The West Riding Territorials in the Great War

A richly detailed portrait unfolds of the men from Yorkshire’s West Riding who answered the call of the Territorial Force in 1914. The narrative follows the birth of the 49th and 62nd divisions, tracing their training, deployment to the Western Front, and the early trials they faced in the trenches. By weaving together official reports, personal letters, and vivid illustrations, the book brings the ordinary citizen‑soldier’s experience to life.

The story moves into the hard‑won battles that defined their reputation, most notably the daring action at Cambrai in November 1917. Listeners will hear about the grim realities of front‑line life, the ingenuity of engineers, and the camaraderie that held units together, all supported by carefully reproduced maps and photographs. This account offers a compelling glimpse into how these regional volunteers helped shape the wider war effort, making their sacrifices both personal and historically significant.