'Trusty and Well Beloved': The Little Record of Arthur Oscar Hornung, Second Lieutenant 3rd (attached 2nd) Essex Regiment

‘Trusty and well beloved’ : the little record of Arthur Oscar Hornung, Second…. by E. W. H. is a memorial biography and collection of wartime letters written in the early 20th century. It traces the brief service and bright spirit of Second Lieutenant Arthur Oscar Hornung of the Essex Regiment in World War I, using his own lively correspondence and a parent’s framing notes. The focus is on his enthusiasm, comradeship, and duty from enlistment to the front, and on the love and pride of those who knew him. The opening of the book follows Oscar from eager enlistment and training to his first journey up the Seine and days at Rouen, where he revels in sights, friends, and anticipation of action. A bout of illness lands him in hospital at Le Tréport, after which he reaches the Ypres sector; his letters vividly describe trench work, gas alarms, night wiring, rations, jokes, and his deep care for his men. He writes of a retreat under heavy shelling, a daring bombing foray that leaves him slightly wounded, and the death of his servant Crump, all with undimmed cheer and candor. The section closes with the editor’s stark account of Oscar’s death during a bombardment, followed by moving tributes from Eton, comrades, and his sergeant-major.