A Courier Country writer’s poignant letter to the First World War uncle he never knew has been published in a new book commemorating the sacrifice of the Unknown Soldier.
A war memorial featuring a life size bronze statue of an infantryman reading a letter stands in Paddington Station in London.
That monument was the inspiration which prompted authors Neil Barlett and Kate Pullinger to invite people to pen a Letter to the Unknown Soldier, an idea which drew more than 20,000 submissions from across the globe.
Broughty Ferry pensioner and Angus Writers’ Circle member Archie Darroch was delighted to learn his letter to his great-uncle Donald is one of 150 chosen to feature in the First World War centenary publication. Contributions came from ordinary folk, serving members of the armed forces, politicians and even Prime Minister David Cameron.
Mr Darroch, 75, who spent much of his working career in the Bank Street print works of Courier publisher DC Thomson, said the support of Writers’ Circle friends had been a great encouragement.
“I have been with the Writers’ Circle since 2008 and the encouragement I get from them is absolutely fantastic,” said Mr Darroch.
“I am still learning, but the writing talent in the group is absolutely tremendous.”
The Darroch family’s First World War story began with Archie’s grandfather, also Archie, who, as a Royal Navy reserve lieutenant commander, served as second-in-command on a converted minesweeper.
“My grandfather had a brother, Donald, and it was when I started to research his life that I found out that he was killed in the first battle he went into.”
The nationwide project Letter To An Unknown Soldier was commissioned and financially supported by 14-18NOW WW1 CentenaryArt Commissions, and a proportion of the proceeds from the book will be used to support further projects.
Published by William Collins, the book is now available via the Waterstone’s website.
The letters project can also be viewed here.
The Angus Writers’ Circle meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 7.30pm to 10pm in the Rosely Hotel, Arbroath. New members are always welcome.