A must read

**Aled Roberts** · 01-06-2014, 22:46

On Saturday afternoon the postman delivered my long awaited edition of Graham Knight’s latest labour of love. From the moment I heard of Graham’s latest find I knew that there was no doubt in his mind that another book needed to be written before the pictures faded further and were lost forever. Over 100 photos of 1/RWF never seen before was something very special indeed. The fact they fell in Graham’s lap is a godsend. Sassoon, Bluck and Barter are all present amongst many others.

“The Quartermasters Album” is based on the astonishing photograph album compiled and annotated by QM Joe Cottrill DSO DCM a long serving member of the RWF, from a time when camera’s were not an everyday item, nor allowed in the field. Graham has done a sterling job in presenting these previously unseen pictures and entwining them with the written history of 1/RWF in places such as Malta when the 1^st and 2^nd Battalion’s met for the first time since 1880 and also through, and beyond, the almost complete annihilation of 1/RWF in October 1914 to the end of the war.

To compliment the album the book is packed with biographies of the officers and men, maps and rolls and is a most excellent tribute not just to Joe, but the men of 1/RWF. I would heartily recommend anyone with an interest in the RWF to read this fantastic insight into the regiment and see these pictures for themselves.

Graham has yet again done the RWF proud.

**ap1** · 01-06-2014, 23:15

My copy arrived today Rich, also looking forward to reading through.

**Jerry B** · 01-06-2014, 23:51

Thanks for the heads up on this, where can I get a copy please?

**ap1** · 01-06-2014, 23:55

Message "Blairy"…or visit his FB page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal...933117?fref=ts
He has a very small number left, its unlikely to be reprinted.

**Jerry B** · 02-06-2014, 09:15

Originally Posted by ap1

Message "Blairy"…or visit his FB page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal...933117?fref=ts
He has a very small number left, its unlikely to be reprinted.

Thanks, I messaged Graham on FB and have arranged to buy a copy.

**Blairy** · 03-06-2014, 08:41

Thank you for your kind words Richard I had no intention on writing another book but as Joe’s Album came into my possession I knew it had to be preserved and copied before it was lost forever. I financed the whole project out of my own pocket not knowing if I was going to make a loss or just break even, but that did not concern me. Hidden gems like this show up rarely in one’s lifetime and for me and my interest in the RWF it was like winning the lottery and looking at the men’s faces in the photographs and what happened to 1^st battalion RWF will stay with me forever. It became a labour of love to be able to tell Joe’s story and bring his photographs to life and the icing on the cake is I made a profit!
Thank you to all that bought a copy you have restored my faith in human nature as so many people say they would like a copy and you never hear from them again.

**jungle1810** · 03-06-2014, 16:27

Hello Graham and Richard,
You are dead right Richard the book is just great. I rec it on Monday and managed to have a quick shufti. Graham you have hit the nail right on the head, I wonder if you had to enhance the photos? Many thanks for the dedication. Thanks for all your previous work for the well being of the Royal Welch Fusiliers you have written in the past. Many thanks.
Regards Don