The Roll of Honour, Volume 1

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

75883

Title

The Roll of Honour, Volume 1

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A solemn biographical record honoring British military and naval personnel who died serving the Empire during World War I. Compiled by the Marquis de Ruvigny, this volume offers intimate tributes to officers and men who made the ultimate sacrifice, blending personal histories with accounts of their final, often tragic, moments in battle.

Summary up to 500 words

The Roll of Honour, Volume 1, edited by the Marquis de Ruvigny, stands as a profound memorial to the British and Imperial forces who fell during the First World War. The volume serves a dual purpose: it acts as a rigorous historical archive and a heartfelt eulogy, preserving the memory of hundreds of individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. The text opens with a reflective introduction that acknowledges the future judgment of history on the war itself, yet emphasizes the enduring glory of those who died for their ideals. Ruvigny asserts that while history may pass verdict on the causes and consequences of the conflict, the only fitting tribute to the fallen is the simple fact of their sacrifice for the nation's ideals. The core of the book consists of detailed biographical entries for officers and men, ranging from high-ranking nobility, such as Viscount Wendover, to ordinary soldiers and sailors. Each entry meticulously documents the individual's full name, rank, regiment, family background, education, and date of birth. Crucially, the text recounts the specific circumstances of their deaths, whether killed in action at famous locations like Gallipoli, Ypres, and the Somme, or lost at sea during the early naval disasters of 1914, such as the sinking of the HMS Cressy and HMS Aboukir. Many entries feature poignant letters from comrades, commanding officers, or the individuals themselves written just before their deaths, offering a raw glimpse into the fear, camaraderie, and resolve of the troops. These accounts cover a wide spectrum of experiences, from the 'gladdening exaltation of accomplished victory' to the 'grimmest nightmare of retreat.' The narrative covers a wide spectrum of experiences, from the 'gladdening exaltation of accomplished victory' to the 'grimmest nightmare of retreat.' The book meticulously documents the locations of burial, often in foreign soil or beneath the waves, and frequently notes the lack of survivors to tell their stories. Through these detailed accounts, the volume constructs a collective portrait of a generation defined by duty and sacrifice, preserving the memory of those who 'passed over' to the other side of the conflict. The work ensures that the names of those who fought and died for the Empire are not forgotten, creating a lasting record of their gallantry and the eternal lustre they added to the nation's battle fame.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History