The Great War Huts 'HutVent' Calendar, 2024, Day 23

[@miketickner6108]

Another fascinating story. Thank you

[@andypeebles2242]

Thanks Taff, what an amazing, rare and valuable piece of history.

[@timsmith1291]

Thanks Taff, great story. After seeing this, I managed to get a 1917 edition of the book which I am yet to start, but looking forward to it. With reference to 'Miss Mitton' - I believe this is Geraldine Edith Mitton. Born in 1868 in Bishop Auckland to the Rev and Mrs H A Mitton, Geraldine was educated by private governesses and then Durham High School. She started writing short stories and moved to London in 1896, working for Sir Walter Besant on the the 'Survey of London' - which she continued after his death, as well as writing a number of novels, guides and children's stories. In 1920 she became the third wife of the author, journalist and colonial administrator, Sir James George Scott, and moved to Graffham, Sussex, where she lived until her death in 1955. I don't know the relationship between Elsie, Mairi and Geraldine, but I imagine that in London, there would have been social-circle contact between them before and during the war, and as Geraldine was 'literary establishment' so to speak, she would have been an easy choice to help get the book compiled, edited and published. Maj. Gordon is a very interesting character in this story. Already having had an incredible career, he acted as 'King's Messenger' to King Albert of Belgium and regularly visited Pervyse, bringing food and supplies for Elsie and Mairi. His legacy lives on within 'The Major A. A. Gordon Society'