Cyril Falls: The Historian of the Great War
Cyril Bentham Falls CBE was a distinguished British military historian, journalist, and academic whose work remains a cornerstone for those studying the First World War. Born in Ireland and spending much of his professional life in England, Falls combined firsthand combat experience with rigorous academic research to produce some of the most vivid and accurate accounts of early 20th-century warfare.
Key Facts
- Born: 2 March 1888, Dublin, Ireland.
- Died: 23 April 1971, Walton-on-Thames, England.
- Military Service: Captain in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
- Academic Role: Chichele Professor of Military History at All Souls College, Oxford (1946–1953).
- Notable Honor: Awarded the French Croix de Guerre and appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1967.
Early Life and Education
Cyril Falls was born in Dublin, Ireland, as the eldest son of Sir Charles Falls, an Ulster landowner based in County Tyrone. His intellectual foundation was built at the Portora Royal School in Enniskillen and later at London University. Falls demonstrated a precocious talent for writing and critical analysis, publishing his first book, Rudyard Kipling: A Critical Study, in 1915 at the age of 27.
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Service in the First World War
The outbreak of the First World War shifted Falls' trajectory from literary criticism to military service. He received a commission as a subaltern (a junior officer rank) in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Throughout the conflict, he served as a Staff Officer for two major units: the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division.
His bravery and service were recognized with the French Croix de Guerre, and he eventually left the British Army with the rank of captain.
A Career in Military History and Journalism
Following his discharge, Falls transitioned into the role of a chronicler of war. In 1922, he published The History of the 36th (Ulster) Division. This work was later praised by historian Sir Michael Howard for containing some of the finest descriptions of the conditions on the Western Front found in any war literature.
Between 1923 and 1939, Falls worked for the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence. In this capacity, he researched and authored several volumes of the official History of the Great War, focusing on operations in Macedonia and Egypt and Palestine.
When the Second World War erupted, Falls returned to the front lines of information as the military correspondent for The Times from 1939 to 1945.
Academic Leadership and Later Works
From 1946 to 1953, Falls held the prestigious position of Chichele Professor of Military History at All Souls College, Oxford. He remained a prolific author until his death, writing both specialized academic studies and general histories for the public. His bibliography spans a wide range of topics, from Elizabeth's Irish Wars to The Art of War.
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Summary of Professional Milestones
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1915 | Author | Published first book on Rudyard Kipling |
| WWI Era | Captain, British Army | Staff Officer for 36th and 62nd Divisions |
| 1923–1939 | Historian | Official History of the Great War (Committee of Imperial Defence) |
| 1939–1945 | Journalist | Military correspondent for The Times |
| 1946–1953 | Professor | Chichele Professor of Military History, Oxford |
| 1967 | Honoree | Appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Cyril Falls' most acclaimed work?
While he wrote many volumes, The History of the 36th (Ulster) Division (1922) is particularly noted for its exceptional descriptions of the Western Front.
Which academic institution did Cyril Falls teach at?
He served as the Chichele Professor of Military History at All Souls College, Oxford, from 1946 to 1953.
What was his role during the Second World War?
During the Second World War, Falls served as the military correspondent for The Times from 1939 to 1945.
In which military units did he serve during WWI?
He served as a subaltern in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and held staff officer positions in the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division.
When and where did Cyril Falls die?
Cyril Falls died on 23 April 1971, at the age of 83, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England.