Churchill in the Trenches

When out of power after the disastrous failure of the Gallipoli operation, in 1916 Churchill spent several months at the front commanding the 6th (Service) Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, a subject usually covered briefly by various biographers. This book, by Andrew Dewar Gibb, who commanded a company in Churchill’s battalion, was first published anonymously in 1924. This edition, by Major Gibb’s son, adds some commentary on the events of the war and military service in the period which may be unfamiliar to many contemporary readers.

What we get is a pretty deep picture of Churchill’s activities and experiences during his time at the Front. Gibb includes a good many anecdotes, some amusing, some pointing out the man’s skill at command, his behavior under fire, and some, of course, about Churchill’s many foibles. He mentions several incidents in which Churchill escaped serious harm or even death.

Between them, the two Gibbs also give us a look at the attitude of many military and political higher ups toward Churchill’s service, ranging from John French’s enthusiastic support (who thought he should be given a brigade), to Lord Kitchener and Douglas Haig, who didn’t want him around. With Winston Churchill at the Front is a good book for anyone interested in Churchill, and also for those who might want to learn more about command at the front during the Great War.

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Note: With Winston Churchill at the Front is also available in e-editions.

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