Hull Commercials

In the 1930s five men wrote a history of the battalion they had proudly served with: the 1st Hull Battalion, known today as the 10th East Yorkshire Regiment or The Commercials. The book is the story of a happy family, men drawn together to fight for justice. There is no attempt to look at the bigger picture, and no attempt is made to comment on tactics or strategy; it is simply the story of a group of men and their travels across England, Egypt and the Western Front and what they achieved. Their love for their fellow soldiers and the battalion being clearly shown in early 1918 when the original members were all asked if they would like to train to become officers: the vast majority refused, preferring to stay in the ranks with their friends.

The story is carefully crafted and based upon personal diaries, now long gone, and conversations between the participants. As well as the story of the battalions travels the appendices list awards, a diary of movement and a roll of honor. The editor, known for his work on the Hull Pals has added a complete listing of the original battalion, extra photographs, previously unpublished, and relevant footnotes.

This book is the third book in the 1st Hull Pals trilogy and is essential reading for all interested in the Pals Battalions, providing a clear and concise record of a typical battalion at war.