The Cheshire Bantams: 15th, 16th and 17th Battalions of the Cheshire Regiment

Description

Raised in Birkenhead in 1914 the Bantams were unique as the average height of the volunteers was a mere five foot! Previously denied the opportunity to serve, these men seized this chance to join up. As a result the battalions comprised working class men from all over Britain - Welsh miners, sturdy London dockers, Lancashire mill workers and Merseyside laborers. As part of 35th (Bantam) Division, the Bantams fought on the Somme. The Bantams' casualties were so severe that by early 1917 the Division effectively ceased to exist. Thereafter reinforcements came from the General Pool. They suffered. Read more... Abstract: Raised in Birkenhead in 1914 the Bantams were unique as the average height of the volunteers was a mere five foot! Previously denied the opportunity to serve, these men seized this chance to join up. As a result the battalions comprised working class men from all over Britain - Welsh miners, sturdy London dockers, Lancashire mill workers and Merseyside laborers. As part of 35th (Bantam) Division, the Bantams fought on the Somme. The Bantams' casualties were so severe that by early 1917 the Division effectively ceased to exist. Thereafter reinforcements came from the General Pool. They suffered Content: Title Page Dedication Copyright Page Table of Contents INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Acknowledgements Published sources CHAPTER ONE -- Birkenhead Through the Years CHAPTER TWO -- Bigland's Birkenhead Bantams Notes CHAPTER THREE -- The Raising of the First Bantam Division CHAPTER FOUR -- 1915 -- Birds of a Feather Raising of the 40th Division 119 Brigade 120 Brigade 121 Brigade The Gas Works Bantams Notes CHAPTER FIVE -- The 35th (Bantam) Division CHAPTER SIX -- 1916 -- The Killing Fields Beckon Trench warfare Notes CHAPTER SEVEN -- The Battle of the Somme Notes. CHAPTER EIGHT -- The Thin Edge of the WedgeNotes CHAPTER 9 -- 1917 -- The End of the Bantams Notes CHAPTER TEN -- 1917 -- Ypres Salient -- Third Ypres CHAPTER ELEVEN -- 1918 -- The Beginning of the End German offensive Advance to victory Notes CHAPTER TWELVE -- Post Armistice A land fit for heroes Roll of Honour: 15th and 16th (Service) Battalions Cheshire Regiment Index.