
A vivid portrait unfolds of a young man whose childhood in a bustling Brighton family was marked by both gentle curiosity and rigorous discipline. From early lessons in self‑defence after a playground tumble to the demanding expectations of his elder brothers, his formative years are painted with humor, tenderness, and a growing sense of duty. The narrative captures his bright eyes, his love of music and sport, and the quiet, philosophical temperament that set him apart even as he absorbed the fierce encouragement of his family.
When war erupts, this same inner light drives him to exchange the comforts of home for the harsh realities of the front. The first act of his story follows his transition from student to soldier, revealing how his upbringing shapes his approach to conflict and comradeship. Listeners will hear a compelling blend of personal reflection and early wartime experience, offering insight into the making of a gentle soul forced into the crucible of battle.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (170K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Rick Niles, William Flis, and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2005-01-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1884–1916
Best known for the moving wartime essays collected as A Student in Arms, this English soldier-writer brought unusual warmth and honesty to life in the ranks. His work became one of the most memorable literary voices to come out of the First World War.
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