Soldier and Dramatist, Being The Letters of Harold Chapin

This book of letters from Harold Chapin to his mother, wife and son provide an interesting slant on the First World War. He was an American, a well-known actor, an author and a playwright. At the outbreak of war he volunteered and enlisted in the Royal Army Medical Corps serving in France from March 1915. Although not in the front line manning the parapet Harold undertook dangerous and important work at the front. His cheerful ‘newsy’ letters are full of fascinating details that fill in many gaps when learning of life on the Western Front in northern France. Harold’s service was cut short when he was killed during the Battle of Loos and is now commemorated on the Loos Memorial. In addition to Harold’s letters Part II provides information on four of his plays and an appreciation by E B Osborn.186 pages