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The PALS Battalions

Before conscription was introduced in January 1916, the PALS Battalions were a way of encouraging groups of men from the same town, village or workplace to enlist together with the promise that they would also serve together, thus becoming the focus of local civic pride This method of enlistment became very popular (boosted by the famous poster campaign featuring Lord Kitchener) as the thought of being able to leave a hum-drum life to serve with friends or family members was both exciting and reassuring, especially as many set off with guarantees of post-war employment as added encouragement. Sadly however, heavy casualties to several PALS battalions would devastate local communities throughout Britain; this became particularly apparent during the Battle of the Somme. With the introduction of conscription, the remaining PALS battalions were either dissolved, reorganized with other forces, or reinforced by a regionally diverse group of conscripts, ending their local character.

Birmingham PALS

14th, 15th & 16th (Service) Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment

Terry Carter Published 1997 by Pen & Sword Books Giant format paperback - 288 pages (b/white photos, maps and illustrations) ISBN 0-85052-547-0

A comprehensive history of the three City Battalions raised in Birmingham in WWI and includes a Roll of Honour - all the names of those killed in action, died of wounds or sickness while serving, together with a list of honours, decorations and awards for gallantry.

Virtually as new condition. H:31.5 x W:25.2 x D:1.8cm

£12.00 + £4.25 P&P UK

Hull PALS

10th, 11th, 12th & 13th Battalions East Yorkshire Regiment

David Bilton Published 1999 by Pen & Sword Books Giant format paperback - 248 pages (b/white photos, maps and illustrations) ISBN 0-85052-634-5

A comprehensive history of 92 Infantry Brigade, 31st Division during WWI and includes comprehensive and highly detailed appendices (27 in total) covering amongst other things, soldiers and officers deaths in date order, awards, service numbers and Hull PALS court-marshalled for desertion culminating with story of Private C. F. McColl who was shot at dawn.

Virtually as new condition. H:31.5 x W:25.2 x D:1.5cm

£12.00 + £4.25 P&P UK

Roll of Honour - The Great War 1914-1918 - The East Lancashire Regiment (covers the period 1914 - 1921).

Dedication page contains a sticker signed in ink by John Kenneally VC, remembered in Winston Churchill's broadcast speech "Five Years of War".

R. Raymond Walsh and Jean M. Walsh
Limited Edition - 21st May 1999
Hardback with dust wrapper - 164 pages Published by T.H.C.L. Books, Blackburn, Lancashire

Raymond Walsh, born in Blackburn in 1925, was a former East Lancashire Regiment soldier who wrote and published over 95 military titles including the official WWII record for Stonyhurst College, the seven Victoria Cross recipients of Stonyhurst and the four VCs of Blackburn. He died in May 2018 age 92. These books are from his estate.

3 available - condition new.

H:30 x W:21.5 x D:1.5cm £15.00 + £4.25 P&P UK

Regiments and Corps of the British Army

Ian S. Hallows Published 1994 by New Orchard Editions Hardback with dust wrapper 320 pages (illustrated badges) ISBN 1-85891-237-7

An excellent single-source reference to British Army regiments and their history, with details of battles, campaigns, regimental anniversaries and battle honours plus historical background and anecdotes. Interesting and helpful when researching.

Very good used condition. A hint of page yellowing but all clean and crisp. Dust wrapper edges just slightly ruffled. Not price clipped.

H:22.5 x W:14.5 x D:3cm £7.00 + £3.99 P&P UK

Manchester City Battalions of the 90th and 91st Infantry Brigades Book of Honour

Edited by Brigadier-General F. Kempster DSO & Brigadier-General H. C. E Westropp Published 1916 by Sherrat and Hughes Hard back - 784 pages including b/white platoon photographs plus 54 Page Appendix.

The definitive reference book for those with a special interest in the Manchester Regiment, especially medal collectors, and a good addition to any WWI researcher's bookcase. Includes a short history of the Regiment and lists the officers and names, rank and roll number of every man in each battalion / company / platoon, and with a platoon group photograph in every case. The remainder of the book comprises the Rolls of Honour of Firms and Institutions in Manchester and includes three photographic plates. The Appendix lists names of men who have attested under the Group System.

For those who are familiar with Manchester, the Rolls of Honour of the businesses in and around the city centre are especially interesting, even more so as the very pages themselves are from that period in time. These are printed on a cartridge paper which has a softer feel than that which has been used for the lists of battalions.

A large, heavy book, the outer boards and spine are grubby and distressed but remain attached. Page ends are grubby, with some foxing and yellowing throughout but binding generally remains firm.

H:25.5 x W:19 x D:7cm £35.00 + £8.60 P&P UK