44 The War Service of Sherlock Holmes from His Last Bow [Sherlock Holmes] (1917) Audiobook

The War Service of Sherlock Holmes is one of the stories from the collection entitled His Last Bow by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
It was first published in September 1917 in Strand Magazine. It is told in the third person instead of the usual first person narration by Dr John Watson.
It is a patriotic piece, with German spies and the famous line about the east wind.
It's narrated by Greg Wagland for Magpie Audio.
©Magpie Audio 2019

[@Boxes-of]

I fell asleep to these stories for months. Thank you for them. It is so relaxing and helps me block my nightly spiraling thoughts. This may not be what you attended but I greatly appreciate them. Whenever I struggle to sleep I come back to them.

[@michelleguymon7130]

Me also

[@capoditutticapi5524]

Agree... Hahha our brains are like sherlock's..... It needs to be active.. Even when we are trying to sleep... Listening to these stories keeps my mind focussed and active enough on one thing that i can trick my brains to fall a sleep after 1or2 hours... I hope hahah thanks

[@drummerboy1390]

Greg Wagland is the definitive Sherlock Holmes for me. I'd like to hear Greg reading Dickens.

[@JDKSM]

What about Basil Rathbone.? I’ve watched so many of those movies on tv that it’s hard for me to associate anyone else’s voice for Sherlock.

[@carminemurray6624]

@@JDKSM My contention is that Nigel Bruce portrayed Watson as a bumbling fool a hebatudinous ninny. I know the writers were at fault, but all together not the insightful Watson I see from the original stories.

[@thegreenpigsnout5579]

@@carminemurray6624 Yeah, you're right. Watson may not have Holmes' intellectual powers, but he is no buffoon.

[@Cuurse09]

The 40 minutes passed by so fast that I was half expecting a whole second half after hearing the quote about the east wind, even though I knew it was at the very end of this story. Beautifully read!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Cuurse. Appreciated!

[@user-gg8le9mg5o]

Greg Wagland reading Sherlock Holmes, a joy, a delight, the best narrator of these beloved stories ever.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you, Colin Campbell. Not Lady Colin?

[@cruisepaige]

I have only heard the first 10 minutes of this so far because your voice is so magically soothing, I fall asleep every time!

[@user-gg8le9mg5o]

I'm the same re sleep and relaxation. I've read all the stories, and listened to most here again and again. I'm not a great sleeper but these are read in a way that just makes me drop off. And that is meant as a massive compliment. Such a wonderfully relaxing voice. I just begin each story where I left it the previous night. Greg Wagland reading Sherlock Holmes is the only thing I listen to in bed. It's a way of life, and relaxation.

[@Tom_Bee_]

I've heard almost all of these AMAZING narrations now and I'm totally blown away by the excellent work. Thank you so much for making and sharing these quality productions.

[@wmnoffaith1]

Your ability to keep straight the English, Irish and German accents notwithstanding the voices of Holmes and Watson is simply staggering!!! (had to use notwithstanding in a sentence :). Listening to your audiobooks is my only exposure to proper English these days, lol. I can't get enough!! Note: Have you thought about doing narrating for Audible? I think you're just about the best narrator on KZbin!

[@Bambisgf77]

One I have never heard! A dream come true! ❤️👏🏻Thank you Greg!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

My pleasure!!

[@taszio3751]

Your voice..your inflection..you have spoilt me thoroughly. There is no other narrator who can create such an atmosphere. I have enjoyed this reading so much. I do have one criticism, however, I wish you would forgo any other interests in life, and give us an audiobook...oh, at least every other day, perhaps??!!

[@joehockley2610]

No one can compare to GW

[@oakdew]

I thought I'd read all the stories, this was new to me. Perhaps I'm slipping in my old age, but was a delight to listen to. Thank you much.

[@maisiecarruthers695]

@charles tree I think this one is sometimes called his last bow or final bow

[@Buzzchuck204]

I seem to have missed it as well my friend. Always a treat. ✌️

[@shlosher]

Honestly don't know how people sleep to these, I can't stop pacing hahaha. The ending here made me so emotional.

[@bungakunoaikousha]

Ahh, and to think I'm listening to this while we're in a the middle of a pandemic, after 2 whole years of not leaving my apartment, and with World War III on the way... I truly feel I may be one of the people who'll wither in this dystopia we're living... u_u My beloved Sherlock, and your amazing interpretation of him, Mr. Wagland, have been a refuge for me. Thank you so much! ♡

[@tomasomaonaigh7659]

If I may be so bold, do you feel you've been told tall tales by other than Sir Arthur?

[@sivanlevi3867]

Given the World War One time period this was written in, The War Service of Sherlock Holmes sure fits being a product of its time. And it's cool to see the third person narrative in the Holmes stories too.

[@sierraseven3680]

I was surprised to see that there was a Holmes story that I had not heard in your narration - I thought that I had gone through all of them. I vaguely remember reading this long ago, and I recall that it didn't really catch my interest then. Now, having learned more about that time, and about how the world poised on the edge of a cliff, I found it fascinating.

[@markhughes7927]

Very, very good, - poignant - goodbye Mr. Holmes and thank you for everything...

[@wmnoffaith1]

yes, it is poignant. I get a lump in my throat whenever I listen to it, even though I know none of this ever happened and Holmes wasn't real; he's real to me :)

[@lizgruenbaum7948]

@@wmnoffaith1 I understand your feeling. They are very real to me too!

[@JohnFalk-go2eu]

I just have to say your adaptation of Sherlock Holmes is superb. Watson and Sherlock sound EXACTLY the way I imagined them sounding in my head when I would read Sherlock Holmes novels.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks John. Our heads must be wired similarly.

[@LearnEnglishEasy]

The story is so amazing, I love it

[@susanheller9156]

Thank you, for another Sherlock story. Love your readings. I never get tired of reading/hearing Sherlock Holmes stories. Thanks again

[@katherenaboulden8482]

This story is one that had not been reread. Over the last 20 years,I have set about (I thought) reacquainting myself with the Canon. Somehow this one eluded me. Thank you Mr. Wagland for your excellent work. 👏👏❤️

[@encryptedrite22]

Yep, NEVER listening to anyone else! You're the best! Thank you for another awesome recording.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks encryptedrite22 Appreciated

[@rolandcolyer5199]

One of the best adaptation I have ever heard! Wonderful experience for me and I hope for everyone self isolated. Thanks for sharing .

[@teampugayfarm4600]

I've read this book while doing research about the first world war... it gives me goosebumps at first knowing this is just a pigment of imagination of Sir Arthur yet one can see how close it is to reality. I often wonder what would it be like if one 'Sherlock Holmes' did really exist. Its kind of melancholy to realize that this is the twilight of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson's adventure, the calm before the storm of invading german disturb the peace and serenity of the continent and British Isle. by the way... Great job Mr. Greg! An excellent narration as always. Will be looking forward for more from your chanel.

[@susanwoods174]

So glad to hear everyone falls asleep like me, sometimes I only get to hear 5 mins, but at least the stories last longer. Even listening to the same ones over again doesn't bother me, in fact it's a comfort, nice to know others feel the same too.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes. Out like a light in 5 minutes - thousands of them! 😀

[@jamieammons]

Hearing Watson's voice in a third person story is tripping me out.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Take it easy ;-)

[@ryskichelovek]

same with me

[@aprlk]

Great pipes and cadence. Wow

[@robynkittelty-redman519]

Love love love all you do..more..much more please, I have heard everything, and will have to start again at the beginning. Thankyou so much, and love from Australia,❤️

[@carminemurray6624]

Love, peace and chicken grease, it ain't easy being cheesy. 😁 Winner winner chicken dinner 😍

[@poke_n_around]

Greg, you are amazing and not being paid enough I’m sure. Thank you 🙏🏻 I😍😍

[@nicolajames5037]

How do you know that he's not being paid enough. Also talent is not something to paid for nut rather to be used productively

[@shaancallesen7202]

Thanks so much for this new addition! Superb as always!

[@davidwillard9785]

Wonderful as always ! I look forward to these every night Thank you !!

[@johnprimm35]

Very well read. Perfect voice and inflection. Thank you!

[@ringpop6177]

Your reading of this story is so excellent!!

[@2iulio]

Finally. Thank you! You the best!

[@buddysyst3m]

My favorite story! Thanks for doing this one :)

[@ashishconnery]

Great work as always, Good sir. Hope to see more of such flawless narrations from you in the future.

[@JaneFrieman]

🎭 Your use of diverse accents indulges my interest in this story.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Janie.

[@JaneFrieman]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio ☮️Why thank you. May you have many successful years ahead and using Holmes 's wording, "afoot".

[@maryeckel9682]

I love the aging Holmes and Watson still working the game. Martha was great, too. Her job was indispensable.

[@baruchben-david4196]

This one is new to me. Thank you.

[@TexanAmiga]

Love it! Thank you, thank you! So happy to hear from you😍

[@annskinner8467]

Thank you SOOOOOOooooooooo much, Greg! Big bathtime/bedtime treat!

[@Bambisgf77]

I save his recordings for the exact times! Total relaxation 😊

[@orsoncart1021]

Simply the BEST better then all the rest.

[@susandombrowski7711]

As always... a story to savor ….and an extra treat on this Halloween!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Susan.

[@themrmanguy7912]

Hell yeah! Story time is now!! Thanks man. Happy Halloween 🎃

[@traceywright9484]

Ooh been so long. Lovely as I'm drifting off to sleep. After a sad hectic weekend. Thank you for your voice.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Tracey.

[@lauraveapi3840]

You should read poetry! You have a gift for alliterations 💖

[@lilbits4173]

Ohh, this is a very good story. It was kind of bizarre to not have Watson as the narrator but so glad he's still in the story. Very touching and patriotic words indeed on the "east wind" quote.. considering it will be the beginning of the 1st World War.😔 Nice reading, Greg! 🤩

[@rjfpac]

Astute. The rendition by You Mr. Wagner is mesmerizing. This story is so pertinent to today's situations globally.

[@JoeDurobot]

*Thank you!* *I love your work.I'm sure this will be yet another great read.*

[@jimlaguardia8185]

Greg, your voice is divine.

[@catsareevil101]

Thank you!

[@Scotticus71]

Once again, bravo mon Capitan, thank you for your sharing your gift in offering another Sir ACD story. Holmes and Watson are again afoot!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Scotticus. Why can't they just put their feet up and watch the box!

[@johnmichaelfitzgerald3052]

Just awesome Greg, thanks m8ty, 🍻Cheers from Melbourne 🇦🇺

[@feralbluee]

hi John Michael (love your name) - hope everything is good where you are. we are so worried about Australia and its animal and plant life. i've been watching the vet, Chris, from Bondi and feel like a i know you guys a bit. take care :} New York, NY

[@peterbamforth6453]

A superb tate sublimly narrated it's a shame some people listen just to fall asleep.........

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Well, each to their ow.zzzzzzzzzzz

[@kaf890890]

Wow, thank you!

[@jerrykoston9118]

Thank you for the stories ,they make my life better iam able to sleep at night Jerry

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Hi Jerry. Glad my stories help you sleep. I find magnesium helps too!

[@shelvingunit2000]

Interesting addition to your canon! Top notch as always!

[@Bambisgf77]

Thank you very much this a new one to me! Dear Greg, when will you publish a new one? I adore the I digress series!!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Very soon! In fact, done!

[@tsm8891]

Just Great work! I listen to it then I read the same from books ! I hope you will continue to do it!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you! I am glad you like them, Tapac. Cheers.

[@susannhartwig4541]

SPECTACULAR. TY

[@ryskichelovek]

YOU HAVE THE BEST VOICE GREG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sammoreton3668]

Thanks very Much I really enjoyed it

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

You are very welcome, Sam.

[@MK-ji5ri]

Quite a funny story to listen too, as a German, with ancesters among the prussian nobility. The description of the outer appeareance of von Bork might aswell be a discription of me. Put to the historical context it's amusing to hear an firsthand account of a British writer on a time inwich Germany was the fainting and instable European power, in a present time inwich Britain is the fainting power. Von Bork might be a caracter based on the appearance on oilpaintings of my ancesters, wich where lost in the next world war, when our private propperty in Eastern Prussia was raided by the red army, when on the other half of the front 7 of my granduncles where killed by the hands of Brits and Yankees. Nice Audiobook as always thx for that.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

M K Thanks for your comment. Not quite within living memory now, but still very much alive. Make love, not war! I don't have oil paintings of my ancestors, simply crude sculptures fashioned from chips, and held together with Marmite.

[@MK-ji5ri]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio the paintings were lost in 1944, along with other properties, that could never be restored.

[@maisiecarruthers695]

@@MK-ji5ri how old are you bus I'd you don't mins me asking

[@mechanic6682]

Thanks

[@KD-mo5pw]

How did I miss this? Yay!

[@christahorton4964]

I loved this very much sir! This tale has alot of depth to it. I found even on my third listen i can still find my self with a new mind set and a brand new way to listen to a wonderful story! You've definitely done it justice! As always ur fantastic its a joy to listen to. Thank u so much for ur time and effort❤

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thank you Christa!

[@christahorton4964]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio u are must welcome. Its always a pleasure my good sir! You are a joy to listening to

[@pilgrim....]

Love this stuff, my eyes aren't what they used to be.That voice is almost hypnotic, sucks me right into the action, read with passion I think. One question. Is any abridgment carried out, just asking ? ACD Rules I think you've done him proud. The compilations are a rollercoaster ride through the darker emotions, but I'm not here for the Simpsons ( love the Simpsons btw). Thanks to all responsible. I'll be back soon 😶

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Gary. No there's no abridgement. They are all unabridged.

[@pilgrim....]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio I was thinking that was probably the case.🤔 Thank you 🙂

[@sabarnadas6221]

Sir your'e awesome

[@ringpop6177]

I luv that he says The Moonlight Sea

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

You old romantic, you!

[@ringpop6177]

Who said I was old 😆

[@davidsworld5837]

at the end of this story Sherlock does a speech, which sounds like or close to the one that Basil Rathbone does at the end of the war time movie

[@petechambers541]

Another classic, tho not sure the title change from his last bow, either way thank you good sir

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Thanks Pete. The title seems to vary from version to version. Anyway, ta for your support!

[@jabrayjay6679]

YASSSSSS

[@feralbluee]

A whopping good tale. they adapted this one for the Holmes' movie during WWII and used the east wind quote. great movie, too. I just realized we've beaten the Deutsche twice - hopefully western Europe will stay united now :}

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Cheers Alexa. War - what is it good for? The military industrial complex.

[@feralbluee]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio That song still goes through my mind at times. a good one, wasn't it? :} flower power lol

[@karenwaters1926]

Yay! How many more to complete the Canon?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

I think I've now done as many as I can - up to The Creeping Man - and due to the weirdness of the copyright laws I can do another couple after Jan 1st 2020. V odd! But some of the Casebook aren't out of copyright til something like 2027 or something. Bizarre.

[@katyb2793]

Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio how on earth do you find out? I thought a book etc was just copyrighted until 70 years after the author's death?

[@anthonydemitre9392]

Good afternoon, Push

[@GH-bv4pg]

"His last bow" Does it mean bowing as a performer does on the stage at the end of his performance? because it was his last case before retirement. English is not my native language. Can you answer me, please?

[@GH-bv4pg]

Thanks for loving my comment. I will be grateful if you can answer my question, too?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes, I guess that's the correct interpretation. His final 'stage appearance', his final adventure, would end with his last bow to the audience. Conan Doyle is declaring his intention to retire Holmes at this point. He doesn't retire, but keeps going in the series of Case-Book adventures. His Last Bow might refer to his final stroke of the bow on his violin strings but this seems a little far-fetched, don't you?

[@GH-bv4pg]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Thank you very much. Yes, I have read His last bow and the Case-book adventures. I mainly asked because in the Arabic translation of the stories, they have chosen the other meaning of the word "bow", when it means an instrument. The title was confusing to me, I even didn't think of the violin and after re-reading the stories in English I think "His last bow to audience" is more suitable. I asked another Arab fan, who has more knowledge of English literature than me, he told me that while he doesn't think it is the most accurate interpretation of it, the Arabic title refers to the last time Sherlock Holmes holds his bow to play the violin, metaphorically indicating his last adventures. Sorry for my bad English. I couldn't drop it before asking a native English speaker about it and thank you again for satisfying my curiosity.

[@MrWylis]

@@GH-bv4pg I think it's a deliberate pun. The main meaning is bow as in bend at the waist, the second meaning is he will be no longer bowing his violin.

[@anthonydemitre9392]

Have you listened to the barker and llewelyn series, not as good as Doyle but passable

[@wendyboothman294]

Anthony Demitre yes they are fabulous too

[@thelaughingtiger146]

I have listened to most and really liked them. No one compares to Sherlock and Greg! The best.

[@copernicus6420]

Does anybody know what is this "East wind" ?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

I guess it's bad stuff blowing in from Germany.

[@copernicus6420]

@@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio Quite possible. But it could also mean the communism. The Soviet revolution took place at nearly the same time with the publication of the book. Understandably it caused distress amongst most of the West. Maybe Mr Doyle wanted to talk about it. Sherlock Holmes is a patriotic character. It's possible for him to be nervous about some revolutionary actions. This idea is also in line with the notion of "changing times" at the beginning if his narrative.

[@ringpop6177]

Hey Greg! Do a live chat where we can all talk to you What’s it like being a voice actor I wonder?

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Not a bad idea Ringpop, although it might not last very long. 'Read stuff on paper into a microphone' - I could probably expand on that - everyone else does! Miaow!!! Is that how you spell Meeow???

[@ringpop6177]

Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio I would be interested in how you make your beautiful audio videoed And why are u saying Meow I don’t get that

[@peterchaloner2877]

Hoho! We cunning Anglos are one too many for these blustering square-heads.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Indeed!!!

[@suecollins3246]

That should be 'a guttural _exclamation_ of disappointment - not 'a guttural _explanation_ of disappointment.'

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Whoops!!! Thanks Sue. What's done is done, as Macbeth once said.

[@elisabethtison8391]

Well, in all unseriousness, an exclamation of disappointment could explain disappointment!!😁😁

[@mijiyoon5575]

I think the closing speech of *Holmes* is more *Doyle* than his character he sent the words through ... just my thoughts. It is a cold & horrible reality what did happen in this world later; meaning, WW1 1914 ~ 1918, though I'm no history expert.

[@stdeniro]

Hello Greg. It might be an idea to allow subscribers to make a "once off donation" for all your hard work. These are very uncertain times for some people with work etc. Just an idea.

[@montiemehsling2992]

OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!

[@susandombrowski7711]

that was exactly what I thought when I saw it!!!!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

cheers Susan.

[@MegaGandalf12]

If only Arthur Conan Doyle was alive till the second world war. Sherlock Holmes during the second world war would have been an amazing story!

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Er... maybe.

[@maisiecarruthers695]

There's an east wins coming Watson I thought that was just on Sherlock the TV program and Watson never told this one

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

It's in the book Micah! I think it was transplanted from WWI to WWII in the Rathbone Bruce film - can't remember which one!

[@ArizonaJoeHines]

The German spy pays Holmes with a check. I would think that espionage would be a cash business.

[@frans8861]

12:10

[@ringpop6177]

I think a Chicago hot dog is German too

[@ryskichelovek]

no one else dislike this vid keep It at '69' =)

[@lauraveapi3840]

First 😍 for my man 🤗 hihi

[@ringpop6177]

Question? Did u dress up like Sherlock Holmes for Holloween?

[@superdragons111andwolfgame7]

Elementary

[@gemmacastrillon2301]

Visto 1/15/20

[@mavisemberson8737]

Irish American , still recognisable

[@eeba4538]

18

[@peterskrobola8753]

*spoilers* Holmes be like, you just walked the prank. *spoilers*

[@dennislloyd494]

32:20 Though unmusical the German language sounds like the barking of dogs, so say the French.

[@lw3646]

Not my favourite one by Doyle, reading the so distinct Sherlock Holmes turned into a piece of British WWI propaganda, I understand why it was done though.

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

Yes. Propaganda was a lot more straightforward in those days.

[@meenaverma7041]

Only indians can understand this: Yeh toh tatti hai

[@onewayturtles]

Goodness. What an awful spy. :(

[@19683]

Silly that Germans speak with each other in German accented English

[@sherlock_holmes_magpie_audio]

You're not wrong!

[@mavisemberson8737]

It is an English story written for English speakers . The reader is emphasising this for those who cannot read the text.