“A Soldier Of The Empire Volume 1 1867-1919” has been acclaimed by the families of Lord Haig as the most descriptive account of what it was like to participate in the action of WW1.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hammett MBA (Retd) said; “If you have room for only one book on WW1 on your shelves, then this is the one to have.”
Written by his grandson, Lawrence Brodley, his book is a previously untold and partly autobiographical history of SSM (1st Class) Ben 
Badcock MC. ASC. and the inauguration and award of “The First MC”
Ben’s story, much of it in his own words, provides insights into 19th/20th century army life such as no other soldier had.
Sixth child of ten, Ben was born to the bugle on Mt. Troodos, Cyprus, in 1880.
But Ben’s medals tell their own tale: Ladysmith in the Boer War; two World Wars; and finally “The Cold War.”
In each he (or his sons/grandsons) would be decorated: his MC; “mentions;” “Croix de Guerre” and ” Legion d’Honneur,” being his reward for “patient endurance” in WW1.
The book has attracted the following high profile reviews:
“I would like to say how moving I found your book. Your inscription about my father and its charming wording were most meaningful and I will treasure this book.”
The late 2nd Lord Haig of Bemersyde
“Your splendid books form a unique record, especially the account of the award of the Military Cross.”
Sir David Dain, KCVO; CMG – Former HM Ambassador to Cyprus
“Altogether this is a very valuable work which the Imperial War Museum, historians and Cranfield, I think would be very glad to read.
….. Ben was clearly a real hero of his time.”
Sir Roger Carrick, KCMG; MVO – Former Diplomat and High Commissioner to Australia
“If you have room for only one book on WW1 on your shelves, then this is the one to have.”
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hammett MBA (Retd)
Related Articles:
- ShieldCrest Publishing – Here
- ShieldCrest Author Page – Here
- Amazon Books – Paperback Here
- Amazon Books – eBook Part 1: Here
- Amazon Books – eBook Part 2: Here
- Amazon Books – eBook Part 3: Here
- Waterstones Books – Paperback Here
- WH Smith Books – Paperback Here
- Kobo Books – eBook Here
Scan the image below for the paperback:
