Introduction
Although Edward VIII, the younger brother of King George VI and uncle to King Charles III, did not serve in combat during World War II, his involvement in the Great War is a lesser-known yet intriguing aspect of his early life. This article delves into the extent of his military service and the impact it had on his future life and beliefs. By examining the records and personal accounts of the period, we can piece together a more comprehensive picture of Edward VIII's role in the war.
Edward VIII and the Great War
Edward VIII's pre-war years were marked by a keen interest in military service. In fact, his military involvement began when he was still the Prince of Wales, long before he would ascend to the throne. As the heir to the British throne, his role in the war was both meaningful and complex.
The Early Years: The Prince of Wales
When World War I broke out in 1914, Edward, then known as David, was just 20 years old. He had already started training as an infantry officer and was commissioned into the Coldstream Guards as a 2nd Lieutenant, despite his desire to serve at the front line.
Lord Kitchener, the Secretary of State for War in the British Cabinet, explained to him that he could not be allowed to serve in France because being captured by the enemy would be unthinkable. This sentiment was not lost on the future king, as evidenced by his subsequent pacifist stance and his resistance to similar situations.
A Staff Officer’s Dilemma
Despite not being at the front, Edward managed to secure a position with Sir John French, the Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force. However, he was not content with a mere administrative role. He sought greater responsibilities and was eventually assigned managing logistics and supply issues.
This was a perfect opportunity for him to come closer to the action without direct combat. Edward often inspected ammo dumps, field hospitals, and supply routes. He also snuck into the trenches at every opportunity, sparking rumors and gaining the admiration of the soldiers. His experiences were the subject of numerous letters to his parents, which he often shared with the public.
The Officer Who Became a Visiting General
One of the most intriguing accounts of Edward's involvement comes from Private Butler of the Coldstream Guards, who described an encounter with the young prince during intense shelling. Edward, as a private, showed remarkable calm in the face of danger, which was unusual and appreciated by those around him.
According to Alan MacIver, a company officer with the Lancashire Fusiliers, the Prince of Wales visited the front lines, much to the delight of the soldiers. These visits, while risky and unusual for someone of his status, put a human face on the war and boosted morale.
The Military Cross and Lifelong Impact
For his many visits to the front lines, Edward was eventually awarded the Military Cross. However, he felt the award was undeserved and seldom wore it. His letter to his parents describes the horror and grimness of the war, which clearly impacted him deeply.
By 1917, Edward had been promoted to Captain and had witnessed the most "pathetic and gruesome" aspects of the war through his firsthand experiences. These experiences directly contributed to his pacifist beliefs and, ironically, his later sympathies and support for Nazi Germany, though it is crucial to note his initial misunderstanding of National Socialism’s ideology.
Conclusion
Edward VIII's military service during World War I was a transformative period in his life. His experiences as a logistics officer and his visits to the front lines shaped his pacifist stance, which he would later abandon in his interactions with Hitler's regime. Understanding these events is essential for a full appreciation of his complex character and the decisions he made later in life.