The 23rd (Service) Battalion Royal Fusiliers (First Sportsman's)

The 23rd (Service) Battalion Royal Fusiliers (First Sportsman's) by Fred W. Ward is a regimental history detailing the formation service and experiences of the 23rd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers during World War I. Known as the First Sportsman’s Battalion this unique unit was composed largely of athletes sportsmen and physically fit volunteers who wished to serve their country in the war.The book chronicles the battalion’s formation in 1914 its training and its deployment to the Western Front where it participated in major battles such as the Somme Arras and the Third Battle of Ypres. Ward provides a detailed account of the battalion’s movements engagements and the personal stories of the men who served in its ranks. He also highlights the camaraderie and determination that defined the unit emphasizing their resilience in the face of the harsh realities of trench warfare.This regimental history is an important record of a distinctive unit in the British Army offering insights into the experiences of soldiers drawn from sporting backgrounds. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in World War I military history the role of specialized battalions and the personal sacrifices of those who fought in the conflict.