About the Book

The writing of the book Only One Place began four years ago when Robyn’s father Max Whinfield asked her if she would write the higher-level story behind the diaries that his father Horace had meticulously written for the years 1917 and 1918. What battle he was in—which other brigades, divisions and battalions were fighting, where and when—what were the plans of the leaders—this type of information would provide a broader story of the war.

For Horace Whinfield’s diaries portrayed a soldier’s story, one of the everyday activities of a soldier—fatigues—billets—food—his mates—the basic needs of work, shelter, food and friendship. But as Robyn started reading and researching more about the Great War, she felt that what was missing was the before the war and after the war accounts of Horace and his family. Including this would provide a more expansive context to Horace’s war experience.

Robyn knew her grandfather Horace up until she was a teenager. She knew him as a thoughtful and gentle man—but not much of his war service and the sacrifices he made for his country. From this foundation, Robyn’s focus for writing was established.

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