Unveiling the Untold Valor of The 11th Service Battalion Accrington East Lancashire Regiment

The 11th Service Battalion Accrington East Lancashire Regiment, often referred to as the "Accrington Pals," holds a remarkable place in the history of the British Army. This article dives deep into the valor, sacrifices, and legacy of this extraordinary battalion during World War I.

The Birth of the Accrington Pals

In response to Lord Kitchener's call for a volunteer army, the Accrington Pals were formed in Accrington, East Lancashire, in September 1914. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Rickman, this battalion quickly gained popular support and acquired a distinctive identity within the Lancashire region.

Training and Readiness

The recruits of the 11th Service Battalion underwent rigorous training, transforming from ordinary civilians into hardened soldiers. The battalion's training included marching, weapon handling, tactical maneuvers, and various physical exercises to prepare them for the battles that awaited them on the Western Front.

Accrington Pals: The 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment: A History of the Battalion Raised from Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley in World War One

by William Turner (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	145723 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	646 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	22 pages
Item Weight	:	2.2 pounds

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The Battle of the Somme

One of the most significant chapters in the history of the Accrington Pals is their involvement in the Battle of the Somme, which commenced on July 1, 1916. The battalion saw action in the infamous Serre sector, where they faced heavy German artillery and an intricate network of trenches.

The Cost of Sacrifice

The Accrington Pals demonstrated tremendous courage, but the Battle of the Somme came at a great cost. On the first day alone, the battalion suffered substantial casualties, with over 235 soldiers either killed, wounded, or missing. This devastating blow deeply impacted the Accrington community, resulting in immense grief and emotions.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Accrington Pals etched their names in history, symbolizing the sacrifice made by countless soldiers during the First World War. Their spirit and bravery continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the resilience and determination displayed by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

The 11th Service Battalion Accrington East Lancashire Regiment, better known as the Accrington Pals, created an inerasable mark on the pages of history. Despite the hardships and losses they faced, their legacy lives on, ensuring remembrance and appreciation for their unwavering valor. Let us honor their memory by cherishing the sacrifices made by these heroic soldiers.

Accrington Pals: The 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment: A History of the Battalion Raised from Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley and Chorley in World War One

by William Turner (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	145723 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	646 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	22 pages
Item Weight	:	2.2 pounds

FREE

Follow the footsteps of the Pals in their journey from Lancashire to their training camps in England and Wales and to the villages and battlefields of France. A comprehensive account, with maps and pictures, of a Pals Battalion's service throughout the war.