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Released: 28/01/2021

ISBN: 9781800461826
eISBN: 9781800468146

Format: Paperback/eBook

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Granddaddy

The Sorrows of My Great-grandfather, and the Extraordinary Bravery of his Family

by Robert Lee

Robert Lee only knew his great-grandfather James Erskine briefly when he was very young. But when, in later life, he inherited a trunkful of old letters and diary entries, he discovered the extraordinary, though tragic, story of the Erskine family.

Brought up in Glasgow in the Victorian era, James lost two children to infant mortality, and his wife to tuberculosis. His two surviving sons, both talented athletes and one a world champion boxer, were killed in the First World War, having showed amazing bravery. In addition, his son-in-law, Robert’s grandfather, was killed on the opening day of the Passchendaele offensive, leaving his daughter a widowed mother aged only 20.

After the Great War, James fought a protracted but unsuccessful battle with the War Office to have his son’s Military Cross upgraded to a Victoria Cross, and subsequently handled his sorrow by becoming a recluse, living a Spartan life on a Scottish hillside into his 80s.

Book Reviews

An insightful and moving book, which details real life hardships that are very sobering in this current climate. Beautiful to read the letters and diary entries of our war heroes, who wrote so eloquently. A fascinating insight into our history.

by Katharine

An extraordinarily moving book. The letters give a graphic account of life at the front in the two world wars, displaying the matter-of-fact bravery of the soldiers in the face of the horrors of war, but also their ability to find humour in many situations. What shines out is the love between the family members - and their hope for a future which, tragically, many of them didn’t live to see. The photos add to the poignancy of the loss.

by Therese

This is a wonderful collection of letters and diary entries that have been skilfully woven together to give a remarkable insight into life in the trenches and other battles of 2 World Wars. Added details are well researched and provide extra insight into daily life at the time. Above all it is a story of one family who suffered great loss, but optimism and bravery shine through. A page-turner.

by R. White

This is a wonderful collection of letters and diary entries that have been skilfully woven together to give a remarkable insight into life in the trenches and other battles of 2 World Wars. Added extra details are well researched and provide insight into daily life of the time. Above all it is a story of one family who suffered great loss, but optimism and bravery shine through. A page-turner.

by Rosalind White