Charles Chenevix Trench facts for kids

Charles Chenevix Trench (born June 29, 1914 – died November 26, 2003) was a British officer in the Indian Army. He was also a popular historian and writer. He wrote many books about history and adventure.

Life of Charles Chenevix Trench

Early Life and Military Career

Charles was born in Simla, India. His father, Sir Richard Chenevix Trench, worked for the British government in India. Charles went to school at Winchester College and Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1934, he joined the Indian Army. He became very good at speaking Pashto, a language spoken in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Serving in World War II

During World War II, Charles fought in Tunisia in 1943. He was part of the 12th Lancers regiment. In 1944, he was in Italy. He led a group of soldiers from the 12th Frontier Force Regiment. They attacked a German position near Assisi. For his bravery in this night attack, he received the Military Cross. This is an award for courage in battle. After the war, he worked for the Indian Political Service until 1947. In 1946, he married Jane Gretton. They had two daughters and one son. Later, he married Mary Kirkbride and had two more daughters.

Life in Colonial Kenya

After India became independent, Charles moved to Kenya. He became a district commissioner in the Northern Frontier District. This meant he was a local leader or administrator. He learned to speak Swahili and Somali. He also helped during the Mau Mau Emergency. This was a time of conflict in Kenya. Kenya became an independent country in 1963.

Becoming a Writer

After leaving Kenya, Charles started teaching at Millfield school in England. He taught there until 1969. Then, he moved to Nenagh in Ireland to focus on writing. He wrote many books and articles. He also reviewed books for newspapers like the Irish Times. He wrote a monthly article for Blackwood's Magazine using the pen name "The Looker On." Charles Chenevix Trench passed away in 2003. He is buried in Borrisnafarney.

Books by Charles Chenevix Trench

Charles Chenevix Trench wrote many books about history and other topics. Here are some of his works:

• My Mother Told Me, 1958: This book is about his grandmother's travels.
• Portrait of a Patriot, 1962: A book about John Wilkes, a British politician.
• The Poacher and the Squire, 1964: This book looks at the history of poaching (illegal hunting) in England.
• The Royal Malady, 1964: A study of King George III's illness in 1788–89.
• The Desert's Dusty Face, 1964: This book describes his time working in Kenya.
• The Western Rising, 1969: An account of the Monmouth Rebellion, a historical uprising.
• The Fly-Fisher and His Rod, 1969: A book about fly-fishing.
• The Shooter and His Gun, 1969: A book about shooting.
• A History of Horsemanship, 1970: This book covers the history of riding horses.
• George II, 1973: A biography of King George II.
• A History of Angling, 1974: This book is about the history of fishing.
• Charley Gordon: an eminent Victorian reassessed, 1978: A biography of General Gordon.
• The Road to Khartoum: A Life of General Charles Gordon, 1979: Another book about General Gordon.
• A History of Marksmanship, 1980: This book explores the history of shooting accurately.
• The Great Dan, 1984: A biography of Daniel O'Connell, an Irish leader.
• The Frontier Scouts, 1985
• The Viceroy's Agent, 1987: This book is about Louis Mountbatten when he was Viceroy of India.
• The Indian Army and the King's Enemies, 1900–1947, 1988
• Grace's Card – Irish Catholic Landlords 1690–1800, 1997

He also contributed to The Treasury of Horses in 1972.