The History of the South African Forces in France - Softcover

Buchan, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 178331169X ISBN 13: 9781783311699

Publisher: Naval & Military Press, 2015

Synopsis

The great thriller writer and statesman John Buchan, author of 'The 39 Steps' and other classics wrote this official history of the South African Forces in France as a homage to a country he had come to know and love as a British administrator after the Boer War. The South African brigade, raised from South African and Rhodesian regiments were sent to Egypt in 1915; and arrived in France the following year where they were attached to the 9th Scottish Division. They saw hard fighting during the Somme Offensive - particularly the bitter battles in and around Delville Wood and the Butte de Warlencourt. In 1917 they were in action at Arras and Cambrai; and in 1918 took part in resisting the German Spring offensives on the River Lys, and the Allied counter-offensives which culminated in the Armistice. The work of a great writer, this history is illustrated with photos & maps.

About this title

About the Author

Author of the iconic novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan filled many roles including barrister, colonial administrator, publisher, Director of Intelligence, and Member of Parliament. The Thirty-Nine Steps, first in the Richard Hannay series, is widely regarded as the starting point for espionage fiction and was written to pass time while Buchan recovered from an illness. During the outbreak of the First World War, Buchan wrote propaganda for the British war effort, combining his skills as author and politician. In 1935 Buchan was appointed the 15th Governor General of Canada and established the Governor General s Literacy Award. Buchan was enthusiastic about literacy and the evolution of Canadian culture. He died in 1940 and received a state funeral in Canada before his ashes were returned to the United Kingdom.

Edition details

• Publisher: Naval & Military Press
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 178331169X
• ISBN 13: 9781783311699
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 484