The Flag: The Story of Revd David Railton MC and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

by Andrew Richards

Reverend David Railton MC served as a chaplain on the Western Front during World War I. Attached to three divisions between 1916 and 1918, Railton supported the soldiers in their worst moments; he buried the fallen, comforted the wounded, wrote to the families of the missing and killed, and helped the survivors to remember and mark the loss of their comrades so that they were able to carry on. He was with his men at many battles, including High Wood, the Aisne, Passchendaele; he received the Military Cross for rescuing an officer and two men under heavy fire on the Somme.

It was Railton’s idea to bring home the body of an unidentified fallen comrade from the battlefields to be buried in Westminster Abbey, and on Armistice Day 1920, he was there in the Abbey as the Unknown Warrior was laid to rest with full honors.

Although suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he returned to work as a parish priest in Margate, where he took particular interest in supporting ex-servicemen who had returned home to the aftermath of a terrible war and crippling unemployment.

While the story of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior has been told before, this is the first book to explore David Railton’s life and war, and of ‘the padre’s flag’ he used as an altar cloth and shroud throughout the war. The flag was consecrated a year after the burial of the Unknown Warrior and hangs in Westminster Abbey to this day.

Table of Contents

From the Dean of Westminster
Preface
Acknowledgements
Prologue

1 Sleepless Nights
2 Early Days in France
3 Vimy Ridge
4 Graveyards
5 Military Cross
6 Winter of Death
7 Private Denis Blakemore
8 Kaiserschlacht
9 Back to Blighty
10 Now or Never
11 The Unknown Warrior
12 Hanging the Flag
13 Going Home

Epilogue
Countries that Adopted the Idea of the Unknown Warrior
Notes
Bibliography
Index

304 pages, Hardcover

Published December 14, 2017

Reviews

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly engaging and emotional biography about a uniquely selfless individual. The story of David Railton’s life in the trenches on the western front is a harrowing depiction of the insanity of war.

Andrew Richards narrative brings David’s story to life, he draws the reader back in time to walk alongside the Reverend as strives to comfort and council a shell shocked generation.

[Ian Dickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and well-researched book which looks in great detail at the life and aspirations of a true real-life hero of the Great War, a man of compassion, who having survived the horrors of the conflict pursued his passion for recognition of the brave men who made the supreme sacrifice so that we will NEVER forget their sacrifice, David Railton was a man who served his country and also served his flock, the brave soldiers of the great conflict.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone with an interest in Military History.
David Railton’s idea of the Unknown Warrior, his service on the Western Front and the history of his flag deserve a wider audience and recognition.
As a Commonwealth War Graves Volunteer I have a particular interest - wouldn’t it be great if this book attracted more interest, more volunteers.

[David McNinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of an army chaplain from World War 1 who had the idea of the Unknown Warrior. This biography not only gives us a clear picture of David Railton but also describes the horrors he and the soldiers faced in France and Belgium. His clear love and care for people from all walks of life are highlighted throughout the book and show that this was integral to his life. This is a great read, well written and researched. It doesn’t shirk from telling the reader about life in the trenches or life after the war. It is full of facts and full of emotion. Thoroughly recommend this book.

[Kate Openshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like military history then this is just for you. We lived in the area where most of the 1st world war took place, so I know the area well. Have been to a fair few memorials there too, so it was interesting to hear about the battles from the perspective of an army chaplain. The story behind the unknown soldier is fascinating, and the fact that the ceremony that takes place on Remembrance Sunday has been the same since it began. It's very moving and quite emotional. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and getting to know the man who was so good to the men he served with.

[john semple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book twice and deleted it from my device by mistake. I want to read it again and keep it in my library.
Looks like I might have to buy it again.
I recommend as a good read.