Despatch Rider on the Western Front, 1915-18: The Diary of Sergeant Albert Simpkin MM

by David Venner

Overview

The colorful eyewitness-to-history diary of a young man who loved motorcycles—and used these new machines to serve his country in the Great War.
 
This is the skillfully abridged version of the diary of a First World War motorcycle despatch rider, Sergeant Albert Simpkin, who was attached to the HQ 37th Division. The diary entries, and some longer descriptions of the main actions of the Division, provide a fascinating record of the life of a despatch rider on the Western Front—one day dodging shell holes and ammunition limbers to take his despatches to the front, the next observing the quaint but often courageous lives of the local populace. Throughout the diary are colorful and amusing anecdotes about his fellow soldiers, and critical comments on the strategies and tactics employed by the officers.
 
"It is worth seeking out and reading and if you are a fan of Great War motorbikes and vehicles this is a must." —War History Online

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781473859678
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Military
Publication date:	01/31/2020
Sold by:	OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED - EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

The Diarist - Albert Edward Simpkin - was born near Manchester in 1885. After leaving school he worked at Crossley Brothers, manufacturers of marine engines, as an apprentice engineer. Albert joined the Army in December 1914 and saw continuous service on the Western Front until demobilisation in early 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal. Post war he returned to Crossley Brothers and set up their Argentine operation branch.
The Editor - A family history advisor in North Devon, where he also practices rural crafts. He has written two works, The Venners of Somerset and Devon (1980) and Information for a Rural Community (1986 British Library).