It’s December, 1915. All of Britain is at war or readying for war. Michael Hughes wants to enlist. Yet Irish recruiting has rejected Hughes solely because he is under the five foot three height requirement.
He wants to fight. This has driven the very eager Hughes to recruiting offices in other parts of Ireland and in London, until he finally discovers a troop eager to enlist and welcome the compact Hughes: The Bantam Battalion, so named for their resemblance to the small, aggressive rooster. Not only did the Bantams fit in well, but they were found to be very valuable to the war effort because of their short stature. They could be in places that their taller comrades could not and did not survive.
Hughes tells of several stories where their height and their fierce fighting nature were assets. One very early dawn, Hughes peeks up over the ridge of his trench only to find himself face to face with an enemy scout. After much time, they both slowly back away, living to fight another day. And the stories go on, one soldier shot down after another. Bantam after Bantam were lost. Until there was but one Bantam left.
Michael Hughes is another perfect example of the great Irish storyteller. The story and the teller have captured us almost instantly; we forget that Mr. Hughes is overdressed and overloaded for the very warm acting space. He represent a sample of the best of the Bantam soldier: brave and proud without being unduly boastful. We are with him.
This is well researched, well written and elegantly performed. Hughes is our father, our grandfather. This is more than a history lesson. Lest we forget. Well done!