John Verney (author) facts for kids

John Verney (born September 30, 1913 – died February 2, 1993) was a talented person. He was an author, an artist who drew pictures, a painter, and a soldier. He is most famous for his book Going to the Wars. This book shared his adventures during World War II in Italy. He also wrote many books for kids and teenagers.

John Verney's Early Life and Education

John Verney was born in London on September 30, 1913. His father, Ralph Verney, later became a very important person. He was the secretary to the Speaker of the House of Commons. John's mother, Janette, was from Australia.

Part of John's childhood was spent in India. His father worked there for the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford. John went to a famous school called Eton College. After that, he studied History at Christ Church, Oxford university. He also spent a year learning about architecture in London. Before the war, he worked in movies as an assistant director.

Military Adventures in World War II

When World War II started in September 1939, John Verney joined the army. He was part of the North Somerset Yeomanry. He became a Lieutenant and first served in a place called Palestine. Later, he took part in the invasion of Syria in 1941. He also fought in the Western Desert campaign in 1942.

John then volunteered for a special group called the Special Air Service (SAS). In July 1943, he was part of a secret mission. He parachuted into Sardinia to attack German planes. He was captured by the enemy. But he was very brave and escaped from a train with two other soldiers.

He hid for three months in the Abruzzi mountains. Finally, he managed to rejoin the Eighth Army. He continued to serve in France and Germany. He became a major in the Royal Armoured Corps. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross in 1944. He also received the Légion d'honneur from France in 1945.

Post-War Career as an Artist and Author

Even when he was at Eton, John Verney loved to draw. After the war ended in 1945, he started painting. He used many different styles and materials. His paintings were shown in famous galleries in London.

He also found a steady way to earn money by writing and illustrating books for children. For a short time in 1961–1962, he was the editor of a magazine called The Young Elizabethan.

In 1955, he published his famous book, Going to the Wars. This book was a lively story about his time in the army. It mixed humor with serious moments. He wrote a follow-up book in 1966 called A Dinner of Herbs. In this book, he revisited the towns and villages in the Abruzzi mountains where he had been a prisoner.

When his father passed away in 1959, John Verney inherited the title of the 2nd Baronet Verney. This was a special honor. In 1968, he was elected to the local council in Farnham. He helped start the Farnham Trust, which helps protect old buildings. In the early 1980s, he was the chairman of the Gainsborough Museum in Sudbury, Suffolk.

John Verney's Family Life

In 1939, John Verney married Lucinda Musgrave, who was known as Jan. They had seven children together. They had two boys and five girls. Sadly, their oldest son, Julian, passed away at the age of eight in 1948.

John Verney passed away at his home in Clare, Suffolk on February 2, 1993. He was 79 years old.

Books by John Verney

• Verney Abroad (1954)
• Going to the Wars (1955)
• Friday's Tunnel (1959)
• February's Road (1961)
• Every Advantage (1961)
• The Mad King of Chichiboo (1963)
• ismo (1964)
• A Dinner of Herbs (1966)
• Fine Day for a Picnic (1968)
• Seven Sunflower Seeds (1968)
• Samson's Hoard (1973)
• A John Verney Collection (1989)