The Faithful Soldier: A Biography of Ernest Strover, from India to the World Wars

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How can one man be a Soldier, an Airman and also a Priest This biography tells the story of Ernest James Strover - 'Puck' as he was known to his contemporaries - who served as a soldier in British India and both World Wars, was a pioneer of air combat on the Western Front, escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp and finally was a pastor in Holy Orders in England and Rhodesia. It recounts unique events in a life of uncompromising venture, sustained by a strong faith which, in later years, he was able to share with his parishioners. Two World Wars and an uneasy peace between them saw a rise in the clamour for the independence of nations within the British Empire, leading to its transformation to the Commonwealth. It was during this pivotal moment in 20th Century history that Ernest Strover served his country as a soldier of faith. His experiences of commanding an Indian Regiment, of a miraculous survival from being shot down over German lines when piloting a fighter aircraft in WWI, of battle in Mesopotamia and on the Khyber Pass, developed in him a deep faith. Written by his second son, John Strover, with a Foreword by Sir Peter Tapsell, M.P , it is a revealing story of the British Empire and the two World Wars, but also much more - Strover sheds light, through perceptive and authentic personal experience, on the intertwined and complex relationship between serving one's God and serving one's country. It is illuminating reading for all interested in an insider's view of the British Colonial service at the end of Empire.

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Author Bio

John Strover, MA, spent his early childhood in India. He was educated in England, where he was a scholar at Cheltenham College and an Exhibitioner at Trinity College, Oxford. He captained the University at hockey, played for England, and for Great Britain in the Melbourne Olympics. He was commissioned into the Essex Regt. for National Service and into the RAFVR when he learned to fly with the University Air Squadron. He taught Mathematics at Harrow School before he was appointed Headmaster of Kingston Grammar School, going on from there to be Headmaster of Warwick School. In retirement he worked for the International Children's Trust, returning to India on many occasions as their Overseas Executive. He has been a Lay Reader for over thirty years. He lives with his wife in Dorset and has four sons by a previous marriage. How can one man be a Soldier, an Airman and also a Priest This biography tells the story of Ernest James Strover - 'Puck' as he was known to his contemporaries - who served as a soldier in British India and both World Wars, was a pioneer of air combat on the Western Front, escaped from a prisoner-of-war camp and finally was a pastor in Holy Orders. It recounts unique events in a life of uncompromising venture, sustained by a strong faith which, in later years, he was able to share with his parishioners. Written by his second son, John Strover, with a Foreword by Sir Peter Tapsell, M.P, it is a revealing story of the British Empire and the two World Wars, but also much more - Strover sheds light, through perceptive and authentic personal experience, on the intertwined and complex relationship between serving one's God and serving one's country. It is illuminating reading for all interested in an insider's view of the British Colonial service at the end of Empire.