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Ramblings of the 'Old' Generalby Lee PriorDon't expect it'll mean anything to these young (and sometimes balding) 'Warhonker' players of today. Heads filled with magic spells and unearthly creatures, but to those of us who remember what real war was all about…… Ah! Yes, I remember….thundering down the valley, bugles blaring, sabres glistening in the sunlight. Loud cries and screams as the shells and roundshot crash about, raking gaping holes in the once proud and orderly lines, tearing limbs from bodies and scattering them across the smoke filled skies…… Now that was a real war (alright probably not that much different to fantasy battle I suppose). It isn't often I'm taken with the urge nowadays (must be my age) to get out of my rocking chair, take up the quill and ink, and pen an article for our splendid club mag "No Surrender"…..or was it "Despatches"…..er, no "Last Orders" (gosh, it has been a long time, hasn't it?). Anyhow, to the point. I'm currently reading an absolute gem of a book, that my good lady, Stella, found in a secondhand bookshop whilst I was being dragged around….er, I mean, whilst on a very enjoyable shopping trip to Norwich the other week. I was jolted from my lethargy on hearing her call out the title. Holding it out for my inspection and enquiring if I was interested?….well lets just say it disappeared from her grasp faster than a pint of Tetleys disappears from our beloved editors glass. The Court Martial of Lord Lucan The sun immediately shone on my day at the shops so to speak. And I hurriedly came up with a good excuse….er, I mean, I developed a terrible headache, and had to retire to the shade of a nearby pub for some light refreshment and to admire my new book. Now, all those familiar with the Crimean War will, doubtless know, that Lord Lucan commanded the cavalry division on that infamous day that the 'Light Brigade' charged to fame, glory and ultimate destruction. It was the ruin of him. Blamed for the disaster, he tried 3 times to obtain a court martial so that he might clear his name. But it was always refused. After all, the country wanted, and the army needed, a scapegoat and Lucan was the obvious choice. Especially as two of the main candidates were dead. To try and attach blame there would have been seen as unacceptable. Anyhow, this book brilliantly takes up the story of 'what might have been', had the court martial been granted. It's delightfully done. The characters instantly come alive, and anyone remembering the film 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' will have no trouble at all, hearing the voices of Trevor Howard and Harry Andrews as they ring out through the pages of this book. It can be enjoyed, equally, by those already familiar with this period or by the complete beginner. No research is needed as all theinformation one might require is given through the characters in the story. Throughly recommended!! But then I might be a little biased I suppose, as this fascinating period has been my favourite since I was seven years old (and that was just after the war, I might add) - It might have been just after the war, but which one?? |