As quoted in Illusions and Delusions, Vain Hopes and Great Disappointments

Stand To! No. 124

As seen in...

Kent Family History Society Journal

Another well-researched and presented history of an infantry battalion of Lord Kitchener's New Armies...We are treated to a detailed narrative, laced with maps and some good photographs.

The Long, Long Trail

The Journey’s End Battalion is a valuable history worthy of considerable praise.

The western front association stand to! No. 97

Michael Lucas' history of 9/East Surrey Regiment grew out of his research into the service of a relative. Only whilst researching did he become aware of the service, and the rich archive of the playwright R. C. sheriff and his service with the battalion.

In clear, well-written prose The Journey's End Battalion presents a rounded history of 9/East Surreys. It is a valuable history and one worthy of considerable praise.

Stand To!

The usefulness of this book is enhanced by the presentation of considerable research in the Appendices to identify casualties and casualty rates. The book presented here is a model of good research and should be a base for others drafting future works, which will certainly increase as the centenary of the First World War approaches

Society of Friends of the National Army

Over the years, many books have been written about the Pals regiments. Far less has been written about the Kitchener regiments, country-based units which attracted a much wider recruitment base. In this book, Michael Lucas provides an excellent insight into the story of the Great War service of the men of the 9th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment – an account which takes the reader through the raising of the battalion, the early months in training at home, the move to France, its first action at Loos, the Somme, Ypres and the battles of 1918. Recommended. 

Britain at War Magazine

There are many battalion histories on the Great War in print today, most of them focusing on the Western Front. So what makes this one different? For one thing, it's extremely well researched. The sources support a fine narrative that tells the battalion's story from its much more efficient operations of later years.

Although mostly written as a narrative, the book includes some excellent studies of the way the prisoners were treated, as well as data tables and graphs that allow readers to carry out their own analysis of how and when casualties occurred.

Well worth reading.

Military Modelcraft International

The Journeys End Battalion tells the remarkable story of the 9th Battalion East Surrey Regiment and its service in the First World War. More than 850 men lost their lives while serving with the 9th East Surrey, and it suffered 50% casualties on its second day at the front during the Battle of Loose. The Battalion went on to serve on the Somme and Ypres and was almost annihilated in a famous last stand in March 1918.

This book makes for compelling reading.

Military Machines International

Many books have been written about the Pals regiments, in which whole villages or businesses sent large groups of young men - all friends - into the First World War.  Far less has been written about the Kitchener regiments, county based organizations which attracted a much wider audience. 

This is the story of the East Surrey Regiment initially made up of a mixed bunch of lawyers, coalmen, police, navies, burglars as well as prominent county families. One of the soldiers was a certain R C Sherriff. Surprizingly he managed to survive the entire conflict despite being in the army from 1914 to 1918, and taking part in many of the bloodiest battles.  His experiences led him to write Journey's End, the most famous play of the Great War.  Lucas has set out to look at Sherriff's role in the War and combined it with the story of the East Surrey Regiment. 

It covers everything from the dreadful battle of Loos, Somme and Ypres to the desperate defence against the Germans final offensive in 1918.  It makes interesting reading.  Lucas has undertaken careful research and paints a picture of a battalion at war, and how it survived.  Military historians and anyone interested in military history will find this book useful and fascinating.

MonstersandCritics