""These Letters, which were written to me from France during the first winter of the World War, do not in any way pretend to literary attainment; they are just the simple letters of a soldier recording as a diary the daily doings of his regiment at the front. Often were they penned under great difficulties, and many a time under a rain of fire. The accounts of the awful loss of life and the discomforts experienced, both by officers and men unused to such severe climatic conditions, are sometimes heart-rending, and they make the reading sad."" This book is part of the World War One Centenary series; creating, collating and reprinting new and old works of poetry, fiction, autobiography and analysis. The series forms a commemorative tribute to mark the passing of one of the world's bloodiest wars, offering new perspectives on this tragic yet fascinating period of human history. Each publication also includes brand new introductory essays and a timeline to help the reader place the work in its historical context.

'Follow me! I will lead you!' were the last words of Lt. Col. George Brenton Laurie, who commanded the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rifles and was killed at Neuve Chapelle in March, 1915. He died with his revolver in hand while leading his men in an assault on the German lines. Laurie left behind a remarkable collection of letters, which provide us with a privileged insight into the day to day experience of a battalion commander and his struggles to make sense of the developing madness of trench warfare.Leading his battalion amidst the constant mud, shelling, sniping and waterlogged trenches of Flanders occupied every waking moment of the life of Lt. Col. Laurie, from the moment the battalion was deployed in November, 1914 through to his death in March, 1915.His surviving letters give a clear sense of the ever present danger from the bullets, and shells, and the miserable squalorendured by the men who fought the early trench battles during the first winter of the Great War. Laurie was a hands oncommander who visited the front lines daily, and this fascinating collection provides an all too rare primary account ofthe BEF as witnessed from the perspective of a battalion commander.

"In addition to its narrative, the book gives biographical details on nearly 300 officers, including medical officers and chaplains (this information, unfortunately, generally is not available for the enlisted men). A series of appendices complete the picture. Apart from the awards and casualty lists, there are details of the 301 men who were court-martialled, including a transcript of the trial of the only member to be executed."--Jacket.

The Irish at the Front by Michael Macdonagh is about the involvement of the Irish regiment in the Boer War on behalf of the British. Excerpt: "Ireland is represented in the fighting forces of the Empire by a regiment of Foot Guards, eight regiments of the Line, each of two Regular battalions, and with several linked battalions of the Special Reserve, or old Militia, and many Service battalions raised for "Kitchener's Army." Altogether, these various battalions of the Irish regiments number fifty-four. There are two Dragoon regiments and one regiment each of Hussars and Lancers."

The retreat from Mons -- Battle of the rivers -- Contest for the channel coast -- Asphyxiating gas and liquid fire -- The immortal story -- The 10th Irish division in Gallipoli -- In the rest camp -- Fight for Kislah Dagh -- For cross and crown -- The great push at loos -- The Victoria Cross -- "For valour".

A fascinating new study of the events leading up to and during one of the most poignant events of the First World War, the Christmas Truce 1914.

Saddlers' Company Vol 1