Apart from being a distinguished author and professor of English language and literature, JRR Tolkien also played a significant role in World War I. He served as a British Army officer on the Western Front. Tolkien's experiences during the war had a profound impact on his life and writings, including his famous works, “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Early Life and Education
JRR Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892. His family moved to England when he was three years old. He attended King Edward's School in Birmingham and later studied English language and literature at Oxford University. Tolkien was a brilliant student and excelled in his studies, earning numerous awards and honors.

Call to Service
In 1914, the outbreak of World War I brought a profound change in Tolkien’s life. Like many young men of his generation, he felt a strong sense of duty and patriotism. He interrupted his studies at Oxford and enlisted in the British Army. Tolkien was assigned to the 11th Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers, a Territorial Force unit.

Experiences on the Western Front
Tolkien arrived in France in November 1915 and joined his battalion on the Western Front. He participated in several major battles, including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras. Tolkien witnessed the horrors of trench warfare first-hand and experienced the harsh realities of life and death in combat. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1916 and served as a signals officer.

The Somme and Illness
The Battle of the Somme, which took place in 1916, proved to be a turning point in Tolkien's military career. He participated in the first day of the offensive, which resulted in heavy casualties. Tolkien was exposed to poison gas during the battle and fell ill. He was evacuated to England to recover from his injuries and illness.

Post-War Life and Writing
Tolkien's experiences in World War I had a profound impact on his life and writings. He returned to Oxford after the war and completed his studies. He later became a professor of English language and literature at the University of Oxford. Tolkien's experiences in the war inspired many elements of his fictional world of Middle-earth, which he began developing during the war.

Legacy
JRR Tolkien's service in World War I is an important part of his life story and legacy. His experiences in the trenches helped shape his worldview and provided inspiration for his literary works. Tolkien's writings have influenced countless readers and continue to inspire new generations of fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long did Tolkien serve in World War I?
  Tolkien served in World War I for approximately two years, from 1915 to 1917.

• Which battles did Tolkien participate in?
  Tolkien participated in several major battles during World War I, including the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Arras.

• What rank did Tolkien achieve in the British Army?
  Tolkien was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the British Army during World War I.

• How did Tolkien's experiences in the war influence his writing?
  Tolkien's experiences in World War I had a profound impact on his writing. They inspired elements of his fictional world of Middle-earth, including the themes of friendship, heroism, and the struggle against evil.

• Is there a memorial to Tolkien's service in World War I?
  Yes, there is a memorial to Tolkien's service in World War I located in the village of Thiepval, France. The memorial is part of the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, which commemorates the soldiers who died in the Battle of the Somme and have no known grave.