Bradford Pals - Tapa dura

In the early days of the First World War two volunteer Pals Battalions were raised in Bradford and this is their remarkable story. David Raw's account is based on memoirs, letters, diaries, contemporary newspaper reports, official records and archives, and it is illustrated with many maps and previously unpublished photographs. He recaptures the heroism and stoical humour displayed by the Bradford Pals in the face of often terrible experiences, but he also recounts the tragedy, pain, suffering and grief that was the dark side of war.

David Raw was born and brought up in Bradford. As a child he heard stories of the Bradford Pals and was affected by the sombre gloom of the war memorial at this school, Bradford Grammar. In addition to his work as a teacher and headmaster, he has lead tours of the European battlefields and has published a biography of the Reverend Theodore Bayley Hardy, VC, DSO, MC.