Tunnelmaster & Arsonist of the Great War: The Norton-Griffiths Story

by Greg Espinoza

Sir John Norton-Griffiths was one of a breed of adventurer, pioneer, entrepreneur and soldier whose like is very seldom seen. Having learnt his trade and made his fortune mining the rich seams of South Africa, he turned his expertise to more deadly use in the Great War. He led the gallant miners who burrowed deep under enemy lines with devastating effect.

He went on to wreak havoc on the Danube. Always a controversial figure, he died (or was murdered?) in mysterious circumstances. This is the story of a true maverick who was a formidable force and legend wherever he went.

Genres: World War I

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[JD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though Empire Jack as he was known had a very adventurous life such as the likes of the fictional Allan Quartemain, the author has done a horrible job telling it. More than half of the book is filled with the history of the times and the places where Norton-Griffiths found himself, which seems to be just fillers by the author to lengthen the book. His writing is also very pro-Imperialist Britain and he mostly tries to justify the brutal actions of the Empire during the late 19th century and early 20th century in Southern Africa.

Norton-Griffiths lived a full life, from farming, soldiering and mining on the frontiers, to being an engineer and a politician in his peace years. He gave good service during World War 1 where he was instrumental in the mining operations on the Western Front. The greatest part of the book for me though was where he went to Romania to blow up the oilfields before the Central Powers could gain control of it after they invaded. The book had big potential, but was very disappointing for me.