Cleg Kelly

His teacher did not so much object to the pranks of Cleg Kelly himself. He objected mainly because, being ragged, barelegged, with garments picturesquely ventilated, and a hat without a crown, he was as irresistible in charm and fascination to all the other members of his class as if he had been arrayed in silver armour starry clear. For though Hunker Court was a mission school, it was quite a superior mission. And (with the exception of one class, which was much looked down upon) the lowest class of children were not encouraged to attend. Now Cleg Kelly, by parentage and character, was almost, if not quite, as the mothers of the next social grade said, “the lowest of the low.” So when Cleg’s teacher, a respectable young journeyman plumber, could stand no more pranks and had grown tired of cuffing and pulling, he led Cleg up to the awful desk of the superintendent from which the rebukes and prizes were delivered...FROM THE BOOKS.

Impeccably detailed and beautifully written, The Lost Olympian of the Somme is the story of an Olympic gold medallist and forgotten war hero. Frederick Kelly's first-hand account offers a startling personal insight into the Great War and offers a unique look into the Royal Navy's Hood Battalion. An innovative new division of sailors that served on land as soldiers, Kelly's battalion included some of the leading artistic and intellectual minds of the day: The Hon. Charles Lister, Arthur 'Ock' Asquith (the Prime Minister's son), and the poet Rupert Brooke, whose final hours Kelly witnessed. Olympic champion, composer, pianist, intellectual and leader of men - this is Frederick Kelly's incredible story.