Fought Like a Lion: The Life of an East End Soldier by Paul Blumsom – The Book Launch
The Fusilier Museum, Tower of London
In May of last year, we told you about a fascinating book called Fought Like a Lion: The Life of an East End Soldier by Paul Blumsom https://www.dumaurier.org/menu_page.php?id=260.
Copies of Fought Like a Lion by Paul Blumsom on display at the book launch
At first glance, this book is the life story of William Charles Blumsom (1881 – 1932), the author's Grandfather, and it is a beautiful tribute to him. However, on closer reading, although it is precisely that, it is also so much more. Paul's book provides an in-depth look at life in the East End of London during Williams lifetime, and it highlights the joys, sorrows, and harsh realities of military life at that time. It also gives us more information than any other book I have ever found about Guy du Maurier, Daphne du Maurier's uncle, a career soldier (1861 – 1915). The connection is that they were both in the Royal Fusiliers, and during part of Williams military career, he worked directly under Guy's command. Thanks to Paul Blumsom's meticulous research, he has unearthed details about Guy that no one has ever put together before. So, this is an excellent book on many levels, and we here at the Daphne du Maurier website heartily recommend it.
In November 2025, as part of Remembrance season, Fought Like a Lion had its official launch at the Fusilier Museum in the Tower of London. The fact that the venue is also the Regimental Headquarters for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers made it the perfect setting for Paul Blumsom to present his book, as it is the spiritual home and HQ of William and Guy's regiment.
Paul Blumsom speaking at the book launch
The evening began with a short history of the Royal Fusiliers and the museum itself, presented by Major Mick McCarthy MBE (Regimental Sec South). Then the museum's curator, Beth Wyrill, spoke some more about the museum before introducing the author of Fought Like a Lion, Paul Blumsom. Paul gave a reading from his book, followed by a Q&A session. The evening was a great success and much enjoyed by all the guests, who, as they left, were treated to a truly spectacular poppy display alongside the White Tower, bringing the evening to an emotional close.
Poppies at the Tower of London
Paul Blumsom is a member of the Western Front Association, who reported the book launch event on their website, here:https://www.westernfrontassociation.com/news/2025/november/wfa-member-chronicles-grandfathers-journey-from-boer-war-to-palestine/
The White Tower at the Tower of London
For those of you who are interested in military history or indeed those of you who would like to know more about Guy du Maurier, Fought Like a Lion: The Life of an East End Soldier, is published by Reveille Press of Brighton and is available to order from online retailers as well as high street bookshops.
February 2026.