Lawrence Brodley’s grandfather, Benjamin William Badcock, was an ordinary man who lived through extraordinary times. Born into a military family, it was no surprise that Badcock enlisted himself in 1897. What ensued was a dangerous and glowing career through the Boer War, garrison in the UK and finally WW1. Told sensitively by Brodley, his grandfather’s story is one of the most complete and authoritative accounts of this period ever made public.
United Kingdom: With the centenary of WW1 just months away, the world’s eyes are turning toward those four years that changed the world. However, picking through the political rhetoric and historical drama, many unsung heroes of the Great War emerge. One of those heroes was Benjamin William Badcock (officially SSM (1st Class) Ben Badcock, MC, ASC), and his story is now being shared by his grandson in a gripping and invaluable new book.
‘A Solider of Empire’ was researched and compiled by Lawrence Brodley. This untold and partly-autobiographical story encompasses Badcock’s entire life journey, from his early days in Cyprus through to fighting in WW1 and finally passing the military torch onto younger generations. In all, at a time when first-hand accounts of the Great War are scarce, the book makes a vital contribution to wider history.
Synopsis:
Unsung WW1 hero; the First Military Cross; Member of the French "Legion d'Honneur"; and chief-clerk/confidante/mentor to the Prince-of-Wales on "The Western Front"; SSM Ben Badcock (1880 4964) was truly "A Soldier of the Empire." Born in a tent on Mt. Troodos, Cyprus; sixth of ten barrack-brats; Ben was destined to be a soldier. So, under-age, and in Ireland, he enlisted in 1897. Then, after sixteen years (seven in South Africa - "Boer War" (1899-1901) and 1905-10; six in Devonport (1901-05); and five in Alddershot/Blackdown (1897 and from 1910) by 1914 he felt ready for war. But nothing had prepared him, the British Army, or the world for what was to come! Authentically, authoritatively and sensitively told by Ben and his grandson, Ben's unique story deserves to be read.
Grandson of SSM Ben Badcock. MC, Devon author Lawrence Brodley incisively sets his grandfather's life, in peace any war, alongside macro-historical events. In so doing he has created an authentic trilogy that provides new any authoritative historical insights into family and service life from 1867 through four generations to final retirement from the army of Ben's youngest son, Benji, in 1968.
“The WW1 centenary celebrations are going to naturally be very focused on ceremony; but the stories of those who fought hold possibly the greatest value to modern-day society. The problem is that most have been lost as these servicemen and women died, hence the reason I’ve worked so diligently to preserve the story of my grandfather,” says Brodley.
Continuing, “It’s very in-depth, divulging battle strategy and insight that involves top military officers, politicians and those supporting the war effort back on home soil. This grassroots look back through history goes above and beyond speculation to lay out the facts. I hope that his story gets the attention it deserves, over one hundred years after it started to be written.”
The book is resonating extremely well with readers from all walks of life. The The late 2nd Lord Haig of Bemersyde comments, “I would like to say how moving I found your book. Your inscription about my father and its charming wording were most meaningful and I will treasure this book.”
Sir Roger Carrick adds, “Altogether this is a very valuable work which the Imperial War Museum, historians and Cranfield, I think would be very glad to read.…..... Ben was clearly a real hero of his time.”
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hammett sees value in the book for everyone, writing, “If you have room for only one book on WW1 on your shelves, then this is the one to have.”