From Eton to Ypres

[Black Maria]

This book contains the letters and diaries of Lt-Col Wilfrid Abel Smith, who took command of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards in September 1914

until his death at the Battle of Festubert in May 1915 . They were typewritten and bound by John & Edward Bumpus Ltd in 1917 for family only and

have been made available in this splendid book by his great- grandson Charles Abel Smith. Lt-Col Smith's second in command was 'Ma' Jeffreys who's

own diaries were published under the title ' Fifteen Rounds a Minute ' in 1976. The book is published by The History Press in hardback , paperback

and kindle.