CLEAR THE WAY ('FAUGH-A-BALLAGH'):

2 volumes (vi, 517 pages; vi, 356 pages): 2 colour plates, black & white illustrations, portraits, maps. Small quarto. Pictorial skivertex with gilding, dust wrappers.

Inscribed by Dr Monick on a preliminary page in both volumes, and with a lengthy gift inscription from a member of the Regiment also on a preliminary page in both volumes. A splendid set with the fragile dust wrappers unusually present.

The authors explain the antecedents of the regiment and devote volume 1 to the campaigns in German South West Africa, 1914-1915, Italian East Africa, 1940-1941 and the extensive battles they were involved with in the North African Desert Campaign, 1941-1943. Volume 2 deals with post-war service and the conflict on the northern border of Namibia (South West Africa). The Irish were hard to miss amidst the drab wartime khaki and brown uniforms. Wearing their oversize green berets adorned with a feather and their harp regimental badge, their officers and senior non-commissioned officers carried a shillelagh with them at all times - including into battle.