Joanna Palmer and Andrew Baines are the grandchildren of John Baines, a Winchester scholar and young Royal Engineers officer who was on active service in France and Salonika during the First World War. In their book, Dearest Mother, they have edited John’s letters to his mother and sister in an unusual way, which includes a great deal of background social and military history of the time.
In an exchange between John Baines and his ‘Dearest Mother’, with added editorial comment, the one hour costumed presentation will bring to life some of these letters, which John wrote in an affectionate, amusing and relaxed way, whilst disguising the true realities and horrors of war.
Audiences will not only share in John’s military career, but also his personal and political views, interest in things classical, his passion for the Lake District, sense of humour and the love, care and responsibility he felt towards his mother and sister while serving King and country. They will also learn something about the military aspects of the Salonika Campaign, of which very little has been written.
Speakers: Joanna Palmer and Andrew Baines
Duration: 1 hour