‘For God and Ulster’, a book exploring the 2nd Battalion of the Fermanagh Regiment of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), by Iris Humphreys with Gordon Lucy, will be launched at Maguiresbridge Orange Hall on Wednesday, March 29 at 8pm.

The formation of the UVF in January, 1913 was intended to persuade the Liberal Government of the seriousness and depth of Ulster Unionist opposition to Home Rule.

Fermanagh raised three battalions and this book focuses on the 2nd Battalion, covering the south of the county.

The spine of the book details the membership of the 2nd battalion’s various companies (Maguiresbridge, Lisnaskea, Crom, Derrylin, Newtownbutler and Aghadrumsee).

Much of the book is derived from material preserved in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

The book also examines the Enniskillen Horse, the role of women (including Monica Massy Beresford and the Ulster Women’s Unionist Council), the outbreak of the Great War, enlistment, the heavy casualties and the emergence of the post-war world.