For King and Country, by David Gwynne-James (Real Lives, £12.95) With the aid of family photographs, letters and memorabilia, and with his own interest in military history, David Gwynne-James has produced a fascinating snapshot of the lives of three brothers in a family of eight siblings.
Two were recruited into the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, the elder Eric fighting and losing his life in the First World War, while John (David Gwynne-James’ father) served for 21 years, giving his life in 1944. Henry served in the Royal Navy for 34 years taking part in both wars.
The book, as well as being the history of a family which for over a century ran a firm of solicitors in Hereford, gives an insight into the lives of members of the KSLI and will doubtless revive many memories of old soldiers’ time in service.
I find it poignant that the story of Eric was by far the shortest account as there are no members of the family alive who had themselves living memories of him to recount to the author.
By Libby Morrell
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