Pioneer Battalions in the Great War: Organized and Intelligent Labour
by K W Mitchinson
During the First World War, Pioneer battalions were created to assist the Royal Engineers and relieve the infantry of some of its non-fighting duties. Some of Kitchener’s New Army battalions were raised specifically as Pioneers, whilst others were converted Territorial or New Army infantry battalions. Wearing a distinctive collar badge of a crossed rifle and pick, these Pioneers laboured in all weathers and in all terrains. But they also knew how to fight when needed, as during the German attacks of 1918. This book includes three DLI Pioneer battalions.
Publication date: 1998 (paperback 2014)
Author: K W Mitchinson
Contributed by Durham County Record Office