Manchester Pals Research - advice please

[DavidH01]

Hello guys, I had no idea where to place this but here goes.  I am currently researching the rise of the Lancashire Pals (that is the Liverpool, Manchester etc) for my dissertation. Its still early days so everything is still new.  Anyway, the reason I am posting this is to in a sense to seek help. Recently I have discovered some interesting correspondence between several key players in the construction of the Manchester Battalions.  The letters themselves date from August 1914 to early 1915.  Searching for similar evidence takes time and considering I am new to researching the Manchesters where would be the best place to start looking?  And who is the best person, or even people, to speak to regarding the Manchesters?

Regards,

Dave.

[harribobs]

hi dave

and welcome to the group

i think you have found the best place to ask your questions

i would suggest you get hold of two books for a start

Manchester City  Battalions of the 90th and 91st Brigades.  Book of Honour.  (16th – 23rd Battalions 1915) this is available as cd from the manchester and lancashire family history society

Manchester Pals. Mike Stedman

16th – 24th Battalions 1914 – 1918              Pen & Sword Books. 

cheers

chris   

[kingo]

Hi Dave-Not sure whether you have this-the organising committee of the Manchester pals.

[DavidH01]

Hi this is exactly why I posted here. The picture is useful as it puts faces to names! Where did you find it?

I have stedman's book and it only provides the basics.  What I found so far is a series of letters sent to Lord Derby sent by certain prominent members of that Committee, mostly Taylor, some by Broadhurst.  Only the ones sent to him though. There are also telegrams and personal letters, all sorts really; basically a whole lot of information that provides an insight into the work of the Commitee.  E.g. the dilemmas that they had recruiting COs for the battalions.  I am only a small way through the documents and I need to photograph more.  But bascially I'm new to the entire Manchester recruitment scene. 

I mean to find more sources of the working of the Committee, especially correspondence with Derby (which is the focus of my research).  I'm hoping to visit the Manchester Archives and the Rydall Library soon. My search hits may stump up nothing but some guidence on local sources would be much appreciated. 

Lastly, any suggestions on where I could find the letters and diaries of the original soldiers.  I know of the Liddle Collection in Leeds but do any Manchester insitutions hold any? 

I would post one of the letters on here to show you but copyright restrictions are a bane!

Regards,

Dave.

[1954gladiator]

Dave

Visit the Manchester Regiment Museum in Ashton under Lyne - Curator is Gary Williams Garry Smith (chris) Tel. 0161 342 2254 - great exhibits to see & if you phone Gary first he can probably help you with your research.  

Visit the Ashton under Lyne Library - Archivist is Larysa Bolton Tel. 0161 342 4242 - lots of material on the Manchesters including transcripts of Bn. War Diaries - Larysa is also worth talking to before your visit so you can plan what material to access.  

Send Cpt. Robert Bonner a personal message through this site - he is Chairman of the Manchester Regiment Museum & his knowledge on all aspects of the Manchesters history is probably 2nd to none!

Hope your dissertation helps towards a 1st class degree!  

Clive

[kingo]

Hi Dave-The picture comes from the first book that Chris mentions in his reply to your post (Manchester city Battalions). The book is not particularly rare-but they cost a hefty price, much better to get the version on CD from the Manchester and Lancashire Family history society. There is also some information about the early days of the pals that may be useful to you.

[pete th]

Hi Dave, there is a great book titled "The Manchester Regiment Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth & Nineteenth 1914 - 1918" published by Sherratt in 1923. Libraries such as Central Library in Manchester should hold a copy.

I believe Robert Bonner has written histories on the other Pals regiments. I've only read the 21st so far but it's a great source of information.
Cheers
Pete

[DavidH01]

Cheers Guys I'll get on it. 1st Class Honours dunno, its my Masters Dissertation!! 

[kingo]

Dave-Just sent some info to your hotmail account-hope its of some use.

[DavidH01]

Hi have recieved and replied.

Dave.