The Searchers: The Quest for the Lost of the First World War

In The Searchers, Robert Sackville-West brings together the extraordinary accounts of those who dedicated their lives to the search for the missing soldiers of the First World War, revealing the remarkable lengths to which people will go to give meaning to their loss. The search spanned a century, from the department set up to investigate the fate of missing comrades to the present day, with DNA profiling continuing to aid efforts. The book highlights the personal battles of those left behind and brings the legacy of war vividly to life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Searchers, a captivating and often horrifying work, has been shortlisted for the Historical Writers Association Crown Awards 2022. This remarkable book delves into the epic and moving stories of Britain's tireless search to recover, identify, and honor the missing soldiers of the First World War. By the end of the war, over half a million British soldiers remained unaccounted for, with the majority presumed dead and lost forever beneath the battlefields of northern France and Flanders. In his profound exploration, Robert Sackville-West brings together the extraordinary accounts of those who dedicated their lives to this noble pursuit. These narratives shed light on the remarkable lengths individuals would go to find meaning in the face of profound loss. From Rudyard Kipling's quest to locate his son's grave to E.M. Forster's conversations with traumatized soldiers in Alexandria, the stories unfold as a testament to the human spirit's resilience, bravery, and compassion. The Searchers spans a century, tracing the journey from the establishment of the department responsible for investigating the fate of missing comrades in the aftermath of the war to the present day, where DNA profiling continues to aid in the recovery, identification, and honoring of these men. While the rest of the country sought to heal and move forward, countless families were consumed by this relentless mission, embarking on arduous and often futile journeys to uncover the truth about their husbands, brothers, and sons. The book vividly portrays the personal battles of those left behind, showcasing the indomitable human spirit's enduring strength and resilience. Through its poignant storytelling, The Searchers pays tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of those who sought to bring closure to the lives of the missing soldiers. It serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of war and the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and society as a whole.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526613141