Barnsley Pals
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The Barnsley Pals were two 'Pals battalions' formed as part of 'Kitchener's Army' during World War I. Raised by local initiative in the town of Barnsley in the West Riding of Yorkshire and recruited largely from coalminers, they became the 13th and 14th (Service) Battalions of the local York and Lancaster Regiment (13th and 14th Y&L). After almost two years of training, the battalions suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous attack on the village of Serre on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. They continued to serve on the Western Front, including the Battle of Arras (1917). Combined into a single battalion in early in 1918, the Barnsley Pals were reduced to a remnant during the German spring offensive, but the battalion was rebuilt to participate in the final victorious Hundred Days Offensive.
Barnsley Pals 13th & 14th (Service) Battalions, York and Lancaster Regiment (Barnsley) | |
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Active | 17 September 1914–29 May 1919 |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Branch | New Army |
Type | Pals battalions |
Role | Infantry |
Size | Two battalions |
Part of | 31st Division |
Garrison/HQ | Barnsley |
Patron | Mayor and Town of Barnsley |
Engagements | Battle of the Somme Third Battle of the Scarpe Capture of Oppy Wood German spring offensive Battle of the Lys Hundred Days Offensive |