A Private War
The diaries of Frederick George Draper
Discover a soldier's personal journey during World War Two
Frederick Draper’s diaries chart the fortitude of a soldier fighting in the Far East during World War Two.
Offering a fresh, unfettered account of the daily trials of wartime service, his record of life in Egypt, Libya, Palestine, Transjordan, Ceylon, India and Burma – copied word for word from his original hand-written notebooks – reveal a fresh unheard account of what is was like to serve in some of the most challenging environments of the war.
I was extremely touched to receive the remarkable diaries of your excellent father, Frederick George Draper. His discipline in writing at the grimmest times imaginable, and often when he was feeling well below par, is hugely impressive and gives us a real feeling of the horrors, privations and comradeship of war and of the sheer slog of being in the army.
I love his easy unforced way with words, and his candour and meticulous attention to details like the times of trains, arrivals and departures, conditions of travelling and sleeping, despite being in pretty bad health so much of the time. It gives us such insight into the way the war was fought.
Oh Carol! What a marvellous man he was! Thank you very, very much indeed for letting me read these diaries: and a thousand congratulations on publishing them. All very warmest good wishes to you and your whole family, and with enduring admiration for your father and his courage and fortitude.
- Joanna Lumley
About Carol
Carol Draper was born in 1962, the third child of Fred and Ruby Draper. For most of her life she has lived in and around Royal Leamington Spa. Carol is married to Bruce and has two children , Emily and Jack and four grandchildren.
Now retired Carol spends her time dog walking and trying to keep fit. She enjoys volunteering at a local cafe for people with Dementia and Alzheimers.
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Discover the untold story of courage and survival. Don’t miss an opportunity to read about this remarkable journey - buy A Private War today.
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A Private War
Private Draper’s story is one of survival, commitment and comradery. He writes with painstaking honesty .. but always from the heart.
For the first time in eighty years on from when it was written, A Private War tells the story of one man’s life-changing experiences in the Second World War.
