43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division histories

Hi all,

Hope this is the right place for this post (should it be under Higher Formations instead?)

I was wondering, what is the best history of the 43rd (Wessex) Division?

I am aware of the following books:
- there was some brief book published in 1946
- Brigadier Essame's history, published 1952
- Patrick Delaforce wrote The Fighting Wessex Wyverns, published 1994
- And, not a history per se, there is the interesting-sounding volume, The British Way of War in Northwest Europe, 1944-5: A Study of Two Infantry Divisions by one L. P. Devine, which compares the experiences of the 43rd (Wessex) with that of the 53rd (Welsh)

I suppose the real contenders for "which book should I buy" is either Essame or Delaforce's book. Thoughts? (I can probably guess that Essame's is better if I'm willing to track down a copy...)

 

Touche!

 

Thanks for posting Seroster - it reminded me, that I still do not have a copy of Essame's "Wessex at War."

Just ordered one on Abe Books!

P.S. Need another bookcase

 

And therein lies a (financial and space) danger in buying too many books!

 

Are there any books published by veterans of the 129th or 130th Brigades?

V/R
Chris

 

Try: 129th Brigade/ 43 Wessex Div

There could be stuff in: 8 Middlesex Regiment - I've just got my fathers service records - please help

Note the books mentioned are regimental histories, not brigade accounts.

 

Yes, thank you. Looking for any books written by veterans of the 43rd. Preferably by one who served in 1 of the 3 Infantry brigades but I would be interested in any.

 

18 Platoon, by Sidney Jary, 4th Somersets

 

I'm sure the 53 Welsh Division did a History? Can't remember the full title. Need to check the shelf. Its a detailed book going of my memory.

Regards;
Stu.

 

Barclay, Cyril N. The history of the 53rd (Welsh) division in the Second World War. London: W. Clowes, 1956.