Tim G. Elliot’s Tim’s War, edited by Robin Gregory, offers a unique and deeply personal perspective on the First World War, presenting the daily experiences of a soldier in the trenches. Through his meticulously kept diaries, Elliot provides an unfiltered, first-hand account of the war, making this book an invaluable historical resource despite some editorial limitations.
Elliot enlisted in the 9th (County of London) Battalion, London Regiment (Queen Victoria’s Rifles (QVR)) in November 1914 and served on the Western Front from June 1915 until the war’s end in 1918. His service included participation in key battles such as the Battle of the Somme, where he witnessed the devastation that followed. Elliot continued to serve through the brutal campaigns of 1917 and 1918, chronicling his shifting morale and the grim realities of war. His diary stands out for its continuity, as he recorded his experiences daily throughout his service.
The QVR were a Territorial Force battalion of the London Regiment with origins tracing back to the Napoleonic Wars. By the time of the First World War, they had become part of the Territorial Force, which was intended as a home defence unit but found itself deployed to the frontlines. The QVRs played a notable role in battles such as the attack on Hill 60 in 1915, where their determination and bravery were recognised, leading to Lieutenant Geoffrey Harold Woolley being awarded the first Victoria Cross given to a Territorial soldier. The regiment suffered heavy casualties throughout the war, particularly at the Somme and Passchendaele.
Unlike many war memoirs written retrospectively, Elliot’s diary provides an authentic, day-by-day chronicle of life on the frontlines. It offers a unique perspective from an unpromoted soldier, rather than an officer, reflecting the experience of the ‘other ranks’ and offering insights into the daily struggles and camaraderie among soldiers. The diary is not solely focused on combat but also on the routine of a soldier’s life, including moments of leisure, relationships, and even theatre outings. Robin Gregory, as a psychologist rather than a historian, interprets Elliot’s experiences through a psychological lens, though this at times leads to speculative conclusions. The diary also includes pre-war entries, adding depth by showing the contrast between Elliot’s civilian life and his wartime transformation.
Robin Gregory’s decision to publish Tim’s War was driven by a desire to showcase Elliot’s perspective as an unpromoted soldier and explore his psychological responses to war. However, Gregory acknowledges his own lack of historical expertise, focusing instead on inferred psychological states. This leads to some inaccuracies and anachronistic interpretations. For example, when Elliot refers to bayonets as “swords” (as was customary in the QVR), Gregory questions the terminology rather than recognising it as regimental tradition. His commentary, while often engaging, sometimes applies modern psychological theories to an Edwardian man without sufficient attention to the cultural context of the time.
Despite some editorial overreach, the book remains a rare and detailed diary, covering the entirety of the war in a way that is highly valuable for historians and general readers alike. Elliot’s straightforward and often poignant entries make for compelling reading, and his reflections track his changing views of the war, from initial enthusiasm to war-weariness.