King's Men

The 4th and 5th Battalions, the Norfolk Regiment were formed in the early days of The Great War as part of the Territorial Force and deployed with 54th (East Anglian) Division to Gallipoli in 1915. Most significantly the 1/5th Battalion was unique in that it contained The Sandringham Company, the only unit to be raised entirely from a Royal Estate.Tragically the Company, along with King George V’s Agent Captain Beck, disappeared without trace on 12 August 1915, presumed to have been overcome by their Turkish adversaries.The Battalion was rebuilt and saw out the ill-fated Gallipoli Campaign being evacuated to Egypt in December 1915. Thereafter the Norfolks served with distinction in Palestine as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.The Author has compiled a fascinating history of these Battalions’ distinguished service using contemporary records and personal accounts illustrated with a splendid selection of photographs. The result is a fitting tribute to the memory of these brave volunteers.

Neil R Storey is an award-winning author and proud Norfolk man. A graduate of the University of East Anglia, he lectures widely on early 20th Century history with a particular focus on his County’s military record. His Great Grandfather served in the 5th Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment and Neil has a superb collection of contemporary photographs.He has five published works to his credit including The British Tommy, Norfolk in The Great War and Norfolk’s Military Heritage. This is his first book with Pen and Sword.Neil has appeared on numerous television and radio programmes as guest expert including BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are.