A Tommy at Ypres: Walter's War - The Diary and Letters of Walter Williamson - Softcover

Priddey, Doreen; Williamson, Walter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 144560213X ISBN 13: 9781445602134

Publisher: Amberley Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

Walter Williamson was twenty-eight years old when he was called to war with the 6th Battalion Cheshire Regiment in 1916. In doing so, he left his wife Amelia and his two-year-old son, 'Little Jimmy', back in England. In this remarkable diary we travel with him from Birkenhead to France and onward to the Ypres Salient, where his vivid recollections describe his part in the 118th Brigade's involvement in the Battle of St Julien at the opening of the Third Battle of Ypres, then on to the Somme and back again to Ypres. We meet his many comrades, his best friend Pat Nunn, and his commanding officers, all of whom come to life through his wonderfully keen observations. Walter's passion for writing can be appreciated not only from the diary, but from the letters he wrote to Amelia, which provide a further insight into Walter's War. A Tommy at Ypres is an accurate factual account which will be of great interest to historians, but it is more than that, it is a heart-warming story of one man's experience of war, which will prove a compelling read to all lovers of a 'good book'. Walter was an educated man, not wealthy, but gentle, sensitive, unassuming, and loving, with a warm humour that reflected these qualities, all of which in turn are reflected in his wonderful diary.

About this title

Review:

'A wonderfully detailed immersion into his life in the trenches - this book is the real thing. A lovely man; a great read' The Western Front Association's Stand To! Magazine 'Superbly written and easy to read - An extraordinary book' The Great War Magazine --The Great War Magazine

About the Author:

Doreen Priddey (nee Williamson) is the granddaughter of Walter, daughter of Jim, Walter s son. She first read Walter s Diary in 1995 and was enthralled by it, but this was regrettably after both her Grandpop and father had passed away, Walter in 1947 at the age of fifty nine. Walter and his wife Amelia lived for their family, and had a special love for music and the theatre. These traits have had a strong influence on future generations, with Doreen (professional name Lynne) and her brother, Howard, turning professional ; they both started their careers singing in The D Oyly Carte Opera Company. Doreen then went on to appear in many musicals in the West End, Annie and Side By Side By Sondheim being her favourites. She met her husband, Malcolm, whilst they were both working for P&O in Sydney, Australia, on the Sea Princess. They then formed a cabaret act called The Malyns, and for many years travelled this country and the world as Entertainers . They live on the beautiful island of Anglesey, a popular spot for all the family (mainly descended from Walter and Amelia) to visit ... which they do frequently!

About this edition

• Publisher: Amberley Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 144560213X
• ISBN 13: 9781445602134
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352