Galloper Jack: A Grandson's Search For A Forgotten Hero

by Brough Scott

"Galloper" Jack Seely, Brough Scott's grandfather, was at the heart of some of the most important events of the first part of the 20th century. His early life was one of adventure, saving the crew of a French ship and later joining the Boer War. On his return to England he was elected Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, but just like his close friend Winston Churchill, later crossed over to the Liberal party. Later, forced to resign, Jack was sent to the Western Front and there made his name as a humane and innovative leader.

Genres: Biography

394 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Emily]

General Jack Seely had a fascinating life. The Boar War and the First and Second World Wars were just some of the events that he lived through. The passages quoted from his diary and letters are very interesting and are 4 star reading. The history and biographical parts of the book are also interesting. And of course, the information on his horse, Warrior.

The massive drawback of this book is Brough Scott and the way he writes (0.5 of a star). Snide, contemptuous, patronising comments and descriptions about his grandfather and his actions are everywhere mixed up with the historical events (as if we want to know the author's opinion). He may have admired Jack Seely but he certainly does not make that clear. I would not recommend the writing in this book unless you want to see what an immature junior, with the benefit of hindsight, thinks about his ancestor (who went through more than his grandson will ever likely know). I would recommend a book by General Seely himself over this even though I haven't read any.

[Vi Walker]

A 3.5 star read for me as I'm not the greatest fan of biographies and I have difficulty envisaging military manoeuvres. Having said that, this is an incredible story written by his grandson, Brough Scott. Despite that it is relatively unbiased as Scott has only one memory of his grandfather from when he was about 4. One really couldn't make this story up. It reads like something from an Edwardian Boys Own annual with its tales of heroism and derring do! Although Scott uses Jack Seeley's own diaries (and he was not inclined towards false modesty!) much of his life was lived in the public arena and thus well documented elsewhere. He was a genuine war hero having fought and been honoured for his exploits in both the Boer War and World War One (in fact during the Boer War he was both court martialed AND bemedalled for the same incident!).

It is also a story of wealth and privilege with the Big House employing huge numbers and old family retainers becoming friends for life. An interesting read.

[Sue]

I won't be reading this one. Difficult to get into, maybe too British. Usually geography wouldn't matter, but this one harps on locations too much.

[Andrew Forbes]

It's a fascinating account