Hand written notebook containing diary extracts and other material by Sergeant James Thurlby, 1942-1945 (c)

James Thurlby was a journalist who turned his literary talents to describing his experiences during World War Two (1939-1945). Thurlby served with the 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards during the Battle of Normandy in June and July 1944, where he was wounded. He later returned to the front as a soldier-journalist and accompanied the Guards Division during its advance into Germany in 1945.

Thurlby's writings provide a visceral account of combat and a profound insight into the horrors of war. This reflected his need to process the terrible experiences that he had endured and to convey to others a deeper sense of what it is like to experience battle.

From a collection of archives and photographs relating to Sergeant James Thurlby, 5th Battalion, Coldstream Guards, 1942-1946 (c).

Donated by the family of James Thurlby