42ND (EAST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION 1914 – 1918

This history gives a comprehensive account of the division’s exploits albeit with the occasional touch of heroics. The maps are disappointing in that while they show the areas of operations they lack tactical detail. There is, however, a good trench map of the divisional sector on Gallipoli. The photos are very much a bonus. Among the appendices is a thirty-one page Roll of Honour listing the dead and missing by battalions and units, though a footnote observes that complete casualty lists could not be obtained in all cases. The number of dead listed amount to 6,845, including two brigade commanders. Honours and Awards are also shown by units (five VCs in all). There is also a list showing the succession of HQ Staff and commanders down to battalion or equivalent level but without dates of appointment. Finally, and perhaps most annoying, there is no index. When, on 10th August 1914, Kitchener called for volunteers among the TF for service overseas (they had been intended for home service only) some ninety percent of the division accepted and a month later the division sailed for Egypt and thus had the distinction of being the first Territorial division to go overseas. In May 1915 it landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli, and during the next few months it took part in the Second and Third Battles of Krithia, in the fighting for the Krithia Vineyard and the Achi Baba feature. Evacuation of the division began at the end of December 1915 and the last men were taken off on 9th January 1916. During the campaign it suffered 8,547 casualties – 395 officers and 8152 other ranks; two VCs were awarded. From Gallipoli it returned to Egypt and spent the rest of 1916 with the Canal Defences and in the Sinai Peninsula fighting the Turks. In March1917 it arrived on the Western front where it remained for the rest of the war, and when it ended the division had reached the outskirts of Maubeuge, a few miles south of Mons.