R. E. Vernède

Who was R. E. Vernède?

Robert Ernest Vernède was an English poet and writer, now remembered as a war poet.

He was born in London, and educated at St Paul's School and at St John's College, Oxford. After graduating, he wrote novels and short stories.

He enlisted with the British Army as a second lieutenant in the 3rd Batt. Rifle Brigade in 1914 four years over-age. He served in France in World War I where he was wounded in 1916 in the Battle of the Somme. He returned to the front, but died after being wounded by machine gun fire while leading an advance at Havrincourt. He was buried at Le Bucquiere Communal Cemetery Extension.

His War Poems, And Other Verses was published in 1917 by William Heinemann.