17th Manchesters - John Hartley - Book Review

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Author John Hartley is an expert on many aspects of World War 1, especially the Manchester Regiment; having published a book on the 6th Battalion previously and compiled a great timeline website on HELLFIRE CORNER – The Great War – Manchester Regiment. John's new book concerns the 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment - A history of the Battalion and the men who served with it in the Great War. Reveille Press 2013.

The book reflects the endeavour and attention to detail that has occupied John’s interest for many years. Part 1. provides a history of a Battalion from formation and training to ferocious battles on the Western Front. The numerous anecdotes, personal accounts and newspaper extracts bring the whole story together. This produces an excellent account of the life and times of a Service Battalion in the War. Part 2. of the book includes profiles of men who are known to have trained with the Battalion. This enables the reader to understand the nature, background and sometimes thoughts of men in Service Battalions.

The book should appeal to local & social historians. Students of the Great War will find numerous other examples of resources showing the history of individual Battalions or units. John Hartley’s detailed profiles of almost 1,000 of the ‘…ordinary men who came together to undertake extraordinary acts…’. The book is therefore somewhat exceptional and insightful of ordinary Pals and events almost a century ago.

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