With the Ulster Division in France
A Story of the 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers), From Bordon to Thiepval.
"With the Ulster Division in France" by A.P.I.S. and D.G.S. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the experiences and memories of the 11th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (South Antrim Volunteers) during their service in World War I, particularly focusing on their deployment in France. It aims to provide insight into the lives of soldiers from Ulster and their contributions to the war effort, capturing both the mundane and the harrowing experiences faced by these men in combat. The opening of the narrative introduces the author’s intent to compile a memoir based on Captain A. P. I. Samuels' diary, who recorded the events leading up to his death in action. It details the battalion's initial movements, beginning with their departure from Ireland, through their journey to Boulogne, and into their first experiences in France as they acclimatized to the rigors of military life. The soldiers face both physical challenges, such as heavy packs and inclement weather, and emotional ones, including a sense of disconnection from the civilian world. The text sets a tone of nostalgia and respect for the fallen, inviting readers into the daily life of a battalion at war.