Private Lord Crawford's Great War Diaries: From Medical Orderly to Cabinet Minister

Private Lord Crawford's Great War Diaries: From Medical Orderly to Cabinet Minister

by Christopher Arnander (Author)

Synopsis

This extraordinary diary is written by the 27th Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, who was an eminent MP for 18 years until the death of his father in 1913 when he was ennobled. His sense of duty drove him to join the RAMC as a Private (a commission would have been easily provided) and he served in a humble capacity in field hospitals in France without revealing his identity. His diaries and letters reflect the stark contrast between his privileged home life and the one he volunteered for in France and Flanders. Remarkably he is never heard to complain or regret his decision although he is often critical of his 'seniors'. Lord Crawford's pre- and post- war diaries The Crawford Papers (edited by Prof Vincent) describe his peacetime experiences and this book fills in a needy gap. His self- control must have been incredible as he found himself under the direction of far less intelligent and knowledgeable men holding more senior rank. This is a unique document which throws fascinating new light on what it meant to be a junior rank.

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 240
Edition: Illustrated
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military
Published: 02 Oct 2013

ISBN 10: 1781593671
ISBN 13: 9781781593677

Author Bio
27th Earl of Crawford and Balcarres was born in 1871 and attended Oxford University . In 1895 he became an MP but resigned when he inherited his title in 1905, having been Conservative Chief Whip. He entered Parliament in 1913. After his military Service he returned to the Cabinet. He later held many important political, business and artistic appointments. He was author of two books on British Art and involved with the British Museum, V & A Museum and National Gallery. About the Editor Christopher Arnander pursued, after Oxford University, a banking career before becoming a Middle Eastern consultant. He has written a number of books including two bi-lingual proverb books Pavilions in the Air and You Can't Get Blood Out of a Turnip.