The Great War: Letters Home – John Stanford

Description

The Great War: Letters Home edited by John Stanford is a poignant and intimate collection of family correspondence from the First World War era. Drawn from the Chronicle of the Family, a private journal published by the Molteno-Murray family between 1913 and 1920, these letters offer a rare and vivid glimpse into the experiences of relatives scattered across South Africa, Britain, and Kenya. As the war unfolded, the journal evolved to include firsthand accounts from family members serving in diverse theatres — from the trenches of France and naval battles to the campaigns in German East Africa and South West Africa.

Beyond the battlefield, the letters capture the rhythms of everyday life, from Karoo farms to political rallies in London, preserving the voices and emotions of a bygone era. Edited by John Stanford, whose personal connection to the Chronicle lends the selection warmth and authenticity, this volume brings to life the immediacy of war and the enduring bonds of family. Over a century later, these documents remain powerful reminders of sacrifice, resilience, and the human cost of conflict.

A compelling read for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in personal narratives of the Great War and South African heritage.