The Welsh at War: The Grinding War: The Somme and Arras

The Welsh at War trilogy is a comprehensive three-volume set that chronicles the experiences of Welsh infantry units and servicemen during the First World War. Over twelve years of research by the author went into creating this detailed account, covering all major actions and incidents in which the Welsh participated, including the Western Front, Aden, China, Gallipoli, Egypt, India, Italy, Salonika, and Palestine. The books also feature stories of Welsh airmen, servicemen shot at dawn, rugby players who fell, gallantry winners, and those who died in non-Welsh units.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Welsh at War trilogy is a remarkable testament to the author's over twelve years of dedicated research into the Welsh men and infantry units that valiantly fought in the Great War. These units comprised four regular regiments, namely the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, South Wales Borderers, Welsh Regiment, and Welsh Guards, as well as the Territorial Monmouthshire Regiment, the Yeomanry regiments, including the Denbighshire Hussars, Pembroke Yeomanry, Montgomeryshire Yeomanry, Glamorgan Yeomanry, and Welsh Horse Yeomanry, which were amalgamated into service battalions for the regular regiments during 1917. Welsh troops displayed unwavering courage in every theater of the war, including the Western Front, Aden, China, Gallipoli, Egypt, India, Italy, Salonika, and Palestine. In addition to the tragic casualties sustained during these campaigns, numerous men earned distinguished recognition for their valiant actions.

The three volumes of the trilogy, arranged chronologically, encompass a comprehensive account of the major actions and incidents in which each of the Welsh infantry regiments participated. They also feature captivating stories of Welsh airmen, Welsh soldiers shot at dawn, Welsh rugby players who lost their lives, Welsh gallantry award recipients, and Welshmen who perished in non-Welsh units, such as the Dominion forces and other units of the British armed forces.

Volume 1, titled "The Grinding War: The Somme and Arras," delves into the period between December 1915, when the 38th (Welsh) Division arrived in France, and the aftermath of the Battle of Arras in the summer of 1917. It covers a wide range of campaigns, including those in Mesopotamia, Salonika, Egypt, and Palestine. The book also highlights significant events such as the Battle of Jutland, the Somme offensive, the German Withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, the Battle of Arras, the Battle of Messines Ridge, and the buildup to the Third Battle of Ypres.

Volume 2, titled "The Battle for the Western Front," continues the narrative, focusing on the intense battles fought on the Western Front between 1916 and 1918. It explores the struggles and sacrifices of the Welsh infantry units as they faced the relentless German onslaught, including the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Ypres, and the Battle of Passchendaele. The book also sheds light on the experiences of Welsh airmen and their crucial role in supporting the infantry on the ground.

Volume 3, titled "The End of the War and its Legacy," concludes the trilogy by examining the aftermath of the Great War and its impact on the Welsh nation. It explores the social, economic, and cultural changes that occurred in Wales during and after the war, as well as the contributions of Welsh soldiers to the war effort. The book also pays tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives in the conflict and honors their bravery and sacrifice.

The Welsh at War trilogy is a profound and immersive exploration of the Welsh experience in the Great War, providing a detailed and captivating account of the valiant actions of Welsh troops and their contributions to the war effort. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Welsh people and their unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399023764