The West Riding Territorials in the Great War

The two West Riding divisions that served in the Great War—the first-line 49th (1st West Riding) and the second-line 62nd (2nd West Riding) which were created after the conflict began—are the subject of this book. The 62nd has a two volume history that N&M Press has just reissued but the 49th lacks a separate divisional history of its own. The record is organised into three books or portions. Book I covers pre-war history and tells the narrative of the founding of the West Riding (Territorial) Association in 1908 and its activities in the years leading up to the war (and there is an appendix listing all the Association members and permanent officials from 1908 to1920). Following this is a description of every West Riding unit including their creation training and stations during peacetime along with a list of their commanding officers (COs) at the start of the war. Finally there is a description of the mobilisation process when war broke out. Book II titled War covers the period beginning with the 49th Divisions arrival in France in April 1915 and ending with the 62nd Divisions entrance in January 1917. The Cambrai offensive had finished in December and the 62nd had in the words of Haig in his foreword carried out an operation of extraordinary brilliance during the opening onslaught on November 20. 44049 casualties of all levels were reported by the end of 1917 of which 406 officers and 5242 other ranks were killed. Wars End Book III recounts the final year of the war up until the ceasefire. The 62nd was the only Territorial division chosen to be a part of the British Army of Occupation and it marched into Germany after that. The Highland Division received its new name in 1919. A complete list of all the honours and awards won by both divisions is included in one of the appendices taking up about 100 pages (listed separately). The figures are interesting: although coming in France 20 months after the 49th the 62nds overall prizes were 2655 whereas the 49ths total honours were 2640. Each division took home five VCs. Another list includes all West Riding Territorial soldiers who received their honours while serving outside of either division. A table summarising unit returns of casualties up to the end of 1918 shows 2927 officers and 65886 other ranks. A caveat stating that the data are tentative and despite being so appallingly large cannot be taken to be complete has been added to this. Highly suggested is this book.