knowledge of the First World War, a conflict that continues to fascinate and appal in equal measure. One of the appendices contains extracts from Julian's and Ettie's diaries.
- Edited and with an Introduction by Kate Thompson
- xxiv + 362 pages, fully indexed
- 8 illustrations plus various sketches by Julian
- ISBN 978-0-9547561-1-6
£6 (+£4 p&p )