Military Matters, a fascinating record of the Great War as witnessed by Tonbridge is the result of the exhaustive research by Pam Mills and John David Swarbrick, two local historians.
With previously unpublished photographs and the most complete list to date of the town’s casualties and war graves, this book also adds biographical notes on the casualties and places their deaths in the context of the major events from 1914-18.
We caught up with Pam, 57, who has recently obtained a master’s degree in History from the University of Kent, to find out a little bit more about the authors, the book and their fundraising for the Royal British Legion.
Pam explained: “The book was all about absorbing, collating photographs, and meeting families who told me their stories. Pulling all the information together was key, and working with Dave and bouncing ideas off each other ensured the book reads in a chronological order and is easy to read.
“I did extensive research with my colleague Dave Swarbrick during the centenary of the Great War, producing a rather large book detailing biographies of the Tonbridge fallen of WW1 which can be found in the library. To further this, we researched as much as we could about the part Tonbridge played in WW1. We produced a book called Military Matters to show the regiments that came to Tonbridge and the impact that had.
“The book also lists those men in the armed forces who died actually in Tonbridge, many in tragic circumstances during this time. It also includes information about the Belgians who came to live in Tonbridge, the VAD & the POW camp. The second part of the book gives short bios of the men who died from Tonbridge.”
Was there a particular moment that stands out with you the most from writing this book?
“One of the most interesting times for me was to meet the family of Margaret Waite, she was a FANY (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry Corps) and the only woman from Tonbridge to be awarded a medal for her bravery in the field. Her family showed me her medals and the King of Belgium pinned the order of Leopold II on her and her two colleagues himself. Fascinating story of how she went on to marry one of the injured Belgian troops who came to Tonbridge for treatment.”
Profits from the book are donated to the Royal British Legion and so far, the duo have managed to donate an impressive £1000 through the sales of their book, and haven’t finished yet. Pam explained: “We chose to donate the profits of the book to the Poppy Appeal of the Royal British Legion as this aptly was the most appropriate charity considering it helps those serving and veterans and their families. It is good to remember the fallen but we shouldn’t forget those who survived, and in particularly recent warfare where some need help. These funds go towards that. My husband served, my father served in WW2 and my grandfather WW1. So, this topic is close to my heart.”