Simon Harold Walker - Physical control, transformation and damage in the First World War : war bodies

Physical Control, Transformation and Damage in the First World War

Contents

Private Broadhead and his surprise bedfellow, sketch by William Broadhead

This book would not have been possible without the kind generosity of my PhD funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. I also gratefully acknowledge the support of Bloomsbury Publishing and my editors Laura and Rhodri for putting up with my inability to reply to emails. Thanks also go to Dr Emma Newlands and Professor Matt Smith for their constant support, with special thanks to Dr Emily Mayhew, Professor Joanna Bourke and Dr Clare Makepeace whose work and support have been inspirational in the creation of this book. I also owe much to my reviewers whose thoughtful guidance and kind words gave me the courage to finish. Thanks also go to the staff at the Imperial War Museum, The National Archives, The Scottish National Archives, the St Andrews Special Collections, Sheffield City Archives and Local Studies Library and, the Wellcome Trust Library. Special thanks also go to staff at the Kings Own Scottish Borders Regimental Museum, Mr Adam Culling at the Royal Army Physical Training Corps Museum, Major Charley Whitely at the 101 (Northumbrian) Regiment RA Museum and Paul Evans at the Royal Artillery Museum. Much of the original research omitted from my thesis has returned within War Bodies with the hope you will appreciate the findings presented. I must thank my dear friends Rachel Hewitt, Rowena Hutton, Elena Romero Passerin, Jack Nyhan, Louise Bell and Jasmine Wood, who reviewed various versions of this book and were always kind, supportive and inspiring. Additionally, thanks to my family: Fiona, Neil, Dulcie, Harold, Lyn, my sons Oliver and Isaac, and Pond, my constant puppy writing companion. You all shared the impossible task of keeping me going; this is as much your book as mine. Thanks also to Simon and John for keeping me sane during the painful task of editing; those heists helped more than you know. I am also so grateful to my amazing fiance Emily. You were my sounding board and greatest critic, as ruthless with a red pen (and Mario Kart) as you are generous with your heart. Finally, while I did not have the chance to personally know the men whose experiences form the basis of this book, they have become an important part of my life. I could never fully understand what you saw, felt and did, but for a brief time I was honoured to shadow you over the top. To Lieutenant Godfrey, Private Purvis, Second Lieutenant W. Lindsay and so many others, I say thank you for the chance to retell your stories; I hope I got them right.