A "Temporary Gentleman" in France

"A 'Temporary Gentleman' in France" by A. J. Dawson is a collection of letters written during World War I, specifically in 1918. The letters are penned by a British officer, referred to as the "Temporary Gentleman," detailing his experiences and observations from the front lines in France. The narrative reflects the camaraderie, struggles, and evolving identity of soldiers during the war. At the start of the narrative, the "Temporary Gentleman" arrives in France after months of training in England. He describes the emotional and surreal experience of landing in a new country, his observations of the French people, and the challenges they face as soldiers. The letters capture the typical life of a soldier, including the realities of trench warfare, the importance of community, and the psychological burdens carried by the men, while also highlighting moments of humor and humanity amidst the chaos of war. The opening sets the tone for a personal and insightful journey through the experiences of a soldier, allowing readers to glimpse the life and thoughts of those who served in one of the most significant conflicts in history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alec John Dawson, generally known as A. J. Dawson was an English author, traveller and novelist. During World War I he attained the rank of Major, and was awarded the MBE and Croix de Guerre in recognition of his work as a military propagandist. Dawson published over thirty books, the one best remembered today probably being the animal adventure story Finn the Wolfhound (1908).