British Authors’ Military Service in the First World War

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

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This is one of two articles that offer a broad survey of the various ways in which British writers took part in the enormous mobilisation for the war effort of 1914-18. Its aim is to answer the famous question “What did you do in the War?” on behalf of a much greater number of authors -- in this article nearly ninety -- than are usually considered in the context of that conflict, including writers-to-be, whose literary careers began during or after the war itself, and a small number of Irish authors, as these were still British subjects at the time. This article identifies the kinds of military service undertaken by male writers of the wartime generations. It does not, though, attempt to give details of regimental affiliations, ranks, or military decorations. Its companion-piece,…

4976 words

Citation: Baldick, Chris. "British Authors’ Military Service in the First World War". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 15 September 2016 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=19481, accessed 28 March 2024.]

19481 British Authors’ Military Service in the First World War 2 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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