The Untold Story of The Public Schools Battalion In The Great War

When we think of the Great War, images of trenches, barbed wire, and soldiers battling on the frontlines often come to mind. However, there is one unique unit that played a significant role in this global conflict – The Public Schools Battalion.

The Birth of The Public Schools Battalion

As Britain entered World War I in 1914, an interesting group of soldiers emerged – young men from privileged backgrounds who attended prestigious public schools across the country. Inspired to serve their country and fight for a cause they believed in, the Public Schools Battalion was formed.

Comprising of former students from schools such as Eton College, Harrow School, and Rugby School, this battalion aimed to demonstrate that the elite youth of Britain was ready to fight alongside their less privileged comrades.

The Public Schools Battalion in the Great War: 'Goodbye Piccadilly'

by Steve Hurst(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8796 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Training and Deployment

While the Public Schools Battalion may have been composed of young men from privileged backgrounds, they faced the same grueling training and rigorous military discipline as any other unit. They went through intense drilling, physical conditioning, and weapon handling to prepare for the realities of warfare.

Once trained, the battalion was sent to the Western Front, where they would experience the horrors of trench warfare firsthand. They fought alongside soldiers from all walks of life, starkly contrasting their upbringing and societal position with those around them.

An Unforgettable Battle – The First Day on the Somme

One of the most significant events in the Public Schools Battalion's history is their involvement in the Battle of the Somme, specifically on the first day – July 1, 1916. This day marked the largest single loss in British military history, with thousands of lives lost in a matter of hours.

The battalion, consisting of brave young men, charged towards enemy lines under heavy machine gun fire. Despite their determination and courage, the losses suffered on that day were devastating. The Public Schools Battalion paid a heavy price for their loyalty and commitment to the cause.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following the tragic events of the Battle of the Somme, the Public Schools Battalion continued to serve on the Western Front, enduring the hardships of the war. The battalion fought in various other battles, displaying bravery and resilience throughout.

The legacy of the Public Schools Battalion lives on, reminding us of the sacrifices made by these young men from privileged backgrounds. Their willingness to fight and their dedication to their fellow soldiers, regardless of social status, serves as a testament to the unity forged on the battlefield.

Today, their story is a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the bravery displayed by soldiers from all walks of life. The Public Schools Battalion stands as a symbol of the shared sacrifices made by British soldiers during the Great War.

The Forgotten Heroes Remembered

It is time we remember the Public Schools Battalion and the valiant young men who fought in the Great War. Their bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten. Let us honor their memory and preserve their stories so that future generations understand the true cost of war.

The Public Schools Battalion may have been composed of privileged individuals, but they fought side by side with soldiers from all backgrounds, united by a common goal. Their legacy should serve as a reminder that in times of conflict, it is our duty to stand together.

Next time you reflect on the Great War, think beyond the conventional narratives and remember the often-overlooked heroes of the Public Schools Battalion.

The Public Schools Battalion in the Great War: 'Goodbye Piccadilly'

by Steve Hurst(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8796 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	532 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Founded in August 1914 with the principle that recruiting would be restricted to public school old boys, the volunteers gathered at Hurst Park racecourse in a spirit of youthful enthusiasm. A more somber mood soon set in. Despite many of the original volunteers leaving to take commissions in other regiments the battalion, now officially the 7th Middlesex, remained an elite until its disbandment in 1917.The climax of the Battalions war came on 1 July 1916. Close to the Hawthorn Redoubt Crater are two cemeteries sited on either side of the Auchonvilliers Beaumont Hamel road. They contain row upon row of stones marking the graves of members of the Public Schools Battalion.The author, shocked by this discovery, has spent ten years researching the history of the Battalion and the events of that fateful day as they affected it. The result is a fascinating and moving record of a very uniquely British battalion.