2nd Devons War Diary

This comprehensive book pays tribute to every one of the 2nd Devons who lost their lives in the Great War, and documents who they were: their age, where they lived and worked, and how and when they died. It also lists where each one is buried, or, if they have no known grave, the memorials where their names are recorded. From the War Diary, a full transcription of which is included, the book shows how the Battalion was employed on every day of the war, from 6 November 1914, when they went to France, to the Western Front, until their return to England on 19 April 1919.

On 6 September 1914, 20 year old Charlie Yates, a plumber's mate from Paddington, Middlesex, went to the recruiting office in Marylebone with his pals in the Ranelagh Rovers football Club, to volunteer for the Army. They enlisted in the Devonshire Regiment, who were recruiting in London on that day. On 24 March they were posted to France, to the 2nd Devons. 11187 Private Charles Hulbert Yates was killed in action on 1 July 1916 at Ovillers, Picardy.

Charlie Yates' story is typical of those of many young men who joined the Army in 1914 and 1915, caught up in the overwhelming wave of patriotic fervour that swept the nation. Many, like Charlie Yates, gave their lives for their country.

This book gives an unusual insight into the social background of the men, and the details of their lives at the front, making it an invaluable aid to research and a moving account of events and characters as they unfold over four years of fighting.