Up The Hammers!: The West Ham Battalion in the Great War 1914-1918

I've wanted to read this book for some time and having been on holiday the chance came .I was really pleased that I did. From the start the book gripped me not only as a West Ham United fan but as a soldier.the stories of the men of the East End and Essex was truly fascinating and from an age that we will never experience again.The description of trench warfare was to me was totally horrific and terrible and several times I had to put the book down and compose myself.An excellent book and one that I would recommend not only to West Ham United fans but also to Military history buffs.This year I have been lucky enough to be chosen to go to the Somme to be a part of the anniversary tributes and whilst I will pay my respects to all the fallen I will be looking out for the men of the West Ham Battalion.UP THE HAMMERS !

As a lifelong Hammer and season ticket holder I was looking forward to the release of this account of those from the hammers area who fought alongside each other with the Footballers Battalion close by.You can see straight away the indepth research which the Author has undertaken on this project with many references to names and streets around the East End mentioned.At the last home game i stood and wondered how many inside the packed stadium had relatives mentioned in the book without knowing it or lived in streets referred to.A very worthwhile read which many friends i know eagily await the release of the paperback copy which would make a good xmas/birthday present.Jmk

My brother has 2 passions in life, West Ham and 20th century wars, but I've never heard him mention anything about the West Ham volunteers and WW1 in the same sentence. As he's shown interest in family records relating to the Accrington Pals, I decided to get him this as a Christmas gift which I know he will appreciate.

Rather more text & than I expected so not an easy read for younger fans, perhaps. But very interesting facts ,detail & historical references which put the times & mood of those dreadful years in perspective as compared to today.

Having just listened to a popular pod cast about WW1 I naturally moved on to the West Ham pals.After a bit of research "Up The Hammers" came to light and was purchased immediately. This book is a must read for anyone from West Ham and the surrounding area. A look into the bravery and comradeship of the young men that volunteered to fight for King and Country.A fantastic read with some touching and poinyent moments.Would today's society react as they did in 1914????????I don't think soThanks to Elliot and Barney for the hard work and research that went into what was a thoughaly enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It is written with a great deal of feeling and sensitivity. Whilst reading I sometimes felt I was standing with those brave soldiers on their journey the horrors of The Great War. The book is very well researched using war diaries, local papers and eye witness accounts. It should appeal to anyone interested in the military history, West Ham or WWI in general. The old photographs work very well on Kindle and it is moving to see the faces of the people mentioned in the text. Highly recommended.

A terrific book for three main reasons:- The book's about a particularly fascinating battalion.- The historical sources available to the authors are unusually good- Descriptions of military battles\campaigns etc can easily be pretty dry reading but the authors have handled this excellently weaving in the many stories of the ordinary, yet remarkable, people who served in the btn.- You get to know these people and gain fascinating insights into social historyThat's four isn't it?

An excellent book, well put together and very informative. The author has done his research and chosen an excellent format to put across his considerable knowledge of events. These men were our family, friends and neighbours and their story has been hidden for far too long. This book is long overdue to the people of West Ham, Canning Town and the others who were their comrades in arms. It's a celebration of their never to be forgotten endeavours and sacrifice for us.

A heartfelt book that gives a lot of carefully researched detail on the individual lives of many of the men who served in the West Ham Battalion, and the role the Battalion played in the War. It makes the battles come alive and is a beautiful tribute to the men who gave their lives.

brilliant book very descriptive love the intermittant football results especially the 8-1 defeat of arsenal in 1915 all hero's will read again

Excellent book. COYI