Holden, Matthew A. The Gloucestershire Regiment

A Definitive Account of the Most Decorated Infantry Regiment in British History

The Gloucestershire Regiment is the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the British Army. Over the course of its 300-year history, the regiment bore more battle honours on its regimental colours than any other unit. From the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of Burma, this book offers insights into every single conflict in which the regiment foughtexamining the people who waged them as well as the political context that led to their outbreak. Exclusive access to 15,000 unique archival documentsincluding personal accounts, classified papers, and private diarieslends this work an unparalleled exclusivity, enabling the reader to gain a profound knowledge and understanding of the regiment's history. In doing so, it brings to light previously untold personal stories of extraordinary bravery: such as that of Lieutenant Irrwin, who, at Toulouse, tore down a twelve-foot-high brick wall with his bare hands to attack French troops; that of Company Sergeant Major Gallagher, who was taken prisoner of war in both Germany and North Korea; or that of Captain Maunsell, who led a team of sharpshooters in the Crimea. Structured chronologically and divided into sections aligned with specific campaigns or relevant historical eras, this book stands as an indispensable reference work for anyone wishing to learn more about the history of the "Glorious Glosters".