He had one of the more unglamorous jobs in the Second World War, but self-taught violinist George Warner's letters home from the North African and Italian campaigns - in which he served as a dispatch rider for the Royal Army Service Corps - provide an enthralling, humane account of Europe's darkest years. Writing home to 'Dearest Maudie' and his young daughters, who had been evacuated from Eastbourne to the Midlands, George Warner fi lled his accounts of service in the No. 8 Petrol Depot of the RASC with the small and vital details of day-to-day life - aspects of wartime that are all too often absent from more conventional histories. Motorcycling around Italy, Warner found the time to learn to dance (he had crushed his ankle before the war), take up new musical instruments (including the guitar and the mandolin), and learn Italian. He met fellow rider Bill Evans soon after enlisting in 1941, and they remained together for four and a half years, working, playing and making music for themselves and their comrades. Their friendship helped to sustain them both during their years abroad. Throughout the book, what is most evident is Warner's articulate yearning to return home to his family and his beloved Eastbourne. He returns to the theme frequently, and for this soldier at least, it was a wish that came true: his violin and the longed-for South Coast were waiting for him in the country he had spent so long defending.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Jean Perraton is the daughter of the late George Warner and her husband is historian Hilary Perraton. She is the author of Swimming Against the Stream: Reclaiming Lakes and Rivers for People to Enjoy.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Seller: Lewes Book Centre, LEWES East Sussex, ES, United Kingdom
Soft cover. Condition: New. 1st Edition. NEW SOFT COVER.2011,1st edition.160pp,with illustrations. Seller Inventory # 24433
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005767939
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Neo Books, Sidcup, KENT, United Kingdom
Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Some light wear to covers and spine, mainly edges and corners, corners a little worn, internally in good condition, pages crisp and clear. Seller Inventory # 050944
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Hay-on-Wye Booksellers, Hay-on-Wye, HEREF, United Kingdom
Condition: As New. Seller Inventory # 048113-5
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 160 pages. 9.06x6.06x0.55 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # zk1445604043
Quantity: 1 available