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The History of the 36th (Ulster) Division

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The History of the 36th (Ulster) Division

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The History of the 36th (Ulster) Division

More detail can be found at the end of the book.

O socii, neque enim ignari sumus ante malorum, O passi graviora, dabit deus his quoque finem.

And he hadde been somtyme in chyvachie, In Flaundrés, in Artoys and Pycardie, And born hym weel.

_Dawbeney_-- Wise princes, Oxford, Fight not alone with forces. Providence Directs and tutors strength; else elephants And barbèd horses might as well prevail As the most subtle stratagems of war.

[Illustration: THE MEMORIAL TO THE 36TH (ULSTER) DIVISION AT THIEPVAL]

_Late Lieutenant, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and Captain, G.S., 36th Division_

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY FIELD MARSHAL THE LORD PLUMER G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O.

M'CAW, STEVENSON & ORR, LIMITED THE LINENHALL PRESS, BELFAST AND 329 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C.

_This History is dedicated to the men of the_

_returned from the War, and to those who have not come back; of whom I name two friends_:

HARRY GALLAGHER, D.S.O., _Captain, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, killed at the Battle of Messines, 1917_;

GEORGE BRUCE, D.S.O., M.C., _Brigade Major, 109th Brigade, killed near Dadizeele, 1918_;

The history of the 36th (Ulster) Division is the record of a great effort and a great achievement. The effort which resulted in its inception was the outcome of the determination, on the part of a people brought up in great traditions and inspired with a fervent spirit of loyalty, that they should be worthily represented in the fierce and prolonged struggle which from the outset was clearly foreshadowed. The achievement was the response made to the call by their representatives, the gallant deeds accomplished, the courage and determination displayed, and the sacrifices made.

The narrative gives a very clear picture of what the campaign in France and Flanders involved for the troops engaged in it. There is no reference to any great strategical movements or brilliant tactical operations, because there were none such to describe. It brings out, however, quite plainly that the victory was gained in the only way in which it could have been gained, by sheer hard fighting, carried out continuously, now on a small, now on a large, scale, but always by troops who never admitted defeat.