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

by Andrew Richards

This book describes the wartime experiences of Reverend David Railton, MC, who was a chaplain on the Western Front during WWI. As a chaplain, Railton supported 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 move on and do their job. He was present at many battles, and 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 a fallen comrade, whose identity was unknown, from the battlefields of Belgium and France to be buried in Westminster Abbey. Although suffering from what was obviously Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, after the war he carried out his duties as the vicar of Margate and took on many philanthropic works on behalf of the poor, especially supporting ex-servicemen who came home and had to deal with the aftermath of a terrible war and crippling unemployment.

The story of the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior has been told several times, including the part played by the Reverend David Railton, M.C. However, no book has been written about the man himself and his flag, which he used as an altar cloth and shroud throughout the war, was consecrated a year after the burial of the Unknown Warrior, and now hangs in Westminster Abbey. This book has been written using hundreds of original letters, notes, and publications penned by Railton himself.

Table of Contents

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

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2019

Reviews

[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.

[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.