Researching for a master’s degree can lead to discovering many interesting things, and for a Kings Langley resident, it has led to him publishing his first book.
For Charlie Trumpess, history was “always a bit of a hobby”. For 15 years, he has run a military history website, an associated Facebook group, and a YouTube channel.
Wanting to expand his interests, Charlie enrolled in a master’s degree in military history at the University of Buckingham.
His thesis evaluated the formation, training and combat effectiveness of the Guards Armoured Division, which in turn became the subject of his new book.
Charlie was able to gain access to the Welsh Guards archive and examine the handwritten diaries and sketches of Sergeant Charles Murrell, as well as many other fascinating documents.
Charlie also examined the private papers of Captain the Earl of Rosse who, following a lengthy dispute, co-authored the official history of the Guards Armoured Division.
The Rosse papers are held in a private archive at Birr Castle, Ireland. Charlie believes he is the first person to have examined the Earl’s papers since they were placed in the archive.
Wanting to share the incredible stories he uncovered, Charlie picked up a pen to eternalise the facts for years to come.
Speaking to KINGSnews, Charlie said: “I didn’t want to write another chronological regimental history, so I’ve studied how the Guards’ armoured formations trained and operated.”
“It was a lot of research but absolutely fascinating.”
You can find out more about Charlie and his book at www.thewaryears.co.uk
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