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Argyll Street
William Gregory was born in Aspull, Lancashire, 1879; At the age of ten he followed his Father and Brother working underground in the coal mine; In 1906 he emigrated to Canada and was joined by his wife Elizabeth and two children a year later. They lived at 38 Argyll Street, Sydney, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.
In WW1 William served with the 25th Battalion Nova Scotia Rifles (Cape Breton Highlanders), and finally at the Battle of Hill 70 a northern suburb of Lens. He is buried in the Aix Noulette Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
The book is now available at Lulu Books for UK purchases (click links below):
Paperback ISBN 978-1-6847-1089-8 @ £10.99 + postage and packing
Hardback ISBN 978-1-6847-1090-4 @£21.50 + postage and packing
EBook download ISBN 978-1-6847-1091-1 @ £3.10
Argyll Street is also available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
Reviews for Argyll Street
I have just finished ‘Argyll Street’. It was a delightful read and story, and a great personal achievement for my former colleague. I believe it is so important to have these stories and hear from those brave people for as long as we can.
Got ‘me time’ after the festivities to read your book. Absolutely loved it. From growing up, the mines, the family, emigrating, the war and his demise. A bloody good read !
I found this easy reading . A story which flowed through the life of William Gregory building to an exciting climax at Hill 70 in WW1.
Well I’ve finished reading it and have to give you a pat on the back! It had so much family content and then the sadness of William. I feel much closer to the Gregorys’ and my Grandma Hodson too. It’s a good easy to read book John.
I received a copy of the book this morning. Can I say ‘wow’, how amazing and what a beautiful book. Congratulations.
William Gregory didn’t have to go to war. He and his family had only lived in Canada a few years but William felt he must help defend the country of his birth and his extended family still living there. This is a well written book which brings to life the harshness of the mining industry, and later the human sacrifice that every war brings. Keep a tissue handy for the end. A real page turner I would definitely recommend.
The Gregory Journal
William Gregory worked as a coal miner in Lancashire before emigrating to Canada in 1906. His wife and two children followed the following year. Ten years later following the outbreak of WW1 he joined the Cape Breton Highlanders and fought in various engagements on the Western Front including the Battle for Hill 70 on the outskirts of Lens, known as the Canadians ‘Forgotten Battle.
This book was first published in 2014, and describes many of his experiences in the form of a journal. There are still a few copies left in stock. The original selling price was £4.99 plus p&p, now on special offer at £1.50 plus postage.
Reviews
‘It showed a realistic view of what it would be like to live in the trenches in the Great War. My heart broke a little when I got to the end.’
Tom Millman.
‘A clever account of the build-up and anticipation of what fighting at the front in the trenches meant to ordinary men like William Gregory The diary entries are evocative and tinglingly real. A little gem worth reading even just for the twist at the end. Brilliantly crafted.’
Jeremy Good.
‘What men at the front had to put up with apart from the Germans is brought home in this diary. A moving and nostalgic account.’
Alicia Scanlon
‘A really good short story bringing personal thoughts of a WW1 soldier to life. Born in Lancashire but serving with a Canadian Regiment adds an interesting twist to the story.’
Margaret Walker.
Migrating Geese
2016. An anthology of eleven short stories. This is not to be missed easy reading wherever you are. Many of the stories are based on the author’s own past experience, and some will make you laugh while others will make you want to cry.
There are a limited number still available for purchase online. Again originally selling at £4.99 plus postage, now offered at £1.50 plus postage.
Reviews
‘Some will make you laugh and some will make you cry. Loved the Loneliness of the Long Distance Grandpa.’
Sandra Lyons