Sapper - H C McNeile

[David Filsell]

Prompted by a recent forum topic on Sapper, I have been attempting some research into the author's military service. This follow-up on work that I have done on Max Plowman (A Subaltern on the Somme) for Stand To! and curent research on R C Sherriff (Journey's End)

Sapper - the psuedonym of H C McNeile - was an RE, and seems to have gone to France in November 1914 (possibly with 8th Inf Div). He rose to the rank of Lt Col and apparently commanded 18th Bn Middlesex Regiment. His MC was in London Gazette Jan 1916, but no citation

Although he left the army in 1919, sadly, his file is not available at the National Archives.

He seems to have written little other than fictional (or fictionalised ) accounts of his service, some of which are truly excellent. Although he may have left papers I have been unable as yet to locate them. So, if any forum users can help, or have found any references to his service, it would be very helpful to hear from you.

regards

David