Oak tree witnessing history. 1970s older children's book.

[Sgtmajormummy]

Hello,
I'm looking for a book I read at about 10 in the late 70s. It tells the story of an oak tree, planted by a dying soldier (in the Civil War?) which then grows and witnesses the changes in the forest and landscape, local families and their dying superstitions and traditions.
It also brings in historical themes like NOT being chosen for one of Nelson's warships or German bombers flying overhead in WW2.

I'd love to read it aloud to DD who at 11 is still an appreciative audience and is starting to put history into perspective (thanks mainly to a fixation with Horrible Histories!).
We're currently reading Hobberdy Dick, another childhood favourite of mine, and it has reminded me of this book.

I read it in paperback, so it was probably first published in the early 70s. I remember the cover was a dark oil painting of the dying soldier. It wasn't a Puffin book (I was a member of the Puffin Club but this was a present).

I've tried Google and Amazon, neither of which have come up with anything remotely similar.

I'm hoping Mumsnet can help. Thanks in advance!

[AndNoneForGretchenWieners]

Was it Lord of the Forest? I vaguely remember that had a soldier on the cover.

[Sgtmajormummy]

That's it! Thank you so much.
Four minutes and the power of Mumsnet have solved my problem.