Publisher's Synopsis
A Pioneer Battalion soldier's experience in Flanders and France in the Great War.
James Ballantine Devoy joined the 11th (Service) Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment in August 1914. By January 1915 the battalion had been converted to a Pioneer Battalion because of the large number of recruits with building, engineering and mining experience.
In May 1915 the battalion moved to France where they fought the Germans. They built roads and railways, trenches and dugouts, helping the Allies contain and attack the enemy.
In March 1918, the Germans launched the Spring Offensive pushing the Allies back towards the Channel. The Pioneers helped stem the tide but a great cost. The remnants of the battalion were dispersed with James transferring in June 1918 to the 2/6th Rifle Battalion, King's Liverpool, as a Corporal where he spent the remainder of his war until his death eight weeks later.
