The Legion of Frontiersmen, a band of patriots and adventurers, performed remarkable exploits throughout Britain and the Commonwealth and deserve to be far better known and understood. Formed in 1904 by Roger Pocock to be ‘the eyes and ears of the Empire’, they came close to becoming the official British intelligence-gathering and counter-intelligence organisation. Their unwavering patriotism and selfless service shine throughout their century of adventure.
The Legion’s Manchester troop was the first British in action in 1914, fighting with the Belgian army before Britain declared war; Frontiersmen served between 1915 and 1917 in East Africa, winning many decorations, including a V.C. From Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the outposts of Empire, Frontiersmen rushed to serve the mother country and over nine thousand lost their lives in the First World War. Between the wars, the Frontiersman’s distinctive uniform of Stetson hat, shoulder chains and riding breeches was a familiar sight on civic occasions; while in the Second World War the Legion saw action in all the services and virtually every theatre of combat.
The Legion attracted many well-known figures. Prince Louis of Battenberg was a founder-member, while his grand-daughter, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, continues the link as its Patron. The author has brilliantly captured the spirit of this uniquely British organisation. His account benefits from much previously unpublished material and entertainingly describes their successes and failures, their outstanding achievements and their (few) errors of judgement. This book is the first to recount the history of this eccentric group of adventurers, fighters and, above all, patriots. Contributions from the Countess Mountbatten of Burma and Sir Patrick Moore round off this splendid tribute to their century of service.
Contents:
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
List of Subscribers
Preface
Foreword
Introduction
1. Canada
2. Accusations of Murder
3. 'Listing the Legion'
4. The Secret Government Subsidy
5. The War in East Africa
6. The World Flight Expedition
7. Upsetting the Americans
8. Success, then Failure Again
9. Dwindling Influence
Notes
Bibliography
Index
