Forgotten Warrior

Reviews / Votes

"This is a very important work which, with the usual eye for detail and ear for "silent" voices Michael Snape has, uncovers and tells a story that needs to be told widely. Sadly, as Michael himself says, much of what he has discovered has been kept quiet for all manner of reasons. It means that the life of Major General Merton Beckwith-Smith has been ignored or simply unknown by far too many for far too long. One thread in his life was his Christian faith, which clearly shaped many of his decisions and behaviours. It is remarkable to read Forgotten Warrior and I commend it highly. It has enabled me to consider again some of the values and confusions that dominate in war. It has also given me a far greater insight into one particular general who, as Michael says, was a fine example of a Christian leader who navigated his way through very complex times and sadly has not been given the credit or even the simple space and time his life deserves." -- Tim Thornton, former Bishop at Lambeth and Bishop to His Majesty's Forces "Major General Merton Beckwith-Smith was the most senior British officer to die in captivity in the Second World War. Yet, as Michael Snape eloquently reveals in this new biography, Beckwith-Smith's life (and untimely death) was more than just a tragic footnote to that global conflict. Using the particulars of Beckwith - Smith's life and times, Snape sheds new light on the realities of combat, defeat and captivity in the age of total war. Beautifully written and deeply researched, this book is a poignant and powerful testament to the enduring importance of faith, courage and compassion to the profession of arms." -- Dr Aimee Fox, King's College London, and author of Learning to Fight: Military Innovation and Change in the British Army, 1914 - 1918