Serre and the Sheffield City Battalion by Tony Bolton

On 1 July 1916 the ‘Pals’ battalions of the 31st Division went ‘over the top’ on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme.  One of these war-time raised units was the 12th York and Lancs – better known as the Sheffield City Battalion. In this ‘curtain raiser’ to our programme of talks, we will look at the raising and destruction of this battalion – how were the men recruited, where they came from and what actually happened on that infamous day in July 1916.  

Above: The Sheffield City battalion training at Redmires Camp  

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.