I am very pleased and excited to announce that I am working on a new book. The scary thing is I have a partner in this venture – my husband.
Chris is a rugby league journalist, covering the sport for over 30 years. He also shares my interest in World War 1 history and has spent many years studying the conflict. He recently completed an Oxford University online course “The First World War in Perspective” and decided to channel his knowledge into a new project.
Many sports have produced books to commemorate their Great War fallen. To date there has been nothing produced to honour all the professional players of the Northern Union, the forerunner of the Rugby Football League. Chris decided to remedy this, and has enlisted my help.
Somme Poppies – Photo by Jane Roberts
It is a huge undertaking. Having written a book for charity about the 76 men on the Batley St Mary’s War Memorial a few years ago I know what a big challenge it will be.
Chris is currently identifying all those players on club books at the outbreak of war. In this endeavour he has received fantastic help from the rugby league community, with in excess of 100 players who died now identified. I have started work on the genealogical research angle.
It is hoped the book will be published later in 2018, the centenary of the Armistice.
If anyone has any information they wish to contribute, Chris can be contacted at chrisiroberts@btinternet.com or chris.roberts@examiner.co.uk
Alternatively my email address is pasttopresentgenealogy@btinternet.com
Wonderful news both of you. If I can help with photos from different cemeteries, let me know. Also, look forward to your visits over here to illustrate your book xxx
Thanks Anne. That’s brilliant. Will definitely take you up on that. Lots of hard work to do now. Looking forward to meeting up again all being well later this year.
PS. Save me a signed copy!!
Definitely 🙂