The work is an attempt to record the doings and follow the fortunes of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division in the Great War, but nothing that can be written can adequately disclose the noble manner in which these lads preserved throughout that dogged courage and insistent resolution from which it was impossible, for those who were present, to withhold their admiration. My own four years’ experience of them has left me with the deepest feelings of pride and affection. From first to last they proved themselves to be gallant, loyal and self-sacrificing soldiers, warm-hearted, responsive and lovable men. The thanks of the Committee responsible for the publication of this book are due to Captain E. R. Streat and Mr. George Bigwood, who collected much of the data, but more especially to Mr. F. P. Gibbon, who so kindly consented to write the History. The labour of collecting information from War Diaries and comparing the various accounts which so many old members of the Division have been kind enough to send him, has been very great, and we owe Mr. Gibbon a debt of deep gratitude. [Signature: W. Douglas. Maj. General [illegible] 42nd Division] _7th August, 1920._ * * * * * The Committee and the Author wish to record their warm appreciation of the assistance given in the compiling of this History by many Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men of the Division. * * * * * As the final proofs of the book were being passed, there came the sad news of the death of the first Divisional Commander, Major-General Sir William Douglas, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., at Cultz, near Aberdeen, on November 2nd, 1920. He had come to be regarded as the Father of the Division. It was under him that it earned the distinction of being the first Territorial Division to leave these shores, and under him it received its baptism of fire. Even when he had passed from command—both during the war and after hostilities had ceased—his interest in the welfare of all ranks remained unabated, and the affection he felt towards them was warmly reciprocated. In expressing their deep sorrow and their sympathy with Lady Douglas, the Committee feel that they may speak for all ranks and all services of the Division. CONTENTS CHAP. PAGE I. LANCASHIRE AND EGYPT (AUGUST 1914—MAY 1915) 1 II. GALLIPOLI (MAY 1915) 19 III. GALLIPOLI (JUNE 1915—JANUARY 1916) 34 IV. THE SUEZ CANAL AND SINAI (JANUARY 1916—MARCH 1917) 63 V. FRANCE (MARCH—AUGUST 1917) 86 VI. YPRES (SEPTEMBER 1917) 97 VII. NIEUPORT (OCTOBER—NOVEMBER 1917) 106