By Tom Burke, MBE, Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association.
At 3.10 a.m. on 7 June 1917, soldiers from Ireland re-took the German occupied Flemish village of Wijtschate which was known Whitesheet. This was the last time that Loyalist Ulsterman and Irish Nationalists fought side by side in large numbers against a common enemy. The 16th (Irish) and the 36th (Ulster) Divisions were took their objectives in one of the most successful large-scale operations of the Great War.
The book is a tour guide to this important battlefield and to the billet areas where the two Irish Divisions prepared for the attack and then fought together. It describes the battle in detail, based on the actual experiences of individual soldiers. It contains many coloured illustrations and detailed maps and is an invaluable aid for those visiting the area. Each stop along various walking and cycling routes recommended by Tom, has a unique tale to tell.
292 pages. Colour
The price is €20 plus postage. It is available at the National Museum bookshop at Collins Barracks Dublin, Schull books in Ballydehob in Co Cork or from the Association via email rdfa1918@gmail.com.