By Esther Callens
The number of war heroes that transitioned before their story could be told is incalculable. Thus said –Andrew Davidson, noted author, has made available an amazing book that provides a look at the some of the men of World War I. With A Doctor In The Great War (Atria/Marble Arch Press), Davidson has remarkably captured the everyday activities of the soldiers.
Utilizing countless photographs, he has given today’s generation an invaluable history lesson.
A Doctor In The Great War contains over 250 never before seen photos. The photographer was a 25-year- old medical officer named Fred Davidson – Andrew’s grandfather. Fred was a decorated veteran as he was one of the first doctors to receive a Military Cross. While in service, he, along with his friend Lieutenant Robert Money and others, photographed the varying shades of war. Andrew Davidson studied the images and gave a voice to the stories the pictures told.
What was revealed was a myriad of emotions. Some of them are good, while others are painful. Among the many included portraits are some from the barracks, battlefield, infirmary and scenes “From the parade ground of Glasgow’s Maryhill to the brothels of Armentieres.”
It is stated that a picture is worth a thousand words –perhaps more when perusing Andrew Davidson’s book. He has given a hardcore look at the cold reality of war. Author’s bio: Andrew Davidson was born in South London in the late ’50s. He began working in journalism in the early ’80s. Previously he worked at the Sunday Times, Financial Times and Management Today periodicals. The Works Foundation Magazine Writer of the Year and Periodicals Publishers Associations Business Writer of the Year are two of the awards he has won. Bloodlines (structure of daily life at St. Thomas Hospital), Smart Luck (interviews with entrepreneurs) and Under The Hammer (story of the 1990 British TV franchise auction) are his previous titles.
