22nd Battalion books

[Robert Bonner]

Following on from Alastair Cowan's recently published history of the 22nd Battalion (1914-1920 The Western Front, Italy,Austria Egypt) comes another excellent history concerning the battalion.  This is To fight Alongside Friends. The 1st World War diaries of Charlie May. Edited by Forum member Gerry Harrison with an excellent foreword by David Crane, the daily diary from 7th November 1915 brings out the personality and thoughts of Captain Charlie May killed in the early morning of 1st July 1916, leading his men of B Company of the 22nd into action on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

This is a beautifully edited publication and a very worthwhile addition to the published histories of the Regiment. In his acknowledgements Gerry generously notes his appreciation to members of this Forum who were able to assist him in providing certain pieces of information. He gives members of the forum a generous vote of thanks in his Acknowledgment. I quote:..Robert introduced me to the Manchester Regiment Group Forum, a flourishing on-line information exchange. I have known nothing like this before and am impressed by the huge range of knowledge that its stalwarts are willing to share. The book would be nothing without Wendyg, Mack (Bernard McIlwaine)the Mons Star (Roy Selstrom), Harribobs, Timberman and many more.

Thanks for the kind words Gerry. Much appreciated by all those who were able to make a contribution...and good fortune with the book-sales.

[harribobs]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/To-Fight-Alongside-Friends-Diaries/dp/0007558538

[themonsstar]

When do's the book come out.

Cheers Roy

[harribobs]

from Amazon


To Fight Alongside Friends: The First World War Diaries of Charlie May [Hardcover]
David Crane (Foreword), Gerry Harrison (Editor)
RRP:    ï¿½16.99
Price:    ï¿½13.59 & FREE Delivery in the UK. Details
You Save:    ï¿½3.40 (20%)
   Pre-order Price Guarantee. Learn more.
   
This title will be released on July 3, 2014.
Pre-order now.

[Gerryh]

Robert Bonner advised me that it would be frowned on if I directly promoted my book on this Forum, but he has kindly done that for me.   However, the book - and particularly its Index - would be nothing if it was not for all those who, through the Forum, have provided information.  I am grateful to you all. 

In order to meet those who live within distance of Manchester, I have tried to persuade the publisher to arrange a mini-launch there, and Susan Essex, who now curates the archives at Tameside while Larysa is on maternity leave, has agreed the we may hold an event at the Regimental Archives during the afternoon of 5 August.  Any of you who can get there will be very welcome.  And you won't even have to buy the book!

Instead you may like to look at today's Times newspaper, which has a double page spread.

Thanks again.  Gerryh

[themonsstar]

Well done Gerry

It's a fantastic book and well worth the price.

Cheers Roy

[timberman]

To fight Alongside Friends. The 1st World War diaries of Charlie May. Edited by Forum member Gerry Harrison

Gerry would like to invite members of the Forum who have been so helpful to him, not to mention general readers, to a launch of his book on Charlie May on Tuesday 5th August from 3.00 pm at the Regimental Archives in Tameside. 

The address,  is Stamford Street Central Library, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester OL6 7SG.  Tel: 0161 342 4242.  The press etc will be there.

There will be an introduction, a short speech of thanks - in particular to the MRF - signed copies of the book (to buy!), the usual refreshments and the chance to put faces to names.

So if you can come along and have an enjoyable time.

Timberman