From Hulluch to Tunnel Trench – the 7th and 8th (Service) Battalions, Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918
This is the second of two books projects that I am working on. The other is here.
From Hulluch to Tunnel Trench – the 7th and 8th (Service) Battalions, Princess Victoria’s (Royal Irish Fusiliers) 1914-1918
The 7th and 8th Royal Irish Fusiliers were raised as part of Kitchener’s second ‘New Army’ for service with 49 Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division. Recruited from counties Armagh, Cavan and Monaghan, with a contingent of men from the Royal Guernsey Militia, they arrived in France in early 1916.
This new book, in the style of the well-received Blacker’s Boys, will describe the formation of the battalions, their first major action in France—the German gas attack at Hulluch near Loos in April 1916—to the attacks at Guillemont and Ginchy in September 1916; their amalgamation later that year; the successful attack at Messine in June 1916 and the horrific attack during the Battle of Langemarck on 16 August 1917; and the 7th/8th Battalion’s final action at Tunnel Trench during the Battle of Cambrai. The 7th/8th Battalion was disbanded in February 1918.
A section of map showing the scene of the attacks by the 7th and 8th Battalions at Guillemont & Ginchy in early September 1916 during the Battle of the Somme.
Like Blacker’s Boys, it is hoped that the text will be supported by detailed appendices covering casualties, rolls of the Battalions’ officers, warrant officers, NCOs and other ranks, and honours & awards.
The actions of these two fine Irish battalions have been almost forgotten due to the political and social landscape that developed in Ireland after the war. I wish to redress the balance.
If you would like to contact Nick about the 7th & 8th Royal Irish Fusiliers project, please use the contact form below. You might also like to visit the book’s Facebook page.
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