Tattoo of British soldiers inspired Basingstoke amateur historian to write e-book (From Andover Advertiser)
When news happens, text AND and your photos or videos to 80360. Or contact us by email and phone.
Scott Addington from Hatch Warren is author of World War One: A Layman's Guide
7:00am Monday 18th March 2013 in Basingstoke By Chris Gregory
Buy this photo »
Scott Addington
A TATTOO of British soldiers in the First World War has inspired a Basingstoke amateur historian to write an e-book.
Scott Addington, of Heritage Park, Hatch Warren, is the author of World War One: A Layman’s Guide.
The 39-year-old marketing manager, who spends his spare time researching people’s military history, got the tattoo covering the inside of his right forearm two years ago at the Area 51 tattoo parlour, in Church Street, Basingstoke.
It depicts British soldiers going “over the top” of their trench in the Battle of the Somme – one of the bloodiest battles of the war.
He said: “I do get stopped in the street and people will just start talking to me about the tattoo and about World War One, and it ends up with people saying they want to know more.
“There are so many people out there who think that the vast majority of history books are not accessible. The thing that sets my book apart is that it is written like a conversation down the pub.”
The e-book, available from online retailer Amazon, is split into small chapters, covering all the major battles and offensives, including Marne, Jutland and Verdun.
The book’s release comes one year before the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, who is also the Culture Secretary, is on an advisory panel planning a national commemoration of the start of the war.
Initial ideas include a redevelopment of the Imperial War Museum, in London, and a football match in Belgium to recreate one played between British and German soldiers at Christmas 1914.
Scott thinks it is vitally important to remember the First World War.
He said: “There’s a danger that we will forget, that’s why it’s really important that the media makes sure that the general public are reminded of what happened and get to hear the stories of the people who took part.”
