Gareth Seddon has worked in industry and education, both in the UK and abroad. He holds an MA in British First World War Studies (University of Birmingham) with a particular emphasis on the experience of the South Staffordshire Territorials, and completes a second MA in West Midlands History (also UoB) in 2025. He has undertaken numerous research projects on behalf of groups and individuals around the country, and is also the Society’s Lecture Meetings Secretary.
Much has been made over the years of the Great War contribution of men from towns such as Accrington, Barnsley, Leeds, and Liverpool, to name but a few – the ‘pals battalions’. However, the part played by the men of our county, from the beginning to the end of the war, is less well known. This talk will explore the background to their early introduction to the fighting and the pitfalls of learning under fire, via accusations of cowardice, to their stunning role in victory.
