1st and 2nd Battalions the Sherwood Foresters in the Great War

In this review of 1st and 2nd Battalions the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) in the Great War, the reviewer finds a focused regimental history that will appeal to readers seeking operational detail and battalion-level narrative. The biggest reason to buy is the clear, chronological account of each battalion's movements and battles from 1914 through 1918, including the 1st Battalion's early service from Bombay and the actions at Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge and Loos. This is a measured history rather than a general overview, well suited for readers wanting a compact, factual regimental record.

Key Features

• Separate battalion narratives: The book treats the 1st and 2nd Battalions individually, so readers can follow each unit's wartime experience without confusion.
• Chronological coverage: Events are presented in order from mobilization in 1914 through major 1918 actions, helping the reader understand operational progression.
• Battle detail: The narrative includes accounts of specific engagements such as Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge, Loos, the Somme and Third Ypres, which gives context to the battalions' roles.
• Honours and awards combined list: A consolidated list of honours and awards for both battalions is provided, useful for researchers and family historians.
• Geographic scope: Coverage spans theatres and key battles on the Western Front, including Villers-Bretonneux and the Chemin des Dames in 1918, for a comprehensive theatre view.

Who It's For

This history is ideal for military history readers, regimental researchers and descendants tracing family service in the Sherwood Foresters who want a battalion-level narrative rather than a broad strategic analysis. It is practical for those seeking specific battle mentions and timelines, and for collectors of regimental works.

Readers seeking richly illustrated, social history or an exhaustive operational order-of-battle with maps and appendices might look elsewhere; this title emphasizes narrative and honours listing over exhaustive tactical diagrams or personal memoir detail.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear separation of the 1st and 2nd Battalion accounts makes the sequence of events easy to follow.
• Includes specific battle coverage for major Western Front engagements, useful for contextual study.
• The combined honours and awards list consolidates recognition across both battalions for quick reference.

Cons

• Not intended as a social or illustrated history, so readers wanting personal letters or many images may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	1st and 2nd Battalions the Sherwood Foresters in the Great War
Author	H. C. Wylly
Regimental focus	1st and 2nd Battalions, Sherwood Foresters
Coverage period	Outbreak 1914 through 1918 actions
Key battles covered	Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge, Loos, Somme, Third Ypres, Villers-Bretonneux, Chemin des Dames
Special content	Combined list of Honours and Awards for both battalions

Our Verdict

This is a focused and reliable regimental history that serves researchers and descendants well, offering clear battalion narratives and a handy combined honours list. Buy it if you want a concise operational account of the Sherwood Foresters on the Western Front; it represents good value for readers seeking factual, battalion-level reportage rather than illustrated memoirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book cover both battalions separately?
Yes. The 1st and 2nd Battalions are dealt with separately so each unit's wartime service is traceable.

Are the key battles of 1914 to 1918 included?
Yes. The narrative includes Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge, Loos, the Somme, Third Ypres and 1918 actions such as Villers-Bretonneux and the Chemin des Dames.

Is there a list of honours and awards?
Yes. A combined list of honours and awards for both battalions is provided for reference.