Final answer:
The Accrington Pals, Wandsworth Pals, and Birmingham Pals were all Pals Battalions formed during World War I. The Accrington Pals suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of the Somme, while the Wandsworth Pals primarily performed home defense duties. The Birmingham Pals also experienced significant losses during the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Accrington Pals
The Accrington Pals were a group of men from Accrington, Lancashire, who formed part of the 11th (Service) Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment during World War I. They were raised by the Mayor of Accrington in 1914 and consisted mainly of friends, neighbors, and colleagues who enlisted together.
During the Battle of the Somme in 1916, the Accrington Pals were deployed and suffered heavy casualties. They sustained around 584 casualties, with many of them being killed or wounded.
Similarities to other Pals Battalions
Like other Pals Battalions, the Accrington Pals were formed as a result of the enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at the beginning of the war. They were composed of local men who enlisted together, with the aim of serving alongside people they knew and trusted.
Wandsworth Pals
The Wandsworth Pals were part of the 13th (Service) Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. They were formed in 1914 in response to the call for recruits and comprised of men from the Wandsworth area of London.
Unlike the Accrington Pals, the Wandsworth Pals did not see as much action on the frontlines. They were primarily involved in home defense duties and did not suffer the same level of casualties as other Pals Battalions.
Differences to other Pals Battalions
While the Wandsworth Pals shared similarities with other Pals Battalions in terms of recruiting local men, their experiences during the war differed. They were not as extensively deployed on the frontlines, which resulted in lower casualty rates.
Birmingham Pals
The Birmingham Pals were part of the 14th, 15th, and 16th Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. They were formed in 1914 and made up of men from the Birmingham area.
During the Battle of the Somme, the Birmingham Pals were heavily involved in offensive operations and suffered significant losses. They experienced over 1,000 casualties, with many soldiers being killed, wounded, or taken as prisoners of war.
Differences to other Pals Battalions
Like the Accrington Pals, the Birmingham Pals saw heavy action and suffered high casualties during the war. Their experiences on the battlefield were similar in terms of the challenges faced and losses incurred.