Temporary Heroes: Lieutenant Norman Cecil DownPaperback, 20 July 2022

This is a short book based on the letters written between 1915 and 1916 by an officer serving with the 1/4th Gordon Highlanders. Second Lieutenant Down wrote regularly to his girlfriend/fiancé throughout his time in France, letters which were published in 1917 after he was wounded and discharged from the army.

Norman Cecil Down is a superb writer, but more than that he has a natural wit that translates easily to the page, making this one enjoyable read.

The author Richard van Emden chose this book because it is so different from anything else he has read. Norman Cecil Down captures life in France with great accuracy while remaining steadfastly upbeat and humorous. Nevertheless, there are moments when he is serious, and that makes his words poignant and attention-grabbing.

Norman went to France in February 1915, serving continuously until July 1916. He died on 14 March 1984 aged 91.