by James W. Taylor (2002)
"In this book, based on recently released files from the British Public Record Office, James Taylor covers the history of the 1st Royal Irish Rifles from 1914 to 1919. The battalion (comprised of men from all backgrounds, both north and south) arrived at the front in November 1914, and was involved in the famous Christmas truce of that year. For the next four years it fought almost continuously at places such as Neuve Chapelle, Fromelles, Somme, Pilkem Ridge, Langemarck and Passchendaele, suffering horrific casualties." "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.
Peter Wicks
Peter Wicks dedicates the third instalment of his memoirs to his father Frank Wicks who fought in the trenches of the First World War. Now in his teens Peter receives his own conscription papers, destined to become a military policeman. During his training he learns to drive and discovers that bullies are found in all walks of life.
Winifred Phillips with Shannon Kyle
During the Second World War, young trainee nurse Winifred Phillips confided to her RAF boyfriend George Wheeler that she rather liked the idea of joining the Army herself ... Enlisting in the ATS in 1948, she embarked upon twenty-two years' service in that and the WRAC, travelling the globe and reaching the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two. From dodging NCOs whilst eating illicit fish and chips, to dispatching invading snakes - and ultimately becoming one of the first two women to be admitted to the Royal Hospital as Chelsea Pensioners - this is Philly's story.
Anna Birch and Deborah Crewe
"When fresh-faced, newly qualified vet Anna arrives in the seemingly sleepy Dorset village of Ebbourne, little does she know that this tiny rural community is about to change her life. Straight in at the deep end, Anna faces two tricky calvings, an emergency call-out to a frightened mare, lots of mad cats and one enormous dog with an injured leg."--Publisher's description.
Thomas M. Kitts
A biography of Ray Davies that focuses on his music and his times. This book studies Davies' work from the Kinks' first singles through his 2006 solo album, from his rock musicals in the early 1970s to his one-man stage show in the 1990s, and from his films to his autobiography.