The Devonshire Regiment

[Mina]

Hello, all! I was wondering if anyone could help me with a few specific questions I have about the Devonshire Regiment. Mostly how long it would have taken a soldier from Exeter to reach his post, as well as which divisions fought in the Battle of the Somme and during which days? Or if anyone knows of a free online timeline/database regarding the Devons which goes into these specifics, or even war diaries during this time, that'd be great too.

[Michelle Young]

Welcome to the forum. If you are looking for a specific soldier, it would really help if you can post information. War diaries are available, free, at the National Archives website after you register. A look at the orders of battles on the Long Long Trail website will give you information as to what divisions the Devonshires served in. 
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-war-diaries-1914-1922/

[Mina]

Just now, Michelle Young said:

Welcome to the forum. If you are looking for a specific soldier, it would really help if you can post information. War diaries are available, free, at the National Archives website after you register. A look at the orders of battles on the Long Long Trail website will give you information as to what divisions the Devonshires served in. 
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-war-diaries-1914-1922/

Thank you! I actually wasn't looking for a specific soldier, just information on the Devons in general, but again, thank you! I really appreciate it!

[Moonraker]

Welcome, Mina. A man from Exeter could have served with any of the score or so of the Devonshire Regiment battalions - or none. As the war progressed, more and more men were posted to units with whom they had no geographical allegiance.  Basic infantry training lasted some 13 weeks, but many units lingered in Britain for far longer before being sent to Europe or further afield. And some soldiers stayed in this country for the duration of the war, in some cases the determining factor being their medical status.

[Mina]

3 minutes ago, Moonraker said:

Welcome, Mina. A man from Exeter could have served with any of the score or so of the Devonshire Regiment battalions - or none. As the war progressed, more and more men were posted to units with whom they had no geographical allegiance.  Basic infantry training lasted some 13 weeks, but many units lingered in Britain for far longer before being sent to Europe or further afield. And some soldiers stayed in this country for the duration of the war, in some cases the determining factor being their medical status.

Ah, I see. Thank you!

[sassenach]

You probably know this already  but there is a famous Devonshire Cemetery near Mametz on the Somme, where many men of the Devons who fell on 1st July 1916 are buried.

[TEW]

Mina,

If you're based in Exeter then Exeter Library has a Copy of Atkinson's History of the Devonshire Regt. 1914-18. Available to borrow by the look of it (as opposed to Reference Only).

TEW

[Sapper D.]

 

I found this book a good read. The 9th, at the Somme, generally speaking. 

 

[charlie962]

43 minutes ago, TEW said:

Mina,

If you're based in Exeter then Exeter Library has a Copy of Atkinson's History of the Devonshire Regt. 1914-18. Available to borrow by the look of it (as opposed to Reference Only).

TEW

MaureenE recently highlighted that it's available online here.

https://archive.org/details/the-devonshire-regiment-1914-1918

[Mina]

Thank you to everyone else who provided links and recommendations! Funny, I actually heard a reading of Hodgson's poem this morning, so I'll definitely give the biography and especially Atkinson's book a read.

[Petroc]

Hi Mina,

You could also check out Tim Saunders' book 'West Country Regiments on The Somme'