R. C. Sherriff | |
---|---|
Born | Robert Cedric Sherriff 6 June 1896 Hampton Wick, Middlesex, England |
Died | 13 November 1975 Kingston upon Thames, England |
(aged 79)
Occupation | Playwright and screenwriter |
Nationality | British |
Information | |
Period | 1920s to 1960s |
Magnum opus | Journey's End |
Robert Cedric Sherriff, FSA, FRSL (6 June 1896 – 13 November 1975) was an English writer best known for his play Journey's End, which was based on his experiences as a captain in World War I. He wrote several plays, novels, and screenplays, and was nominated for an Academy award and two BAFTA awards.
Sherriff was born in Hampton Wick, Middlesex to insurance clerk Herbert Hankin Sherriff and Constance Winder. He was educated at Kingston Grammar School in Kingston upon Thames from 1905-1913.
After he left school, Sherriff worked in an insurance office as a clerk (from 1914) and as an insurance adjuster (1918 to 1928) at Sun Insurance Company, London. Sherriff served (1915 to 1918) as a captain in the 9th battalion of the East Surrey Regiment in World War I, taking part in the fighting at Vimy Ridge and Loos. He was severely wounded at Passchendaele near Ypres in 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action during the war.