James Neville was born in 1897, fought in the First World War, then continued his career with the army in Russia and Ireland until 1924 when it ended with a scandal involving his commanding officer’s wife! He then went on to work in Sudan before returning home to family life in Norfolk.
Neville kept diaries for most of his life, and this book is based on his writings which are held in the Norfolk Records Office. It mostly focuses on his early life up to 1925.
Author Sara Barton-Wood writes, “I came across his war letters at the Norwich Heritage Centre when I was researching an article for the Eastern Daily Press. I was struck by his vivid descriptions of the conditions of war on the front, and by his wealth of good humour and warmth. I resolved to come back to this when I had more time and I finally got in touch with his executor, John d’Arcy five years later. d’Arcy was enthusiastic but wanted me to write a biography of Neville to go with his letters. Finally he said something that convinced me:
“Jimmy [as he was known] had a love affair with the wife of his commanding officer. They ran away together to South Africa and there was a terrible scandal. It didn’t work out and he had to come home and try and get on with his life.”
“No journalist could resist a story like that”, writes Sara. “An army officer is supposed to be a gentleman. Honour is everything. Neville broke all the rules, gambled and lost”. Working through the 60 volumes of his diaries Sara felt she knew him well and began to develop a real affection for the man. “He was selfish and emotionally unstable. He enjoyed picking a fight, lost friends and made enemies within his own family.”
This is a substantial book, a large format paperback with extensive extracts from Neville’s diaries, letters and other writings, accompanied by the author’s commentary and sections in precis. It will make good reading for anyone interested in this period of history.
War and Peace, A Norfolk Soldier at Home and Abroad
Author | Sara Barton-Wood |
Format: | Paperback |
Dimensions: | 27.8cm x 21.7cm |
Pages: | 210 |
Publisher: | Poppyland |
ISBN: | 9781909796997 |
Year: | 2023 |
RRP: | £20.95 |