9 Heavy Battery R.G.A.

WORLD WAR I.

Published by Fareham: Henry Coles, Printer, 1919

About this Item

First and only contemporary edition, privately printed and subsequently rare, here in a fine period binding with two original sepia-toned gelatin silver prints mounted on preliminary blanks: one, a group portrait of officers and NCOs, is reproduced in half-tone in the book; the other shows a gun team limbered up and pulling what appears to be a 60-pounder. Among the first recruits to Kitchener's Army, 9 Heavy Battery deployed to France in May 1915 and served on the Western Front until the end of the war. It was at Armentières, Arras, Somme, and Festubert. In the winter of 1916-17 it joined 77th Brigade. Posted to the Chemin des Dames in 1918, it was mauled and overrun during the German Spring Offensive, losing its guns, but was re-equipped in time to join the Hundred Days Offensive This succinctly comprehensive account includes a "battle log", listing of wagon lines, appreciations from High Command, honours and awards, casualties, brief service histories of officers, and names and addresses of NCOs and other ranks. We trace just four copies institutionally, at the Imperial War Museum, Alex Turnbull Library New Zealand, US Army War College, and Toronto Public Library. Octavo (210 x 125 mm), 54 pp. With 5 half-tone photographic plates. Title page within a decorative border. Contemporary reddish brown morocco, gilt-lettered spine and front cover, the latter with the unit's "lightning bolt" insignia in a gilt-edged dark blue sheep onlay, marbled endpapers. Binding slightly bowed, a few marks to covers, some leaves toned: very good.

Seller Inventory # 189318

Bibliographic Details

• Title: 9 Heavy Battery R.G.A.
• Publisher: Fareham: Henry Coles, Printer, 1919