author
J. Percy (John Percy) Groves
A former soldier and librarian, this late-Victorian writer filled his books with military adventure, practical instruction, and regimental history. His work often aimed at younger readers and reflected a strong interest in British army life, especially Scottish regiments.
1 Audiobook
The War of the Axe; Or, Adventures in South Africa
by J. Percy (John Percy) Groves
About the author
Born in Bath on October 26, 1850, John Percy Groves was a British soldier, librarian, and author. He is remembered for writing adventure stories and informative books for boys, usually with a military slant, along with works of military history.
Groves had direct experience of army life, and that background shaped much of his writing. He also served as the first librarian of the Priaulx Library in Guernsey, adding a scholarly side to a career otherwise closely tied to military subjects.
His books frequently focused on courage, discipline, campaigning, and regimental traditions, with particular attention to Scottish units. He died on February 13, 1916.