A personal and moving biography of a formidable soldier and misunderstood statesman. 'Galloper' Jack Seely, Brough Scott's grandfather, was at the heart of some of the most important events of the first part of the twentieth century. His early life was one of adventure, sailing to the antipodes, saving the crew of a French ship wrecked off the coast of the Isle of Wight and later raising a squadron and joining the Boer War, where he was awarded the DSO for his bravery. On his return to England he was elected Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, but just like his close friend Winston Churchill, later crossed over to the Liberal party. Later, forced to resign, Jack was sent to the Western Front and there made his name as a humane and innovative leader. 'As far as Canada is concerned,
… read more...this book represents the most in-depth telling of the greatest but forgotten passages in Canadian history.I am unapologetic in saying that the story of Seely and the Canadian cavalry between 21 March and 1 April 1918 is one of the most dramatic pieces of personal war narrative you will find. It involves some of the greatest heroes (3VCs) that Canada ever produced and its surprise element is that this crucial engagement was a cavalry one. The Munning's pictures featured in the book are in the vaults of the National War Museum in Ottawa. Canada is very prous of its past and this is part of it that is forgotten.' - Brough ScottRead More read less...