Flowers in the Minefields

Description

El Alamein to St Honorine – the poetry of John Jarmain

A short appraisal of his life and work by James Crowden. When Major John Jarmain was killed by a German mortar bomb in Normandy in June 1944, this country lost a fine writer. He left behind a collection of poems and a novel called Priddy Barrows, both of which were published posthumously.

‘One of the truly great but neglected poets of the Second World War.’ – From Oasis Into Italy

‘John Jarmain was one of the best known poets of the 2nd World War.’ – Imperial War Museum

‘I have read the poems with real interested and mounting admiration.’ – Prof. Jon Stallworthy, University of Oxford

‘Jarmain is a connoisseur of sand – its colours and textures, its magical shape-shifting potentialities.’ – Prof. Tim Kendall, University of Exeter

‘Captain Jarmain> He was a smashing bloke… brought up the rations and ammo – checked we were alright – brought up the whisky as well.’ – Sgt. Harry Garrett, G Troop 242 Battery, 61st A/T Regt. Royal Artillery