Temporary Heroes: Lieutenant Norman Cecil Down

by Richard van Emden

This is a short book based on the letters written between 1915 and 1916 by an officer serving with the 1/4th Gordon Highlanders. Second Lieutenant Down wrote regularly to his girlfriend/fiancée throughout his time in France, letters which were published in 1917 after he was wounded and discharged from the army.

Cecil Down is a superb writer, but more than that he has a natural wit that translates easily to the page, making this one of the most enjoyable books I have read on the war.

I have chosen this book because it is so different from anything else I have read. He captures life in France with great accuracy while remaining steadfastly upbeat and humorous. Nevertheless, there are moments when he is serious, and that makes his words poignant and attention-grabbing.

Norman went to France in February 1915, serving continuously until July 1916. He died on 14 March 1984 aged 91

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2014

About the author

Richard van Emden is a British author and television documentary producer who specializes in the First World War.