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

Synopsis

From Britain’s only Cabinet-level politician to serve in the ranks during World War I, diary entries and letters detailing life on the Western Front.This unusual account is written by the 27th Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, an active Lancashire MP for eighteen years until he inherited the title on his father’s death in 1913. In 1915 his sense of patriotic duty drove him to join the RAMC as a Private, although he was married with seven children, head of a large company and well over age. Despite his privileged status in civilian life, he cheerfully served as a humble medical orderly on the Western Front for some fourteen months and was given responsibility for two operating theatres.A gifted author and diarist, his daily entries provide a fascinating insight into life near the front over this period and, together with his letters home, his writings reflect the stark contrast between his home life and the one he experienced in Flanders. Of particular interest are his astute observations on his contemporaries of all ranks, the conduct of the war, medical services and life in wartime France. Remarkably he never complains at his lot (although often sharply critical of GHQ and politicians) or regrets his decision.As the author was the only Cabinet-level politician to serve “in the ranks” during the conflict, this is a record without any parallel. In 1916 Crawford was persuaded eventually to return to London and join Asquith’s Cabinet before staying on under Lloyd George until 1922. After the war, he became a director, trustee or advisor of several museums, such as the British Museum, National Gallery and others. The Crawford Papers (his diaries, edited by Prof. John Vincent) describe his civilian experiences from 1892 to 1940 and are seen as an invaluable source for students of politics, art, industry and society in Britain.The book contains three maps and seventy-five illustrations.This fascinating book fills a needy gap at a time of unprecedented interest in The Great War.Praise for Private Lord Crawford’s Great War DiariesOne of The Times “Books of the Year” 2013“[Crawford’s] previously unpublished war diaries, meticulously edited by his grandson, offer a fascinating glimpse into life at the front and in the upper reaches of politics at home—and contain some frank comments on his former Cabinet colleagues.” —Literary Review“Lord Crawford was the only Cabinet-level politician to serve “in the ranks” during World War I as a private. A gifted author and diarist, his daily entries provide a fascinating insight into life in the frontline over a fourteen-month period.” —History Scotland

Copyright:

2013

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

240 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781473829961

Related ISBNs:

9781781593677

Publisher:

Pen & Sword Books

Date of Addition:

09/17/23

Copyrighted By:

Christopher Arnander

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Military, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs, Politics and Government

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.

Edited by:

Christopher Arnander