Old Brutonian, Charles Noble launches new book about the King’s pupils and staff who served in the

In total, 283 former King’s pupils and staff served in the armed forces during World War One.  Of these, 50 were wounded and 56 did not survive the conflict. 

The ‘King’s 56’ is a carefully curated and meticulously researched book, which award winning historian, writer and broadcaster James Holland says is “A remarkable piece of work, truly immeasurable.  Deeply moving, but also relentlessly fascinating.. an extraordinary testimony to their collective sacrifice.”  The book tells the stories of each of the 56 men, chronologically by the dates of their deaths, covering all areas of the armed forces, from infantry, the machine gun corps, the world’s first tanks through to those who worked in the supply lines.  The book explores the conflict at sea through those who served in the Royal Navy and, in the air, we learn the story of miliary aviation through one of the 56 who was an early pioneer who helped set the foundation for the Royal Air Force as we know it today. The book charts the journey from the tense months leading up to the war in the summer of 1914, through to the eponymous battles including Mons, Loos, the Somme and others, until November 1918 when the Armistice was signed. 

All proceeds from sales of the book go to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.  More information can be found here https://thekings56.com/

If you would like to attend the launch and meet Charles, please contact Emilie Head at [email protected]