Cheltenham Literature Festival: Michael Palin tells all about his Great-Uncle Harry

With many literature events you will find two people take to the stage - a famous author accompanied by a journalist or presenter to interview them - but this natural orator needed no sidekick. Grasping the podium, he took his audience on an emotional rollercoaster all by himself.

Talking about the rise and demise of his Great-Uncle Harry, detailing his childhood through to his premature death on the Western Front during the First World War, the funny-man-cum-travel-presenter delivered the tragic tale with both comedy and pathos in equal measure.

Following descriptions of the young man’s school days and first forays into the world of work came diary entries from Harry’s days as a soldier. These excerpts contained everything from details of the letters and treats he’d received through the post that day, to a catalogue of names of comrades and friends who had been injured or killed on the battlefield - Mr Palin referred to them as a “mixture of the mundane and the murderous”.

Little did the audience know that this picture of Harry being so perfectly built up would lead to a real sucker punch. It seemed like we had all grown quite close to this unassuming soldier, hearing his words and seeing a few black and white photos of him, before the final moments of the talk where a video showed Michael visiting a war memorial for the fallen. There can’t have been a dry eye in the house.

That hour didn’t describe a particularly remarkable person, in this way he represents the many ordinary men who were sent to far flung lands to fight for king and country, who stood shoulder to shoulder with other ordinary men, and who would pay the ultimate price for the freedom we continue to enjoy to this day.

Suffice to say, I cannot wait to read the full version of the story, a copy of which we all received upon entering the event. After listening to some of the book’s anecdotes read by Harry’s famous great nephew, in my head it will be his voice I hear as I move through the chapters learning even more about the everyday hero, Great Uncle Harry.

:: The festival continues until October 15 - there are still some events with tickets available, to find out more, visit the Cheltenham Literature Festival website.