These family papers contain the correspondence of Hilda Grenfell (1886-1972), a daughter of the Lyttelton family, and her husband Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Grenfell (1873-1958) with family members and friends. The collection includes letters written by Arthur Grenfell’s son, Harry St Leger Grenfell, and his siblings, Francis Grenfell, Riversdale Grenfell, and Maria Grenfell, alongside a large collection of photographs.
Highlights of this collection include the many letters exchanged between family members during various wars including the Zulu War, Boer War, First World War and Second World War giving an insight into life on the front line and home front.
Papers include: Letters from Field Marshal Lord Francis Wallace Grenfell during service in Zulu War, 1877-1881. Arthur Grenfell's First World War reports and memorandums, 1916-1919. A particular highlight is the papers of twin brothers Francis Grenfell and Riversdale Grenfell, both of whom fought and died in the First World War, 1914-1918. Their fascinating lives are told through letters written to each other, diary entries written during their time in the army, and letters written back home to family. Alongside these papers are the military accounts, despatches, and reports of the 9th Lancers, 1914-1915, under whom Francis Grenfell gained the rank of Captain whilst in service.
Other items of interest include a photograph album containing poems and sketches depicting war scenes and Belgian refugees by various Belgian artists, 1915.
More resources on the First World War are available on the Meanings of Military Service website.
For more information on the collection (Reference Number: PP5/GRE) and details of how to access it please see the catalogue or email:archives@qmul.ac.uk.