Dominating the history of the Island of Jersey is the story of its occupation by German forces in World War II. Twenty years earlier, however, another devastating war had struck the Island, affecting the lives and liberties of its people. Central to this story was the Jersey Contingent. In 1915, this band of 300 young men volunteered to fight for King and country in a war beyond the comprehension of most. Feted as heroes, they proudly took their place in the trenches of the Western Front. But the war was to have a devastating effect – both on the Contingent and their Island. Soon the volunteers were not only fighting the enemy, but also waging a bitter struggle for continued recognition and support from home. This book tells the moving but ultimately tragic story of one small and unique unit caught in the maelstrom of World War I.

'Ours': The Jersey Pals in the First World War

History

Ronayne, Ian

Europe

The History Press

Jersey's Great War - an Island and its People 1914-18

Jersey Heritage Trust

After training at St John’s Wood in London and in Exeter, Alexander Douglas Thorburn was posted to the BEF in France, joining the 2/22nd London (Howitzer) Battery, Royal Field Artillery as a subaltern officer. After service in the Vimy Ridge sector, with his division, the 60th (2/2nd London) Division, he crossed the Mediterranean to join the British Army in Salonika. Following a further move in mid-1917, Thorburn arrived in Palestine where he saw service with the 74th (Yeomanry) Division during the advance on Jerusalem. A final move in 1918 took the now Captain Thorburn back to the Western Front to take part in the Advance to Victory during the closing months of the war. After the war, Thorburn wrote an account of his military service between 1916 and 1918, recording his experiences in France, Greece and Palestine as well as his initial training in England. He also wrote a series of observations on life as a gunner during the First World War. Both the account and observations were published as a book, Amateur Gunners, in 1933 by William Potter of Liverpool. Today, the book is out of print. In addition to the book, of which a small number of copies still exist of course, there is an extensive series of private letters written by Thorburn while on active service to his mother, father and other relatives. The letters are in the possession of Thorburn’s only grandson. Together, the book and letters offer a fascinating insight into the life of a First World War artillery officer. Lucidly written in a candid style, Thorburn shows excellent observation, description and narration skills. While Amateur Gunners itself is worthy of reprint, when combined with Thorburn’s private letters and historical context from author Ian Ronayne, this book offers a unique look at a gunner’s experience during the Great War.

Amateur Gunners: The Adventures and Letters of a Soldier in France, Salonika and Palestine

Biographies & Memoirs

Leaders & Notable People

Pen and Sword Military

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Books by Ronayne, Ian