Edward VIII - Britain's Great War king

MrP

Banned
In short, George V is killed in an accidental fall from a horse while inspecting troops of Haig's First Army in the aftermath of the Battle of Loos, leaving his young son to accede to the throne. So what can we expect of this thrusting nineteen year-old? Is he the sort to back army types such as Haig and Kitchener, or more easily moulded to the desires of the nearest politician?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_of_the_United_Kingdom#Military_career

When the First World War (1914–18) broke out, Edward had reached the minimum age for active service and was keen to participate.[11] He had joined the army, serving with the Grenadier Guards, in June 1914, and although Edward was willing to serve on the front lines, the Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, refused to allow it, citing the immense harm that would occur if the heir to the throne were captured.[12]

Despite this, Edward witnessed trench warfare firsthand and attempted to visit the front line as often as he could, for which he was awarded the Military Cross in 1916. His role in the war, although limited, led to his great popularity among veterans of the conflict.[13] As of 1911 he was also a Midshipman in the Royal Navy, making Lieutenant in 1913. Edward undertook his first military flight in 1918 and later gained his pilot's licence.[14] On his succession he became Admiral of the Fleet in the Navy, Field Marshal in the Army, and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.[15]


Ed. G. Sheffield and J. Bourne, p.167, Douglas Haig, War Diaries and Letters 1914-1918, 2005

Thursday 28 October

During an inspection of First Army by the King, His Majesty was thrown from his horse. Haig was considerably discomfited by this.

It was a most unfortunate accident. We were within 50 yards of the place at which he [the King] was to dismount and look round the airoplanes (sic) [on foot, and come to Hinges for lunch with me.] The mare was so quiet all through the day, too, but the waving caps and the sudden cheering would have upset any horse from such a distance...
A very wet afternoon. About 5pm a telephone message was received from Sir Derek Keppel to say that the consultation of surgeons is that the King has no bones broken, but is to remain in bed for a day or two to recover from the stiffness and bruises. He was also desired by the King to say that His Majesty knew very well that the mare had never done such a thing before, and that I was not to feel perturbed at what had happened, (or words to that effect).

In context, this is the aftermath of Loos but before French's resignation and replacement by Haig (December IOTL). Kitchener is about to visit Gallipoli, but hasn't yet gone. Churchill hasn't turned up on the Western Front following the acceptance that G must be given up on. Bulgaria has just entered the war. Italy and A-H are about to have the 4th Battle of the Isonzo, and Townshend is about to be stuck in Mesopotamia.
 
Its a very interesting idea I've not seen before, succession in October 1915 (I think it is ?)

I'll have a think about this, as immediately off the top of what I still call my head, I can't think how it definitely affects things

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I can't really see it affecting much of anything. The Royals were essentially non-political though Haig was popular with George V. But the King had no power at all to influence politics or the war itself.

Lloyd George was the important figure of the time.
 

MrP

Banned
I'm not wholly sure what effects it would have - I was just wondering whether anyone else had any thoughts.
 
I'm not wholly sure what effects it would have - I was just wondering whether anyone else had any thoughts.

On the one hand it would be a blow to morale, the king dying, but on the other hand they get a young popular king in his place

It depends on how other things play out - the king DOES have a role to play, especially in the formation of coalition governments. Did Edward like Lloyd George or would he have looked for a different frontman if events in late 1916 go to plan ? He may not have had a choice, but if it became known he favoured Balfour, for example, who knows ?

And would he have been so afraid of knock-ons from the Russian Revolution in 1917 that he would have denied the Romanovs sanctuary, or would he have been more sure of himself and offered them it ? The Kaiser had instructed the German Navy to let any vessel flying the Tsar's personal standard through, so it would have made it, if the will in London was there

And the 1917 act on treason and the attainder of German-British royals; maybe Edward would have acted differently here too ?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
The most important changes would probably be related to the event of the king's death rather than any particularly overt action by Edward.

For example, with the king dead and Edward rushed back to London Kitchener will not sail on his fateful voyage but will be required to travel to the capital instead. Less likely but still possible would be Churchill staying in Britain and French not resigning if he feels it would be detremental to the war effort after such an event.
 
Top