I'r Fyddin Fechgyn Gwalia!

I'r Fyddin Fechgyn Gwalia! is the title of the new book by fellow Forum member Clive Hughes. It describes recruiting in Wales in the first years of the Great War, the difficulties caused by the Regulars, Special Reserve, Territorials and New Armies all fishing in the same pond, the power struggles within the Welsh Executive Committee and Army Corps, the role of the chapels, clothing, feeding and training the new recruits, finding and training suitable officers, and much more. Illustrated with recruiting poster facsimiles and photographs, it is a well researched and attractively produced little book.

The one drawback (for me) is that it is in Welsh. Fortunately I have a draft of the English version, which I understand is also due to appear.

I'r Fyddin Fechgyn Gwalia!
Clive Hughes
Carreg Gwalch, 2014
Illustrations, index of personal names, bibliography
Softcover, 304 pp.
ISBN 978-1-84527-480-1
£8.00.

It seems the English version is funding dependent so watching with interest. Our Welsh language version is already "on tour" within the family.
Thanks Clive

I received the English version this morning, and a fine book it is. Chapters on recruiting, medicals and pay, clothing, housing and training, officers and leaders, Regulars, Territorials and the New Army, the Welsh Army Corps, advertising and publicity, meetings and conscription. This is a serious and thorough study of the subject, and dirt cheap at eight pounds. Highly recommended.

John


'Arm to save your Native Land'
Army Recruiting in North-West Wales 1914-1916
Clive Hughes
Carreg Gwalch, 2015
Illustrations in the text, photographs, index of personal names, bibliography
Softcover, 292 pp.
ISBN 978-1-84527-552-5
£8.00.