There
seems to be a never-ending flow of regimental
histories for battalions of the infantry,
certainly those local units of the Territorial
Force and New
Armies.
I must
admit, when I first received this one -
first glance: odd title, no bibliography,
cliche photo montage dust jacket-
I was barely
motivated
to read it. It would be a reworking of
the Official History, the battalion war
diary, casualty lists from "Soldiers Died
in the Great War" and a few references
and photos from a local newspaper. A second
glance through the text told me it was
all those things, although some good sketch
maps brightened things up a little. Perhaps
I was just being grumpy that day. Perhaps
it was because I had just finished re-reading
"The war the infantry knew" - and that
sets an impossibly high standard for anyone
aspiring to record the doings of a battalion.
"The
Massacre on the Marne" is perhaps a strange choice
of title. It refers to the heavy losses suffered
by the 2/5th West Yorkshires in their attack
at Marfaux in the valley of the River Ardre on
20 July 1918. It was the worst day for the battalion,
which had seen action at Bullecourt, Cambrai
and Bucquoy before this. Not long after Marfaux,
the battalion was disbanded and replaced in its
brigade by the 2/20th Londons.
Having
gone into it in a sceptical frame of mind, I
finished the book impressed with the work that
author Fraser Skirrow has so obviously put into
it. There is no doubt that it is a labour of
love - and on page 18 we start to see why, in
the shape of Second Lieutenant G. Skirrow, pictured
with his fellow officers. In particular, I found
the first 53 pages covering the raising of the
battalion of great interest: the second-line
TF units were not exactly loved and wanted, and
as they were originally intended for home defence,
were last in line for decent equipment, arms,
uniforms and billets.
Fraser
has tracked down some good personal stories and
photographs and from a viewpoint of factual
coverage of the battalion's story the book is
hardly likely to be excelled. What I found
less of were indications about its morale, ethos
and culture. What really made this battalion
tick, especially after what many thought was
a poor performance at Bullecourt? Admittedly
it is most difficult to determine these things
now the men have gone. The sketch maps are well
done and most useful and the next time I go back
to Bullecourt and Marfaux I shall certainly have
this book in my pocket.
Overall,
this work will be of obvious particular interest
to those studying the West Yorks, the TF or the
62nd (West Riding) Division. The chapters on
Marfaux and the later, smaller, action at Bligny
should be of interest to all, for the Battle
of the Tardenois is a neglected one. It is a
good work and good value for money. Pen & Sword's
production quality is as good as ever and despite
my grumpy initial view, I can recommend this
book.
Now,
will someone please start writing a decent history
of a regular unit? An artillery brigade? Engineers?
Labour Corps? Surely there can't be any TF or
Kitchener battalions left, can there?
More
book reviews |
|