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diff --git a/old/50301-8.txt b/old/50301-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ed60d4f..0000000 --- a/old/50301-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7184 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of the 7th Battalion The -Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, by Col. J. W. Sandilands and Lt. Col. Norman Macleod - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The History of the 7th Battalion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders - -Author: Col. J. W. Sandilands - Lt. Col. Norman Macleod - -Release Date: October 25, 2015 [EBook #50301] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY 7TH BATT. CAMERON HIGHLANDERS *** - - - - -Produced by Brian Coe, Chris Pinfield, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) - - - - - -Transcriber's Note. - -Apparent typographical errors have been corrected. Inconsistencies in -hyphenation and in the accenting of French words have been retained. - -In the appendix listing officers who served with the battalion, some -entries are out of alphabetical order; while blank spaces indicate -missing dates. - -Italics are indicated by _underscores_, small capitals have been -converted to full capitals, and superscripts and a ligature have been -rendered in ordinary font. - - - - - THE HISTORY OF THE 7TH BATTALION - QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON HIGHLANDERS - - - "Lieutenant-Colonel Sandilands of the 7th Camerons arrived on the - hill. Being the senior officer present, he took command and planted - the Headquarters flag of his Battalion on the top. It was his - business to recall the van of the advance, now lost in the fog and - smoke of the eastern slopes, and to entrench himself on the summit. - The Redoubt was now out of our hands and the line taken ran just - under the crest on the west, and was continued North of Loos by the - 46th Brigade. To retire the van was no light task. Two officers whose - names deserve to be remembered, Major Chrichton of the 10th Gordons, - and Major Barron of the 7th Camerons, volunteered for the desperate - mission. They fell in the task, but the order reached the stragglers, - and they began to fight their way back. In the midst of encircling - fire it was a forlorn hope, and few returned to the British lines on - the hill. All down the slopes towards Loos lay the tartans Gordon and - Black Watch, Seaforth and Cameron, like the drift left on the shore - when the tide has ebbed."--_John Buchan, in "Nelson's History of the - War."_ - - - [Illustration: THE 7th CAMERONS ON HILL 70--25th SEPTEMBER, 1915. - _From the Painting by Joseph Gray, the property of Evan M. Barron, - Esq., Inverness._] - - - - - THE HISTORY - OF THE - 7TH BATTALION QUEEN'S OWN - CAMERON HIGHLANDERS - - - By - - Colonel J. W. SANDILANDS - C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., - - and - - Lieut. Colonel NORMAN MACLEOD - C.M.G., D.S.O. - - - STIRLING: - ENEAS MACKAY, MURRAY PLACE, - 1922 - - - - - Dedicated - to - The Mothers - - OF OUR GALLANT COMRADES IN THE 7TH - BATTALION QUEEN'S OWN CAMERON - HIGHLANDERS WHO GAVE THEIR - LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY - AND THE HONOUR OF - THEIR REGIMENT. - - - - -CONTENTS - - -CHAPTER PAGE - -FOREWORD, 9 - -1. EARLY DAYS, 17 - -2. THE BATTLE OF LOOS, 27 - -3. HULLOCH-LOOS SECTOR, 39 - -4. THE SOMME BATTLE, 1916, 47 - -5. BATTLE OF ARRAS, 1917, 65 - -6. THE SALIENT, 1917, 87 - -7. THE BRITISH WITHDRAWAL, 28/3/18, 111 - -8. AMALGAMATION OF 6TH AND 7TH, 132 - -9. BUZANCY, 139 - -10. DEMOBILISATION, 148 - -HONOURS AWARDED, 157 - -OFFICERS WHO SERVED WITH THE BATTALION, 161 - -EXTRACTS FROM WAR DIARY, 169 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS. - - -THE 7TH CAMERONS ON HILL 70, _Frontispiece_ - - Facing Page - -COLONEL J. W. SANDILANDS, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., 40 - -LIEUT. COLONEL NORMAN MACLEOD, C.M.G., D.S.O., 80 - -MONUMENT ERECTED BY THE 17TH FRENCH -DIVISION TO 15TH SCOTTISH DIVISION, 144 - - - - - FOREWORDS. - - BY DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS. - - Lieut.-General Sir F. W. N. M'CRACKEN, K.C.B., D.S.O. - Major-General H. F. THUILLIER, C.B., C.M.G. - Major-General H. L. REED, V.C., C.B., C.M.G. - - -Having commanded the 15th (Scottish) Division for two years and a -quarter, I have followed with deep interest this history of the 7th -Cameron Highlanders. - -I am convinced that all who read of the gallant deeds performed by -this Battalion, in company with the other Battalions of the 15th -(Scottish) Division, in the service of their King and Country, will be -stirred with an intense feeling of pride in the achievements of their -countrymen recorded in this little book. - -The Battalion has indeed nobly maintained the splendid traditions of -the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. - - F. W. N. M'CRACKEN. - Lieut.-General. - - 24/3/22. - - -This is a great story. A narrative of the adventures in training -camps, in billets and trenches, in battles and in periods of rest, of -one of the units of that splendid body of men known as the "New -Armies" which sprang into being in 1914 under the inspiration of Lord -Kitchener. A story of comradeship, endeavour and sacrifice in the -great cause. - -By far the greater part of it deals with the periods of fighting, and -it is doubtful whether any of the New Army units saw more, for the -famous 15th Scottish Division, of which the 7th Camerons formed part, -was one of the earliest of the new divisions to go to the front and -take a place in the line, and its record includes the battles of Loos, -the Somme, Arras 1917, Ypres 1917, the German attack on Arras in 1918, -and the capture of Buzancy in the Soissons area in August 1918, as -part of the 10th French Army under General Mangin. - -I had two opportunities during the war of judging the fighting -qualities of the 15th Division. The first was when serving with the -1st Division, which attacked alongside the 15th at Loos. The energy -and enthusiasm with which the Scotsmen prepared for the attack, and -the dash and determination with which they executed it, excited the -highest admiration of their regular comrades of the 1st Division. The -two divisions served in the same Corps for some months in the ensuing -winter, succeeding each other in and out of the water-logged trench -lines of the Loos Salient, and the admiration aroused by their action -in the battle was deepened by the observation of their soldierly -qualities under the trying conditions of trench warfare in winter. - -The second time I was a more intimate observer, for I had the supreme -privilege of being appointed to the command of the 15th Division in -June, 1917, just as it was entering the Ypres Salient to take part in -the desperate and bloody fighting of the efforts to capture the -Passchendaele Ridge. Its personnel had largely changed, owing to the -casualties of the Somme and Arras, but the Scottish fighting spirit -was there still, and the dour and stubborn valour with which, after -seizing and holding the Frezenberg Ridge, they essayed again and again -to win the concrete defences of Borry Farm, Beck House, Iberian House, -etc., under indescribable conditions of mud, shell-fire and gas, forms -a story which has not yet been fully told. - -In this fighting, as in all the other operations of the Division, the -7th Camerons bore a full and gallant share. The last of the German -efforts to retake the Frezenberg Ridge was broken up by a skilfully -led counter-attack by a company of this Battalion with one of the 8th -Seaforths. - -The last time I saw the 7th Camerons was after the return of the -Division to the Arras Sector in September, 1917, when they were -encamped in Blangy Park in the Scarpe Valley. To men who had been -through what they had it was, as the narrator says, a delightful -change and rest. But rest, although more than well earned, was not -accompanied by any slackness or loss of discipline. I was particularly -struck by the state of their camp, its excellent order and -cleanliness; cooking and sanitary arrangements all that they should -be, the men healthy and in good spirits. A rapid recovery after heavy -fighting is a mark of a first-class battalion. - -Colonel Norman Macleod had the good fortune to serve with the -Battalion from the day it crossed the Channel till it was amalgamated -with the 6th Camerons in June, 1918 (except a short time when -recovering from wounds). He commanded it for 15 months, and -subsequently commanded the combined 6th/7th Battalion until the end. -It would be a record of which any one might well be proud merely to -have taken part in the great events comprised in that period, but to -have commanded this splendid battalion, and to have been with it from -its first raising in Scotland to its victorious entry into Brussels -after the armistice, during all the period it was gathering its -imperishable laurels and adding lustre to the name of the historic -regiment whose name it bears, is an honour which he probably would not -change for any other, however high. - -It is well that such stories should be told. To the survivors of the -events they narrate they are a reminder of great days and great -friendships. To future generations of Scottish lads they will be an -inspiration. - - H. F. THUILLIER, - Major-General. - - 30/5/22. - - -This modest record of the services of a great battalion in the Great -War adds yet another page to the glorious history of "The Queen's Own" -Cameron Highlanders. - -I had the honour to command the 15th (Scottish) Division from October, -1917, to March, 1918. During the first year of that period this -Battalion, or perhaps I should say these Battalions, for the 6th, the -7th and the 6/7th Cameron Highlanders are almost inseparable in my -mind, were most severely tried on many occasions in battle, most -notably in front of Arras in March, 1918, and South of Soissons in -July, 1918. - -The authors state that the battle of the 28th March, 1918, was -probably the heaviest fighting in which the 7th Battalion ever took -part. Lieut.-General Sir Charles Fergusson, Commanding the XVII. -Corps, when the great German attack was foreseen, had warned the 15th -Division that it was in a "Post of Honour," adding: "I am glad that it -is in the hands of a Scottish Division, who I know will never let the -enemy pass." Again on the 29th March, after the great attack, General -Fergusson wired: "I knew you could be relied on to stick it out to the -end. There are fresh troops in support of you now, but I want the -honour of holding Arras to be yours alone." - -General Ludendorff, in his _Memoirs_, practically attributes the -turning point of his hopes of success to the failure of the 17th -German Army to capture the heights East and North of Arras, this "in -spite of employing a vast amount of artillery and ammunition." I am -sure all comrades of the 15th (Scottish) Division will agree that no -unit of ours deserved more credit for stopping the Germans in front of -Arras than the 7th Cameron Highlanders. - -During the period, December, 1918, to March, 1919, the troops were -tried in a different way. A time of absolute inactivity prevailed in -Belgium, with many temptations for all ranks to be slack and to allow -discipline to deteriorate. A natural reaction after the strain of war. -There was also a feeling, rightly or wrongly, that in the system of -demobilisation length of service at the front was not always -considered. During this difficult time the 6/7th Cameron Highlanders -retained their splendid discipline and still upheld their claim to the -nickname "The Shiny Seventh." - -The authors refer to their firm belief in the advantages of the kilt -as a service dress. Opinions may differ on this point, but there is no -question as to the prestige and confidence which the kilt carries with -it. - -When we moved suddenly to join the Xth French Army in July, 1918, the -British troops were, for some reason, temporarily out of favour in -that area, but the sight of the Highlanders, and the sound of the -bagpipes, changed this feeling at once, and nothing could have -exceeded the enthusiasm with which the 15th Division was received in -billets during this period of operations. - -Again, on the coldest of days in January, 1919, when troops of three -Divisions marched past His Majesty, the King of the Belgians, in -Brussels, there was a sudden roar of applause from the half-frozen -crowd as the kilted pipers leading the 45th Infantry Brigade, which -represented the infantry of the 15th Division, approached. The 6/7th -Cameron Highlanders swung past; His Majesty turned to me and said: -"Truly magnificent soldiers." Those who read this narrative will agree -that this splendid tribute was deserved. - - - H. L. REED, - Major-General. - - 2/4/22. - - - - -CHAPTER 1. - -EARLY DAYS. - - -Soon after the outbreak of the Great War, Colonel D. W. Cameron of -Lochiel received permission to raise Service Battalions of the Cameron -Highlanders under Lord Kitchener's New Army Scheme. He proceeded at -once to Scotland, and at meetings in Glasgow and Inverness stirring -appeals for recruits for the new Battalions were made. These appeals -met with so enthusiastic a response that within a week or two the 5th -and 6th Battalions were raised, and recruiting for the 7th Battalion -was in full swing. Recruits for the 5th and 6th were sent direct to -Aldershot, but when it was found that there was every prospect of -raising another Battalion, it was decided to make its Headquarters at -Inverness, the Capital of the Territorial District of the Cameron -Highlanders. - -From the outset, Major Seymour Clarke of the Cameron Highlanders, who -had returned to duty at the Cameron Depot at Inverness on the outbreak -of war, took a great interest in the Battalion, and he did much for it -during its early days in Inverness. On 8th October, 1914, -Lieutenant-Colonel D. P. Haig, who formerly commanded the 3rd -Battalion, was gazetted as the first Commanding Officer of the 7th, -but the date of the birth of the Battalion may be said to be 28th -September, 1914, on which day Captain James Barron, Captain -Mackenzie-Gillanders, and Lieutenant W. H. Kirkland were gazetted to -the Battalion. On 30th September, Captain C. D. Stewart, and on 5th -October, Captain Norman Macleod, were also gazetted. Unfortunately, -Captain Mackenzie-Gillanders and Captain C. D. Stewart were very -shortly afterwards invalided out of the service, and for several weeks -the Battalion had to carry on with Lieutenant-Colonel Haig and -Captains Barron and Macleod as the only senior officers. Captain -Barron acted as Adjutant of the Battalion until shortly before it went -to France, where he fell at the Battle of Loos while Second in -Command; Captain Macleod served with the Battalion throughout most of -the War, commanding it for the last 18 months of its existence, and -Lieutenant Kirkland fell while commanding a Company at Loos. - -The two months spent by the Battalion at Inverness were very strenuous -but very happy. It was soon recruited up to full strength, and the -type of man it attracted was of a particularly high order and fine -physique, as at this time the height and chest measurement for -recruits had been increased. A large proportion were students and -young professional men from Glasgow, where a Cameron Recruiting Office -had been opened as soon as Lochiel received permission to raise the -new Battalions, and it was a rule that no man was admitted unless he -was a Scotsman. A considerable number of recruits also came from -Inverness-shire, including not a few from the town of Inverness, where -the Battalion was immensely popular. The Cameron Barracks were, of -course, too small to accommodate more than a small proportion of the -Battalion, but quarters were found for many in a distillery hard by. -Here the comforts of life were lacking, many men having to sleep on a -stone floor with only one blanket, but so fine was the spirit of the -men that there was little or no grousing. The good people of -Inverness, too, vied with one another in doing everything possible for -all ranks. The hospitality extended to officers and men alike was -unbounded, and many citizens earned the undying gratitude of the -Battalion by placing their private baths at their disposal. Moreover, -nearly all the halls in the town were formed into Clubs for the use of -the men, and in these refreshments were dispensed in right royal -fashion. No man who served with the Battalion during these two months -is ever likely to forget the porridge and milk, which, in response to -a well-nigh universal demand, came to be regarded as the _piece de -resistance_ on these occasions. - -The first route march of the Battalion was, appropriately enough, to -Culloden Moor. Then, and for several months thereafter, the men were -in civilian clothes: but as time went on (so great was the keenness to -wear the kilt) many members supplied themselves with the Cameron -Service Dress at their own expense. By and by week-end leave was -granted, but no 7th Cameron wanted to go on leave in "civvies." Few -kilts were available at that time, even for those who were eager and -willing to buy them, but there was, happily, a nucleus of Regulars at -the Barracks who boasted the coveted garb. A tentative suggestion that -these proud wearers of the kilt might perchance hire them out to their -New Army brethren who were going on leave, met with a ready -acquiescence, and so rapidly did the idea catch on that kilts were -often booked for weeks ahead. But if a Cameron Highlander is -incomplete without a kilt, so is a Cameron Battalion without a Pipe -Band. Fortunately, one of the band boys at the Barracks, the son of an -old Pipe-Major, was able to play the pipes, and he proudly strutted in -front of the Battalion on its first route march to Culloden Moor. -Before long other pipers were discovered among the recruits, and the -time the Battalion left Inverness it could boast quite a respectable -Pipe Band. - -On 30th November the Battalion left Inverness for Aldershot. It was -with many regrets that it said farewell to the "Capital of the -Highlands," where it had been so kindly treated, and where the men had -won golden opinions by their behaviour and discipline. In a farewell -letter to Colonel Haig the Provost expressed the feeling of the -citizens in the following terms:-- - - "The men of the Battalion have by their exemplary conduct, and their - manly and courteous bearing, won favour on all hands, and it is with - regret we realise that we are no longer going to have them in our - midst." - -The Battalion arrived at Aldershot 1136 strong, and were quartered in -the Salamanca Barracks, which they shared with another Battalion of -the same strength, and where they remained for several weeks. An -unsolicited testimonial was given to the physique of the Battalion by -an Instructor of the 5th Camerons, who saw them march into Aldershot. -He declared that they were one of the finest bodies of men, -physically, he had ever seen. At Aldershot a period of intensive -training was put in, and the Battalion benefited greatly from the -ministrations of Captain Crooks, a splendid instructor and -disciplinarian, who voluntarily placed his services at its disposal. - -Christmas and New Year were spent at Aldershot. On 15th January, 1915, -the Battalion marched into billets at Liphook. The long march was -completed in full kit without a single man falling out. - -Here Major Norman MacLeod was posted to the Battalion. He had served -in the Calcutta Light Horse, and for some time had acted as Musketry -Instructor to the Brigade. - -About this time the Battalion received its first consignment of kilts, -although, as we have indicated, many of the men had already bought the -full uniform privately. Owing to the difficulty of getting the -different tartans and keeping up a supply in France, the War Office -introduced an article called the "universal kilt." It was made of -grey-brown cloth, pleated and sewn on to a waist-band of the same -material like a girl's skirt. It incorporated all the disadvantages of -a kilt without any of the advantages. Luckily this monstrosity was -soon killed by the Highland Societies. - -On 22nd February the 15th Division was inspected on Frensham Common by -a distinguished French visitor under the most depressing weather -conditions, as it snowed and rained alternately throughout the day. - -The Battalion left Liphook and arrived at Cirencester on the 25th -February. The men were practically all billeted in private houses, and -never were they more happy and fit than in this fine old town. Who -will ever forget the splendid deer park, with its beautiful woods and -long, broad grass rides? But the kindness of the people themselves -will always be uppermost in our minds. Another unique experience we -must record, as it betokens a large-minded tolerance, which is to be -the more appreciated and acknowledged because of its rarity even in -these times. The two Scottish Battalions could find no place large -enough for Divine Service, so the Authorities of the Church of England -were approached, and leave was granted for 1200 men to worship in the -beautiful old Parish Church. They had their own Presbyterian service -under their own Presbyterian chaplain, and the organist led the praise -with the old psalm tunes which Scotsmen love so dearly. Had the grand -old church, with its lofty pillars, clerestory roof, and walls -enshrined with memorial tablets and coats of arms, ever echoed before -to such a service, so impressive and unique? Not since the days of -Cromwell's Iron Rule, if even then, can the preacher have seen from -the pulpit such a sea of manly faces and a sight so inspiring in its -character and its associations. - -About 8 miles out from Cirencester was the training area, to which we -used to march in the morning and return about 4 o'clock in the -afternoon, very often to fall in again about 9 or 10 p.m. for night -operations. The men were now so fit that, although they had had a -strenuous day, they would simply race home the 8 miles at night, -singing and chaffing their comrades in front in order to urge on the -pace. On 6th April the Battalion left Cirencester for Chiseldon, which -was a large hutted camp on Salisbury Plain. - -Lieut.-Colonel Haig, on the 22nd April, received the appointment of -Commandant of the Staff Musketry Camp at Barry, Lieut.-Colonel J. W. -Sandilands, D.S.O., taking over command the same day. It was with -great regret that the Battalion parted with Colonel Haig. He was a -thorough gentleman and sportsman, and no officer could have been found -better suited for the arduous work of handling a Battalion raised -under such peculiar circumstances. Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Sandilands had -the advantage of having already been out at the Front, where he had -commanded a Company in the 1st Battalion, and also the London -Scottish. Just previous to his taking over the 7th Battalion, he had -been employed as Brigade Major in the 46th Brigade of the 15th -Division. - -At Chiseldon the Battalion worked strenuously, and were put through -their musketry course. On 12th May they marched to Park House, which -was a very similar camp to Chiseldon. On 15th May the Brigade marched -past Lord Kitchener, who stated that it was the finest, from a -physical point of view, which he had yet seen. On 3rd June the -Battalion won the 44th Brigade Championship in Highland Games, for -which a silver bugle was presented by Brigadier-General M. Grant -Wilkinson, M.V.O. This bugle has, along with many other prizes, since -been presented to the Depot Cameron Highlanders. - -On Sunday, 4th July, orders were received to proceed overseas. This -news was the cause of the greatest enthusiasm amongst the men, who -were eager to give practical proof of the value of their training. On -8th July the Battalion embarked on S.S. "_Arundel_" at Folkestone for -Boulogne, and was entrained for Houle, where a few days were spent. -From Houle it marched to Houchin, the men's feet suffering -considerably from new boots and the paved roads. From Houchin we -proceeded to Les Brèbis as a detached Battalion, and can therefore -claim to be the first Battalion of the 15th Division to enter the -shelled area on the Western front. - -Les Brebis was being constantly shelled. It was found almost -impossible to keep the men in their billets, as, being much interested -in this new experience, they would rush into the streets whenever a -shell burst, in order to see the effect, and to collect fragments as -souvenirs. They very soon got tired of this habit. - -On 21st July Lieut.-Colonel M'Dougall of Lunga, who commanded the 10th -Gordon Highlanders, was killed while making a tour of the trenches. He -was buried at Houchin with full Military Honours. Colonel M'Dougall -was a splendid type of Highland officer and gentleman, and was the -first officer casualty in the Division. - -On the night of the 2/3rd August we took over the trenches for the -first time at Maroc, holding the extreme right of the British line. -Opposite to us were the now famous Towers of Loos, from which the -enemy had good observation over our whole system. The Battalion while -in reserve in this sector was billeted in Mazingarbe. While there a -Church Parade was held in the grounds of the Chateau, which belonged -to a rich mine owner of the district. This, although within range of -the enemy's guns, was most beautifully laid out with masses of flowers -and lovely lawns, through which a burn ran with cascades and pools in -which gold fish sported. The owner resided here during the whole War, -and when the Battalion returned in 1918 they found the garden as -beautiful as ever. - -On the 30th August we proceeded to Noeux-les-Mines. On return to the -line the Battalion sustained its first officer casualties. On the 9th -September, Lieuts. W. G. Stuart, MacDonell, and MacRae were wounded by -trench mortars. Three days later rather serious casualties were caused -by the enemy bombarding a saphead which we held. - -On the 12th the Battalion was relieved, and went into billets at -Verquin. The pipes and drums played "Retreat" each evening in the -grounds of the mansion house, and also played in Bethune on the -afternoon of the 19th. On the 18th the 4th Battalion marched through -Verquin on its way to the trenches, and was given a very hearty -reception by the 7th Battalion, the band playing them through the -village. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE BATTLE OF LOOS. - - -On the 21st we again went into the trenches, taking over the -Grenay-Vermelles line, preparatory to the Battle of Loos. Shelling had -now become intense, the bombardment being in full swing. Before going -into the line the fact that the attack was going to take place was -kept most secret, nobody below the rank of Company Commander being -informed of the project. We were, therefore, somewhat surprised to -learn, on getting into the line, that the Germans knew all about it. -In fact we were told by those in the front line that the enemy was -shouting across to our trenches asking what was the cause of the delay! - -At 4.45 a.m. on the 25th the Battalion moved out to take part in its -first great battle, a battle which is one of the greatest in the -history of Scotland, owing to the number of Scottish troops employed. -On that day there were five battalions of Camerons engaged. The -morning was dull and misty, with practically no wind. At 5.50 a.m. our -gas was turned on, and ran alternately with smoke candles. Owing to -the lack of wind, however, it is doubtful if the gas did not do more -harm than good, numerous British casualties being due to it. At 6.30 -a.m. the assault was delivered, the 9th Black Watch and 8th Seaforths -leading, with the 7th Camerons in support, and the 10th Gordons in -reserve. The advance was practically due East towards the Towers of -Loos, these being kept slightly on our right. Within a very short time -the Black Watch and Seaforths got clear away. - -The Camerons, following, were very shortly streaming through the -village of Loos, having crossed the third German line of wire and -trenches, which had been regarded as impregnable. Unfortunately, -traces of the gallant part played by the Camerons in cutting this -wire, which was almost untouched by Artillery fire, were too evident, -the ground being strewn with dead and wounded. The houses in Loos were -practically battered to pieces. Germans were being bombed out of the -cellars, others bayoneted, dozens were surrendering, but nothing -seemed to stay the advance of the 44th Brigade. - -The Battalion Headquarters were established in a red brick building -near the church, which was now a heap of ruins. There the Commanding -Officer, with the Signallers and Scouts collected round him, remained -in comparative security until suddenly a number of the heaviest type -of high explosive shells rained down on them. All dashed for a cellar, -in which was found a German soldier. Soon after it was decided to go -down into the lower cellar, where we found a German officer still -telephoning. It was evident that he had directed the Artillery fire -upon our Headquarters. His telephone apparatus was for a long time -afterwards in the possession of, and used by, the Battalion Signallers. - -As the Commanding Officer was going through the village he came across -two Companies of the 7th Royal Scots Fusiliers, who attached -themselves to him, and all went on together to Hill 70. On their -arrival at the foot of the Hill, information was received that 300/400 -of the Brigade--most of them Camerons--had pressed forward over the -Hill and were heavily engaged with the enemy's lines at St. Laurent. -It must be remembered that the orders received before going into -action were that the Battalion was to press on to the Cité St. -Auguste, beside St. Laurent, which was given to them as their final -objective. - -Major Crichton of the 10th Gordons handed over the command of the Hill -to Colonel Sandilands, who, at once realising the gravity of the -situation, decided to establish a line on the reverse slope of Hill -70. Luckily here there was a sort of natural line of defence, -consisting of a bank about 3 feet high, running roughly North and -South along the Hill. This proved an invaluable feature to hold on to, -as men instinctively rallied to it. Major Barron, 2nd in command, 7th -Camerons, and Major Crichton (10th Gordons) volunteered to go forward -and order the advance party, who had charged over the Hill, to retire. -Both officers fell in the task, but their orders reached the advanced -line, and the men began to fight their way back. Major Crichton was -killed outright, while Major Barron, who was wounded and taken -prisoner, died of his wounds in a German Field Hospital. - -The Commanding Officer being satisfied that his right was protected by -the London Regiment which was astride the Loos Crassier, ordered the -Royal Scots Fusiliers to dig in for all they were worth. There is -little doubt that if these two Companies had not acted contrary to the -strict letter of their orders, in coming on with Colonel Sandilands, -things might have gone badly with the 15th Division. About 8 a.m. the -Battalion Flag, which consisted of one of the Divisional yellow -distinguishing flags, with a patch of Cameron tartan taken from an old -kilt sewn on to it, was planted on Hill 70, and remained flying till -midnight, when we withdrew. Throughout the operations the flag was -carried by Scout-Sergeant Lamb, and on more than one critical occasion -he rallied men of all regiments by waving them back to the Hill. This -flag has been presented to the Depot, and is now in the Officers' Mess -at Inverness. About midnight, when the line had been fairly well dug, -those in front were ordered to retire. It was on the forward slope of -Hill 70 that the greatest number of casualties in the 7th Camerons -occurred. The confusion which of necessity arises after an assault of -this nature can be realised from the fact that on Hill 70 the -Commanding Officer had under his command representatives from no less -than nine different Battalions. - -At 3 p.m. all were cheered by seeing large bodies of troops coming -over the Hill, apparently to relieve us. They turned out to be part of -the 1st Division, who had been delayed in the attack on our left, and -not a relief. At 6 p.m. word was received that we were to be relieved -by the 62nd Brigade, but owing to some error they did not arrive until -early next morning. - -At 8 p.m. the Commanding Officer discussed the situation with the -Brigadier, and satisfied him that the position on Hill 70 was secure -for the night, and, in view of the fact that the few Camerons who -still remained could not influence the situation, received orders to -hand over the command to Lieut.-Colonel M'Lean of the 10th Royal -Scots, and to withdraw his own men. At midnight he ordered his little -band of weary Camerons to retire. Not many who came out that night -will very readily forget it. In drenching rain, pools of mud, and -incessant shelling, they picked their way amongst the dead by the -light of burning houses, and they plodded wearily on, powerless to -take any notice of the wounded who lay waiting for stretcher-bearers. -Mistaking the road, they made a detour through Maroc, finally fetching -up at the old Headquarters, which, although it consisted merely of a -badly shelled house, appeared like a sanctuary. Without calling a -proper Roll the men were numbered off, and it was found that there -were 4 officers and 75 other ranks present out of 20 officers and 827 -rank and file who had started off so proudly 24 hours earlier. -Throughout the night and early morning stragglers kept coming in, and -there were finally collected 6 officers and about 290 other ranks. - -Philosophe was reached about 3 a.m., and we were lucky to find the -cookers waiting for us, and, after having some tea, both officers and -men slept on the ground, too exhausted to take any notice of the mud -or water. The usual rumours of going back for a long rest were -prevalent, a rest which was often talked about but never matured. -However, about 8 a.m. 26th September, a Staff Officer came over and -said that the battle was going far from well, and that there was no -alternative but to send the remnant of the Battalion back into the -fight. It is impossible to realise the feelings of men under such -circumstances. They fell in, and went straight back, picking their way -through Quality Street, which by this time was literally running with -blood and blocked with wounded. On they went amidst a hail of gas -shells, pushing their way through bunches of disorganised troops--raw -recruits who had never before experienced the sights of a battlefield, -and arriving finally at the old German front-line, where they found -the trench so full of gas that they had to dig themselves in behind -the parados. They held this position well on into the Monday morning, -when they were finally relieved. Twenty-four hours after this these -men marched out of Mazingarbe, headed by the pipes and drums, with -their buttons cleaned and their equipment polished in so smart a -manner that they were mistaken for a new draft, and were greeted with -shouts from those whom they passed: "Wait till you have been in the -trenches, and you won't look like that." - -Our casualties for the day were:-- - - OFFICERS. MEN. - - Killed, 4 Killed, 64 - Wounded, 6 Wounded, 255 - Missing, 4 Missing, 215 - -- --- - 14 534 - - Total, 548. - -Colonel Sandilands received the following letter from Colonel The -Mackintosh of Mackintosh:-- - -"INVERGORDON, _12th October, 1915_. - -"DEAR SANDILANDS, - -"Let me express the feelings of all here. We are proud of the dash and -gallantry shewn by the 7th Battalion Cameron Highlanders under your -command at the taking of Hill 70 at the Battle of Loos. To command -such officers and men is indeed enviable--they have added fresh glory -to the Cameron Highlanders, and their deeds will live in history. - -"From my son, who was A.D.C. to General Sir Arthur Paget, Commanding -the Salisbury Division, I heard what Field Marshal Lord Kitchener said -about the 7th Battalion: 'It is far the finest Battalion of the new -Army I have seen,' no mean compliment from such an authority who knows -how to judge soldiers. - -"Yours truly, - -"A. MACKINTOSH OF MACKINTOSH, Colonel, - -"3rd Cameron Highlanders." - -The next three days were spent in the support line, which was not very -much more comfortable, but distinctly safer. The following three days -we had a bad time. The rain came down in torrents during the relief, -and continued incessantly for 40 hours. It is very difficult even to -imagine the misery and discomfort which the men suffered. The -so-called trenches were full of water and mud up to the men's knees. -It was almost impossible for the ration and water parties to get -either up or down. - -During the second afternoon of this downpour the German Artillery got -on to our front line trench, blew in a machine-gun emplacement and -knocked down a considerable portion of the parapet, one man being -killed and two wounded. The parapet was rebuilt during the night. Next -morning nothing particular happened, but in the afternoon the German -guns again opened a heavy enfilade fire, resulting in 11 men being -killed and 21 wounded, and the parapet being very badly knocked about. -It was a very trying experience for new troops, and there is little -doubt that the Battalion deserved great credit for taking their -punishment so well. - -The following day we were relieved, and went back into the support -trenches, and finally marched back to Noeux-les-Mines on 7th November. -On 17th November Major R. B. C. Raban joined the Battalion as Second -in Command. Christmas and New Year were celebrated at Allouagne, and -here too was held a Divisional Boxing Exhibition, the principal event -being an exciting 10 rounds fight between Private O'Rourke of the -Camerons, and Sergt. Macleod of the Seaforths, the latter winning. - -On the 14th January, 1916, the Battalion returned to the trenches, -taking over section 14 bis on Hill 70. During this tour there was -attached to us "C" Company of the 6th Royal Irish Regiment for -instruction. Mining operations had now started in earnest, and this -involved heavy trench mortar and shell fire, causing numerous -casualties. It was during this tour of duty that we found and buried -the body of Lieut.-Colonel A. F. Douglas Hamilton, V.C. He was lying -just where he had been killed, and, although it was remarkable that -his body had not been discovered before, yet it was a source of -satisfaction to all that he should have finally been buried by the -officers and men of the Regiment in which he had served, and of which -he was so proud. On the 23rd March "B" Company proceeded to -Labuissiere for duty at 1st Corps Headquarters. The Battalion was to -have been inspected by the Commander of the 1st Corps on the 24th -March, but owing to snow it was cancelled. Next day we railed to -Lillers, and marched to billets in Allouagne. On the 3rd April Major -R. Raban left, on being appointed to the Command of the 13th Royal -Scots, and was therefore struck off the strength. - -On the 13th April Colonel Sandilands relinquished the Command of the -Battalion on being promoted Brigadier-General Commanding the 104th -Infantry Brigade. He was given a great send off by the officers and -men of the Battalion, who lined the street of Allouagne in his honour. - -The following article, which was written by Colonel Sandilands as a -brief review of the period during which he commanded the Battalion, -appeared in the April Number of _The 79th News_, 1916:-- - - A YEAR'S COMMAND. - - It is now just a year since I took over command of the 7th Battalion, - but in some ways it seems like ten years since I arrived at Chiseldon. - - Out of the 1000 men serving then, how many are there still with us in - the trenches? - - Whatever officers and men there may be, must recall at times the old - days which we spent so happily together. The training on the Downs, - the long dusty march to Park House: these are now things of the past. - - As we wade about in mud and water, it seems like a dream to think of - Tower Hill, where we used to lie amongst the trees, well concealed - from Generals, and eat our dinners from the cookers, which in those - days were strange machines of unknown habits. - - The Highland Brigade Championship; the Officers' Riding School; the - gramophone in the Canteen; the sixpenny novels; Officers Mess garden, - which never produced a blade of grass; finally, the Sunday when we - got our orders to go to France, the suppressed excitement of the - Channel crossing, our triumphant march through Boulogne with pipes - and drums in full swing--how many of us are still alive who remember - these days? - - It is amusing now to think of the difficulty we had in taking over - billets at Houle, and the deadly silence in which we marched from - Gonnehem, on the night when the regimental dog was lost, with his - tartan coat and regimental badges. - - How many men are still left from those who rushed out of the houses - at Brèbis to see the shells bursting, and who dug at Maroc in the - firm belief that they were exposed to untold dangers? What letters - used to be written home in those days to fond mothers, describing the - hardships, the terrific shell fire, and the groans of the dying. No - doubt these mothers were moved to tears at the thoughts of what their - sons were suffering, little knowing of the peace and quiet of the - trenches at Maroc and Quality Street. - - But if the same mothers could have seen their sons in the trenches at - Hulluch in October, they would have good reason to weep. Liquid mud - up to one's knees; the parapets consisting of half-buried Germans; a - perfect hail of shells at intervals throughout the day and night! - - In those days it took me three solid hours to drag myself through the - mud and water on my morning round of perhaps 2 miles. Officers and - men alike were caked with mud. - - What an afternoon that was when the parapet was blown in and we lost - 12 killed and 25 wounded in a few minutes! I shall never forget - seeing boys who might well have been still at school, pinched with - hunger and cold, sitting crouched under a waterproof sheet, fumbling - with their frozen fingers, trying to open a letter from home. This - letter was probably their one gleam of light in their horrible - surroundings; and yet they never complained, but stuck to it like - Camerons. I used to curse in my heart the loafers at home who ought - to have been out here, instead of leaving it to lads who never should - have been exposed to a winter in the trenches. - - Who is there left in the Battalion that used to come to the garden at - Verquin to listen to the drums and pipes playing Retreat, in the days - when we first began to know that we were to take part in one of the - greatest battles of the age? - - The little broken-down house, which was the Battalion Headquarters at - Philosophe the night before Loos, is still there. Quality Street, - instead of being a peaceful little village where one lived in - comparative safety, is now battered every day by German shells. - - How many men are there still in the ranks who clambered over the - parapet on the 25th, and joined in that mad rush which struck terror - into the Bavarian regiments who were up against us? I do not suppose - that in any case there can be many who have a clear recollection of - what actually did happen in the charge, or on that fateful afternoon - when the remnant of the 44th Brigade hung on to Hill 70, silent and - grim in their determination to hold the Hill for Scotland. The bank - behind which we first began to dig is still there, and easily - recognised, just between the firing and support line. - - What a weary little party returned to Philosophe that night! What a - shambles Quality Street was next morning when we went back through it - to hold the old German line. - - Even Christmas at Allouagne, the concerts in the Recreation Room, and - the boxing in the Hospital yard, are beginning to fade away in the - distance. - - Although we have recently been lucky, yet there are many of our - comrades who marched off from Noeux-les-Mines in January, but will - never answer their names again at Roll Call. Some have been buried at - Loos, within a few yards of where we fought on the 25th, and some - have been buried in the trenches. - - I often wonder whether the men of the Battalion realise the link that - is being formed amongst us. Do they realise, when the war is over, - the longing to see some of their old officers again will be such as - to defy description? Do they realise that little acts of - unselfishness and kindness, performed every day in the trenches, will - be amongst their most treasured remembrances, no matter whether they - go out into the world or return to a life of ease and comfort? Then - it may be that for the first time the old saying, "Once a Cameron - always a Cameron," will come home to them in its full intensity. - - J. W. S. - - 29/2/1916. - - - - -CHAPTER 3. - -HULLUCH LOOS SECTOR. - - -On the 26th April the Battalion returned to the trenches under the -command of Major T. L. Cunningham, relieving the 7th Royal Sussex -Regiment in the Quarry Sector. By this time the mining operations had -made the front line into a series of craters, and the shelling of the -enemy had become increasingly severe. The following day the R.E. blew -up the right leg of "Hairpin." We lost several men in the bombardment -which followed, the usual practice after exploding a mine being that -the enemy would start firing trench mortars, which would be replied to -by our field guns, the enemy in return firing his whizzbangs and -howitzers on our front line system. The 4th of May saw 3 more mines -exploded in the Hairpin crater, after which our bombers advanced to -secure the lip of the crater. The enemy counter-attacked, and a very -severe fight took place between our bombers and the enemy, in which we -finally drove him back to his original position, while we held the -crater. After the attack the enemy gave our trenches a long and severe -bombardment, which caused many casualties. - -The Battalion was relieved on the 11th May by the 7th K.O.S.B.'s, and -proceeded to La Bourse in Divisional Reserve. Here the men enjoyed -good baths, the time being filled up with odd parades and finding the -inevitable working parties for the front line of trenches. On the 13th -May Major C. H. Marsh, D.S.O., of the 18th Lancers, who had lately -commanded the 7th K.O.S.B.'s, took over command of the Battalion from -Major Cunningham, who had been in command since the departure of -Brigadier-General Sandilands. - - [Illustration: Colonel J. W. SANDILANDS, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., - commanded from 22nd April, 1915, to 13th April, 1916.] - -On the 14th May the Battalion was put under the orders of the 46th -Brigade, and on the 19th relieved the A. and S. H. in the left -sub-sector of the "Hohenzollern." Mining operations were still in full -swing, the enemy exploding a mine near "Argyll Sap," which filled in -the "Hogs Back" and part of "Northumberland Trench." It was a complete -surprise, and many men were buried and injured by the falling debris, -"C" Company suffering the worst, there being 3 killed and 45 wounded. -The Battalion was to have been relieved that night, but the relief had -to be postponed in order that the saps and trenches might be cleared -before handing over. About the 22nd May everyone began to expect a -Boche attack, as the Intelligence Reports constantly contained -references to large enemy working-parties and abnormal transport -movements. In one instance as many as 5,000 men were reported as being -seen moving in our direction. Two prisoners were also taken, who -confirmed the report that the enemy intended attacking and using gas. -Apparently our counter-action proved effective, as no attack ever took -place. - -On the 28th June, in the right sub-sector of the "Hohenzollern," 4 -patrols from "C" and "D" Companies, under the commands of -Second-Lieuts. Drew, Goudie, Currie and M'Crostie, attempted to raid -the enemy's lines after a discharge of gas. Three of the patrols found -the wire uncut and the trench strongly held by the enemy. "A Bangalore -Torpedo," which was to be used to cut the wire, was unfortunately hit -in the trench, and, exploding as the raiders were getting into -position, killed the men who were carrying it. The fourth patrol, -however, under Lieut. Goudie, succeeded in reaching the enemy's front -line. This they bombed, and then returned to our own lines. One of the -patrol being killed, Lieut. Goudie, Sergeant Small, and Private Heely -tried to bring back the body, but had to abandon the attempt owing to -the enemy's heavy machine gun fire. The total casualties were 9 men -killed and 19 other casualties. - -On the 18th July our Engineers blew up "Border Redoubt" at the -junctions of "Riflemen's Alley" and "Alexandria Trench." Instructions -had been given that after the explosion the far lip of the crater was -to be consolidated. This proved a difficult job, but we were ordered -to persevere with it. The explosion formed two craters, which were -heavily bombarded with rifle grenades and aerial darts by the enemy, -who evidently had no intention of trying to consolidate the crater -himself. Three different attempts were made to get into the further -crater, and within a few seconds, on each occasion, every man was a -casualty, as the whole movement was under observation of the enemy. -However, after many hours arduous work, lying flat on the stomach and -scraping with an entrenching tool, a trench of sorts sufficient to -hold the far lip of the crater was formed. The work was arduous and -trying, as well as dangerous, but the officers and men stuck to it -bravely. The following afternoon a Staff Officer came up with -beautifully drawn plans for consolidating the near lip of the craters, -a scheme which, if originally carried out, would have saved many lives. - - CASUALTIES. - - Killed, 1 Officer and 16 other ranks. - Wounded, 4 Officers and 12 other ranks. - -Amongst the wounded was Major Cunningham, who had been with the -Battalion since it came to France in 1915, and who had commanded the -Battalion from the time General Sandilands left until Colonel Marsh -was appointed. He was a good officer, a fearless man, and liked by all. - -On 22nd July the Battalion was relieved by the Royal Berkshire -Regiment, and proceeded to Houchin. It was not realised at the time -that we were leaving this area for good, but as it turned out we were -not to return again to Hulluch-Loos sector until practically the end -of the war. The men were glad to get away from a sector where all the -worst modern appliances of war were used in abundance. Here they had -spent their first winter, and fought their first great battle, and the -names of Hulluch Alley, Gordon Alley, etc., will be imprinted in their -memories for many a day. These long communication trenches were nearly -always half-full of muddy water, but, luckily, as we were wearing -kilts, it was an easy matter to either lift them up or to take them -off, hang them round the shoulders, and by this means arrive -comparatively dry in the front line, which was not the fate of the -trousered Battalions. When going into the line these Battalions were -soaking wet before they arrived there, and if coming out, not only -arrived wet at their billets, but had to carry all the extra weight of -the mud, etc., which had saturated into their puttees and trousers--a -thing that told considerably on tired troops marching for several -miles. - -It was certainly a very trying sector. There was never a tour without -several casualties from mines, "Flying Pigs," and, especially, aerial -darts, which infernal machines, many were convinced, were covered with -a poisonous paint. We shall hazard no opinion on this point, but it is -curious to note that many a man who only received the slightest wounds -from them died from the effects. The work was exceedingly hard, as the -trenches were constantly being blown in or filled up with debris of -mines and explosives. Working parties had to be found to repair this -damage, as well as to carry the spoil out of the mines. Mine carrying -parties were detailed in 8-hours shifts, every man working one shift -in 24 hours. The work consisted of going down the mine shaft and -carrying up bags of spoil which were then emptied. The carrying of -lumps of chalk in the sand-bags up the stairs became not only sore on -the back, but exceedingly wearisome to the legs. In addition to this -the same men had to be used for trench repairs, carrying parties for -trench stores, rations, etc., so that it can be easily understood that -there was little time for sleep or rest. - -In spite of all this, many men were sorry to leave the district where -they had made a number of good friends among the mining villagers in -their billets. Especially did they enjoy a rest in Bethune, where some -of the attractions of the town could be indulged in. They would sooner -have taken the risks and hard work of this area, and get back to -billets which were occupied by women and children, than have enjoyed -the safeness of some of the quieter areas where life was much more -monotonous. - -One has often heard grumbles at the French peasant for such things as -making a charge for the use of buckets to draw water with. But when -one learned the number of buckets which were lost a certain sympathy -grew towards the owner. It was surprising how domesticated most of the -men became, helping in the houses and playing with the children, for -Jock is a kind-hearted fellow. - -The possibilities for bathing in this area were also good. Many of the -large coal mines had a splendid system of baths at the minehead. The -French miner keeps his clothes at the mine, and when he has done his -day's work there is a good spray bath heated by the exhaust steam -waiting for him. After that he puts on his ordinary clothes, leaving -his working clothes to be dried for the next day. There were also -large wooden towers used for cooling and condensing purposes, the -water dropping from the top into a tank 40 or 50 feet long and about 6 -feet deep. These made splendid bathing ponds, where the men were able -to enjoy a swim, even when the weather was inclined to be cold, as the -water was always more or less warm. - -"Hutments," such as existed towards the end of the war, had not yet -come into use, so that men were billeted in houses and farms, some -occupied and some not. There were few sadder sights, or one which -brought home the horrors of war, than some of those deserted mining -villages. The once pretty little gardens now buried under the bricks, -mortar, and beams of the shattered houses, through which an odd flower -would force its way, the roses still clinging to the broken garden -railings. Inside the house was strewn with women's clothing, -children's toys, perambulators, etc., pointing out how hurriedly the -once happy home had been sacrificed in order to escape the enemy's -shells, or even greater cruelties, for the Hun was no respecter of -women or children. What anguish of heart these poor women must have -suffered. Hay lofts made good billets, but trouble lay for the unwary, -as there was no floor, the hay being supported on the top of beams. If -the layer of hay was thin through you went. A stout sergeant, while -taking roll call one night, thus suddenly disappeared. Luckily his -fall was broken by landing on the back of a cow sleeping below, much -to its surprise and annoyance. - - - - -CHAPTER 4. - -THE SOMME BATTLE, 1916. - - -We now received definite orders that we were to leave the area and to -move in a southerly direction. We were not told where we were going, -but as we knew the Battle of the Somme had started, it was not -difficult to guess. The only point which might have raised any doubt -in our minds was the fact that the men had been worked almost to a -standstill in the sector which we were leaving, and they had been -encouraged to do so by being informed on more than one occasion by the -Higher Command that this activity was the part they were called upon -to play in order to assist in the great attack which was going on -further south. However, we had all become old soldiers by this time, -and therefore quite expected to learn that, in spite of such promises, -it had become necessary to employ us in the battle line, and we set -off cheerfully southwards with the full intention of once more proving -to the Boches what we could do in the lighting line. In fact, many -would have been sorry, in their hearts, had a big battle taken place -without our Battalion having a hand in it. It would have been looked -upon as a reflection on the Battalion that a big fight could possibly -be carried through without our aid! - -We started this march on the 23rd July, and proceeded to Dievel, where -we had two days' rest. From there we continued the march through Gouy, -Occoches, Autheux, Maours, Mirvaux and Lahoussoue, arriving near -Albert on the 8th August. This march was one of the most enjoyable -periods which the Battalion spent in France. The weather was extremely -hot, and the marching was done in the early morning, generally -starting an hour or so before dawn, and completing the march by 9 or -10 a.m. This saved us trudging along in the burning heat, and also -allowed the men the remainder of the day for rest or amusement. The -route was well behind the line, through villages which had not been -destroyed. As a rule we were not billeted in the houses, but bivouaced -in fields, if possible beside a river, where the men were able to -bathe and play games. It was noticeable how physique and spirits -improved as the march went on, and by the time we reached Albert we -were all on the top of our form. - -At Albert we once more bivouaced in a field on the south side of the -main road, about one mile west of the town. By this time we were quite -experienced at making shelters out of all kinds of odds and ends. When -at Albert we adopted the plan of wearing the smoke-helmet as a -sporran. This was not only a very convenient way of carrying it behind -the lines, but when the satchel was properly washed it also looked -very smart. It was soon possible to realise the severity of the -fighting, as there was abundant evidence of the action which had taken -place over the area. There was hardly a square yard of ground that was -not ploughed up by shell, the whole area being composed of holes of -different sizes. On the 17th we moved forward. As we marched through -Albert we saw that wonderful sight of the statue of the Virgin and -Child which had been on the top of the cathedral tower originally, -but, having been hit by a shell, now stood out at right angles -overlooking the square. The Child, held out at arms length over the -head of the blessed Virgin, appeared to be gazing at and invoking a -blessing on the troops passing below. We were now to take the -switch-line, which formed part of the German system of trenches in -front of Contalmaison. We had previously prepared our jumping-off -trenches, which we left at 8.55 a.m., following strong artillery -barrage. The German front-line was taken without much difficulty, many -of the enemy surrendering. We reached our objective and started -digging in, but the enemy developed a bombing attack from a trench on -our right, and Captain MacRae, along with Lieut. Orr, started -counter-bombing. Our supply of bombs began to give out, but happily -there were large numbers of German bombs lying about, and with these -we were able to do good execution, especially as we found that we -could get a longer range with these than with our own. Luckily, when -we were getting short handed from casualties, we were able to get the -assistance of two platoons of the 9th Gordons to carry bombs from the -rear up to our bombers. - -In the meantime it was apparent that, owing to casualties, we were not -sufficiently strong to hold the elbow and force the trench where the -Germans had formed a block. Unfortunately, the Stokes Gun Team had -been put out of action. Lieut. Anderson, who was in charge of the -guns, did magnificent work for a time, feeding and firing the guns -himself while the team were sent away to fetch more ammunition. Our -casualties had now been severe, and it was evidently necessary to form -a further attack to clear the remainder of the trenches if we were to -maintain the ground already won. This was organised with the -assistance of a party of the Seaforth Highlanders who had arrived as a -carrying party. About this time it was noticed that the Germans were -massing near the Martinpuich-Pozieres road, but our artillery soon -brought their fire on to them and broke them up. Our counter-attack -was launched at 5.50 p.m., and was entirely successful. - -Our casualties were heavy, 5 officers being killed and 9 wounded, -while among the rank and file 44 were killed, 16 were missing believed -killed, and 167 wounded. For this action we received several -congratulations, that from the G.O.C. 4th Army stating:-- - - "Please convey the Army Commander's congratulations to the 15th and - 1st Divisions on their successes and the enterprise they are - displaying, which is invaluable at this stage of the battle." - -We carried on in this area up till the 19th September, when we were -relieved by the 8th Yorks of the 23rd Division, and went back into -Divisional reserve at Framvillers. - -Here we remained carrying out training until the 5th October, when we -once more marched up and bivouaced at Beaucourt, going into the front -line on the 11th, which by this time had been advanced as far as Le -Sars. On the 13th October the Regimental Sergeant-Major, A. K. Scott, -D.C.M., was killed. He had joined the Battalion early in 1914, and had -been with it ever since. He was an exceptionally good R.S.M., a strict -disciplinarian, handling those under him with tact, a splendid -organiser for whom no amount of work seemed too much. A brave man and -a born soldier, he was respected and beloved by all who came in -contact with him. The weather now was broken and the ground was -becoming a quagmire, owing to the innumerable shell-holes being full -of water. Our front line consisted of a series of these shell-holes, -which made all movements by day impossible, and at night, owing to the -lack of any sort of landmarks, it was the simplest thing possible to -lose one's way. The reserve positions were at Contal-maison. It was a -long weary march from the front line back to this point, threading -one's way in the dark between the shell-holes. Afterwards there was a -duckboard track, but as it was well known to the enemy it was often -shelled. It was especially hard upon Lewis Gun Teams and Bombers, who -had to carry their supplies of drums and ammunition and bags of bombs. -We tried once or twice leaving our ammunition and taking over the -relieving Battalion's so as to save carrying, but the men always -complained that the ammunition, etc., handed over to them was dirty, -and they would prefer to stick to their own. - -It was exhausting enough walking through the mud in ordinary kit, but -the physical exertion became almost unendurable at the end of two or -three hours when a man, in addition to his rifle and 120 rounds, had -to carry a heavy load which caused him to sink deep in the mud at -every step. One was filled with admiration at the pluck and endurance -of the young lads who did it. - -It was intended that we should carry out another attack, but, although -the Battalion moved twice up to the line for this purpose, on each -occasion it had to be postponed, as the weather had rendered the -ground impassable. Jumping-off trenches, however, were prepared. On -one occasion, when the attack looked imminent, the Battalion was -brought back into the line, the Brigadier stating that the parties who -had been put on to the work had not been able to make much progress, -and that he felt sure that if we took it on it would be completed. -This nice compliment compensated us for being brought back into the -line before our time, and spurred on the men to finish the task--which -they did. - -On the 4th November we once more went into Divisional Reserve at -Bresle. Here we took over a camp which had been kept in splendid -order. Even the tent boards had been thoroughly scrubbed by those -before us, which created in our minds a very favourable impression of -the outgoing Battalion. The camp stood on high ground outside the -village. We were given the choice of being billeted in the village or -occupying the camp, but the advantages of all being together in a -clean place more than compensated for not going into billets which at -the best appeared very dirty. The cold, however, was intense, the -water being frozen solid inside the tent every morning. The officers -rather envied the men sleeping in a crowded tent, as they had a better -chance of being warm. So far, unfortunately, we had only been able to -get one blanket per man. The cold did not, however, affect the men's -health. The way in which health improved even in the trenches when the -frost came was remarkable. No doubt it must have saved the spreading -of infection, as in the line there were still a great many dead lying -unburied, and every shell-hole was full of stagnant water. - -We carried out a varied programme of training, being lucky enough to -have a rifle-range close at hand. By this time the Army was once more -realising the advantages of the rifle, which had for some time been -sadly neglected in favour of the bomb, an instrument which is -exceedingly useful in trench warfare where the sap-heads and trenches -are a few yards from each other, but perfectly useless in more or less -open warfare. The average man could not throw a bomb more than 20/30 -yards, and at that range it was almost as dangerous to the thrower as -to the enemy. It was extraordinary, however, what a hold it got of the -troops, a large part of even the home training evidently being devoted -to it. Our main object now was to make the men realise that their best -friend was their rifle. There is a story told of one instance where a -man was seen chasing a Boche within 30/40 yards of him in order to try -and get within easy bombing distance! It apparently never struck him -that with his rifle the Boche was a certain target at this distance. - -We also had good ground at Bresle for practice in the construction of -strong points. At this time plenty of amusement could always be got by -visiting the officer's riding school, carried on from 7 to 8 in the -morning. The whole day, however, was not devoted merely to -instructional training, part of every afternoon being devoted to -sports, especially football. Even in the hottest weather or after a -long march the men would hardly be in their billets before somebody -had the football out. - -The Brigade Games were held here, and everyone went in for all sorts -of training with the object of trying to win the Championship. The -sports were held in the field below our camp on the 21st November, the -Championship events being the 100 yards, the mile, the cross country -race, the long and high jumps, the tug-of-war, putting the weight, -tossing the caber, and football. The points scored were:-- - - Gordons, 14 - Black Watch, 14 - Seaforths, 23 - Camerons, 25 - -So that we, for the third time, won the silver bugle, as the Champions -of the Brigade. The tug-of-war was a most tremendous affair, the final -of which was an all over pull, lasting about 25 minutes. The Camerons' -team in the first period of the pull were over with the exception of -three men, but by degrees they slowly recovered themselves, and -finally, by a sort of cross between a war dance and a quick march, -they pulled the other team over the line. The excitement was intense! -The training for this event was very amusing. On both sides the -trainers were old soldiers who had competed with each other many times -before in India and elsewhere. If either Sergt.-Major while training -his team saw the other approaching, it did not matter how far off, the -training would promptly cease, as they were certain that the opponent -was out to gain tips! Sergt.-Major Vass was responsible for the -splendid training of the winning Cameron team. - -While at Bresle we had the honour of being inspected by the G.O.C. in -C., Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. He complimented us highly on the -part we had taken in the Battle of the Somme, and expressed himself as -greatly pleased with the appearance of the Battalion. - -On the 1st December we moved back once more into Albert, via Laviville -and Millencourt, preparatory to going into the line. While behind the -line we had a strenuous time cleaning and repairing the roads. The -Corps Commander issued a special Order, stating that "He wished to -place on record his great appreciation of the work done by the troops -on the roads, railways, and tramlines during our last six weeks in the -Corps area, and that with the adverse conditions he fully realised the -great amount of extra work which it involved, but trusted that all -ranks would realise how essential the work was in view of future -operations, and, further, for their own welfare." - -Moving into "Scots Redoubt," on the 16th, we once more took up our -duty in the front line. By this time trench feet began to appear--a -trouble which always existed during the mud, cold and wet of winter. -It was a satisfaction to know, however, that the Highland Brigade -suffered less in this respect than any other brigade in the Division, -the possible reason being the wearing of hose tops instead of puttees. -When the puttee gets wet it is very apt to shrink and press upon the -leg, interfering with the circulation. The Highlanders, however, were -able to wear two pairs of hose tops, thereby keeping the men's legs -warm without interfering with the circulation, by pressing the feet -into boots when wearing two pairs of socks. They acted the same way as -mittens do for the hands. It is pleasing to realise that the Highland -garb once more proved of value as a fighting kit. In order to prevent -trench feet all men had to rub their feet and legs with whale oil. -This order had to be carried out most strictly, fault always being -found if it was not done. - -On one occasion, when some men were in the outpost line for 12 -hours--which consisted of a small shell-hole full of water--one of -them developed trench feet on his return. Fault was found because he -had gone 12 hours without oiling his feet, even although he had done -so immediately before going on and coming off duty. On it being -pointed out that it was impossible for a man to go through this -performance while standing in water in an exposed shell-hole, the -reply came back that there was no reason why he should not stand on -one foot, lift the other out of the water, oil it and put it back -again! A performance which no doubt seemed simple to those behind the -lines, but was not so easily carried out in practice. Another point -which was insisted on was trying to get the men to put on dry socks. -Of course it was quite impossible to dry the socks in the line, but -some genius behind the lines was struck with the brilliant idea that -the men should carry a sock in each trouser pocket, which would be an -effective way of drying them. This order was circulated around the -whole of the Highland Brigade, without anybody realising the -difficulty that a man in the kilt would have in finding his trouser -pockets! - -No movement could take place near the outpost lines in daylight, which -necessitated the C.O. and others, if they wished to see the outpost -and forward lines, making a tour just before sunrise. Hardly was there -a day that the Brigadier and his staff did not go round these posts, -no matter whether they were deep in mud or snow. There being no -continuous line of trenches, it was the simplest thing to lose one's -way. One morning an officer who had just relieved one of the posts, -bringing with him the rum ration, set out to walk over to the next -post in order to give them their ration. It was a foggy morning with -snow on the ground, and, unfortunately, he missed the post and -wandered on into the German lines, the Battalion thereby losing a very -capable officer and also the rum ration, which from the men in the -post's point of view, was possibly the more serious. The enemy, -however, were apt to do the same, and on more than one occasion we got -German prisoners who had wandered from their own line. - -We were unfortunate enough to have to spend Christmas in the front -line, but were relieved on Christmas night, and moved back to Shelter -Wood. It was quite impossible to hold our Christmas and New Year -dinner there, as the camps were hardly more comfortable than the front -line. The mud was indescribable, and it was with the greatest -difficulty that ordinary rations could be got. Thanks to the sea of -mud, it was not possible to distinguish between the points where the -road was solid and where there was a shell hole. It was no uncommon -sight to see a mule team up to their necks in water. Sometimes it even -necessitated the wretched animals being destroyed. One of the senior -officers took it upon himself to try and cope with the mud in the -camp, and was promptly appointed "O.C. Mud!" His system was to cut -trenches into which the mud was pushed by means of a kind of shovel, -then everybody stood along the trench armed with more of these shovels -and kept the mud on the move till it reached the edge of the camp. The -idea was good, but unfortunately mud seemed to be created as quickly -as it was removed, and for those moving about at night these trenches -with their slimy contents were regular traps. - -In consequence of the difficulties of transport all stores were very -short, especially coal. One had, therefore, to resort to all kinds of -means in order to get fuel. Luckily, what once had been beautiful -woods were situated near the camp, but now all the trees were smashed -and torn up by artillery. There were strict orders, however, that no -wood should be cut without permission being received from the French -Woods and Forests Department, Paris. The acting C.O. used, therefore, -to sally forth into the wood with a party of men to collect fuel, much -to the fear of the Adjutant, who always expected to see him arrested -for doing so. He, however, calmed his conscience (if that was -necessary) by only removing the fallen timber. - -It was our fate to spend Hogmanay of this year once again in the front -line. It was generally expected that the Boches would do something to -celebrate the occasion, but luckily our prophecies proved wrong. - -We could look back on the old year 1916, with pride. We had done a lot -of hard work and strenuous fighting. In spite of heavy casualties, the -Battalion was as keen and efficient as ever. Our successes had added -to our _esprit de corps_. We were no longer a new Battalion without a -history. We could now draw inspiration from the feats of arms we had -ourselves accomplished, as well as from that of the old Regiment to -which we were all so proud to belong. - -Sometimes one wonders if the ardour of the work, apart from its -discomfort and danger, is fully realised by those who never -experienced it. How often has one heard those at home remark: "Oh, -yes, while you fellows are fighting, we are doing our bit at home--we -have curtailed our holidays, and we don't get away from our work till -6 and 7 at night." Even Staff Officers would impress on you the long -hours they worked, and without doubt most of them did work hard: an -officer at G.H.Q. would be in his office by 9 a.m., and, with the -exception of meal hours and an hour for necessary exercise, he would -not leave his duties till after 10 p.m. While all this is admitted, -yet it would be wrong to imagine that the Regimental Officer did not -also have long hours. Moreover, when his work was done he had no -comfortable bed in which to rest. Even to take one's clothes off was -looked upon as a luxury. It might be of interest, therefore, to put on -record an ordinary day's work of a Company Commander in the line. - -During the day he was kept busy with inspecting his line, visits from -Staff Officer, making up returns, answering correspondence, organising -night working parties, indenting for material, and the many other -matters of the daily routine. At night again, when the rations came -up, the C.Q.M.S. would arrive for instructions regarding pay, rations, -detailing of men for leave, courses, etc. After that he had working -parties to visit, sentries to be inspected, examining localities which -could not be visited in daylight, officers coming from patrols to -interview, prepare and write out patrol and other reports which had to -be at Brigade Headquarters before 6 a.m. These are some of the duties -which occupied him during the night. From this it can be realised that -the officer in the line generally got two or three hours sleep at odd -intervals during the night, and with luck another two hours during the -day. And remember that he had to sleep often in a damp shelter or -draughty dug-out in his wet clothes without even a valise to lie on, -many a time with not so much as a blanket to roll round him. When -behind the line in "rest billets" he was more comfortable, as he would -have his "flea-bag" on the floor of a Nissen hut, but still he was -hard worked. His day was occupied with training, clothing, etc., and -his evening with preparing training programmes and the many other -details of running a Company. There were also night working parties of -which he would have to take his turn every third or fourth night, when -he would be up until 3 or 4 in the morning. From this the civilian who -thinks he was hard worked by doing eight hours a day without any days -off (on big pay) can realise that the soldier was doing as much, if -not more, with all the discomforts and risks over and above. - -On the 18th January Lieut.-Colonel D. E. M. M. Crichton took over -command of the Battalion, Colonel Marsh having gone down the line -sick. We were all sorry to part with Colonel Marsh, who was a good -soldier, and who had been with us through all the fighting in the -Somme. He was suffering from fever, the result of many years service -in India, and which had been aggravated by the exposure of wintering -in the Somme. Life under the best circumstances was most miserable, -but to have all the depression of fever on the top of it must have -been exceedingly trying, although many of us at the time did not know -what he had to endure. - -One of our experiences about this time was a dug-out fire, some -brilliant genius putting a brazier on the top of a box of -Verey-lights, which after a time went off and started shooting about -the dug-out. The dug-out was situated in the front line in the Le Sars -sunken road, which was generally a sea of mud, often overflowing down -into the dug-out. One would have thought that it was impossible for -any of the timber saturated with mud and water to burn. This soon -proved to be wrong, as the fire worked its way up one of the stairs, -getting a splendid down-draught from the others. The place was soon a -roaring furnace. The officers and men set about building up a -barricade with sandbags. This was an exciting experience, for the -Verey-lights kept shooting about as the fire increased in intensity, -and might at any moment have set fire to the boxes of bombs, etc. One -of the men actually ordered an officer out with the remark, "it was no -place for him," when he began to realise the danger. Perhaps this was -not strictly in accordance with the idea of army discipline, but at -any rate it shewed the good spirit and affection that existed between -the officers and men. - -At the beginning of February we were relieved by the 5th Australian -Brigade, the 18th Australian Battalion relieving the Camerons. We went -back through Becourt to Contay, where we went into corps reserve, -nominally for a rest, but practically for intensive training. In this -little village we at last got the opportunity of holding our -long-delayed Christmas and New Year dinner, which took place by -Companies. The 2nd in Command and the Padre proceeded to Amiens to -purchase provisions for the revels--pigs, wine, beer, etc. The first -had to be bought alive in the Pig Market, where acquaintance was -struck up with the most villainous looking Frenchman. The porkers were -chosen from the fat ones that squealed the loudest when poked in the -ribs by the Padre's stick. The dinners were a great success. The -Parish Priest was a guest at the Officer's dinner, and appeared to be -a good judge of wine, and thoroughly to enjoy his meal, besides being -a very jolly old gentleman. - - - - -CHAPTER 5. - -BATTLE OF ARRAS, 1917. - - -Our rest was not for long, however, as we started once more to move -north on the 15th February, leaving the Somme area for good. All will -look back upon the Somme as a sort of horrible nightmare of mud and -water, of scarcity of fresh meat rations, fuel, etc., of long and -weary marches up to Le Sars and back again to the camps in "Scots -Redoubt" and Metz Wood, where the conditions were almost as bad as in -the front line. Not a place where the men could be entertained, not a -Y.M.C.A. or other hut within miles of the front line, not a civilian -to be seen. The Lewis Gunners had a specially hard time of it pulling -their hand carts through the mud and shell-holes. The design was -selected at home, doubtless with great care, but they must have been -tested on the Guards' Parade or other sound ground. For the work in -hand it would be difficult to imagine a worse pattern than that of -these carts with their thin iron wheels set close in to the side of -the cart and without any guiding pole or shafts. Luckily they were -soon abandoned. The cold in the line during the winter was intense. -Owing to the muddy conditions the men could not take their great coats -with them, but they were now so hardy that this exposure did not -affect their health. - -Now and then an officer was able to "lorry jump" back to Amiens, and -spend the evening round Charlie's Bar, or dine at a most excellent -restaurant, where the dinners and wines were good and the waitresses -pleasing to look upon. In fact, the sight of a woman, however ugly, -was a delight. We fitted up at Albert a house which acted as a kind of -rest billet for those suffering from slight ailments. The Town Major -was always threatening to turn us out, but we contrived to keep -sufficiently in his favour to prevent this catastrophe. We managed to -fit up a long passage as a drying room, with the assistance of some -water pipes which the R.E.'s kindly dumped in the square in front of -the house, and which we quietly appropriated during the night. This -house proved of the greatest value, as the temporarily sick were -employed in washing socks and hose tops, which were dried in this -room, so that every night we were able to send up a supply of dry -socks, etc., to the men in the line in exchange for their dirty wet -ones. No doubt this rest had an excellent effect on the men's health, -and saved many from having to go to hospital. - -The transport were generally in lines about La Boiselle Crater. -Sometimes those in the front line imagined that the transport had a -"cushy" time. But one is rather apt to think that the "other man" has -the best of a bargain. No doubt they did not suffer the casualties of -front-line troops, but their hours were long and weary. By night they -struggled up with the rations, etc., often through shell fire, their -carts up to the axles in mud, and the mules sometimes being nearly -drowned by falling into shell-holes, out of which it was a long and -weary business to extricate them. During the day they had to clean and -feed their animals and collect the rations from the "train." They thus -were working practically night and day, in all weathers and during all -hours. It was wonderful how the men and animals were able to carry on. - -We left Contay with regret. This was the first place where we had seen -any sort of civilian life for months; and we had just settled down and -begun to make friends with the inhabitants when we had to move on. The -Mayor came and expressed his regret that we were going away, and told -us that the inhabitants had greatly appreciated the good conduct and -kindness of the men. We marched to Moucheaux, via Beauval, -Gazaincourt, Bouquemaison and Crosiette. Here we settled down once -more to train, as we learned that we were to take part in a big -attack. This attack was delayed, as it could not take place until the -new railway line from Doullens to Arras was completed. We soon -received orders that practically the whole of the Battalion was to -move to Milly under Major Macleod, to form a working-party on the -railway cutting there. The men thoroughly enjoyed this change of -employment, which consisted of three shifts of eight hours each per 24 -hours, digging at the cutting. There is nothing a soldier appreciates -more than to know the number of hours he will be employed and how long -he is going to get to himself. He hates being messed about. There was -also an element of competition in the work, as the total earth -excavated by each shift was duly recorded, and the rivalry between -Battalions and "shifts" to reach highest out-put was very keen. - -At first we had great difficulty with our rations. By some mistake no -arrangements had been made for these. The D.A.Q.M.G., when appealed -to, said he would indent for us, but that according to the regulations -they could not be supplied for 3 days. After the Major had ridden -round the country for some hours he found a Railhead Officer, who, -realising the situation, and not being quite hidebound to the -Regulations, gave us some tins of bully beef and biscuits. Next day -the hunt commenced again, and finally Corps H.Q. put the matter right. -Theoretically, there is no difference between rations of Corps and -other troops, but there is no doubt we never got rations anything like -those we received when acting as Corps troops. - -On 24th February, 1917, the Battalion Headquarters moved to Maizeres, -the working party returning from Milly on 2nd March. On the 6th, the -Brigade was inspected by the Commander-in-Chief at Ambrine. The -Brigade was drawn up in quarter column in fighting dress. The -Commander-in-Chief expressed himself highly pleased with the -appearance and steadiness of the Brigade, and gave directions that -this should be communicated to all ranks. - -On the 11th March the 44th Brigade relieved the 45th Brigade in -support in Arras, the route being by Penin, Tilloy, Hermaville, St. -Pol-Arras Road. The sheer destruction of the Boche was very apparent. -Before the war the great straight roads had been lined with splendid -trees. These for miles he had cut down and left on the road side. Even -the fruit trees, for which this district was famous, had all been -ruthlessly destroyed. As the Battalion got near Arras the roads became -very congested with traffic, and the men had to move off the highway -or dodge between traffic in order to get on. By the time we passed -under the Baudimont Gate the hour when the troops were allowed out of -billets had arrived. The streets were absolutely packed with men and -vehicles. Although Arras was practically in the front line the -inhabitants remained in their shops, and though shutters were up and -no lights could be shown a brisk trade was still carried on inside the -shops. One of the peculiar things was that the Boche seldom shelled -the town after daylight. If he had done so he would certainly have -caused heavy casualties, and as he must have heard the roar of heavy -traffic, it is difficult to understand why he did not take this -opportunity of doing serious damage. - -Our first experience in the line at Arras was in the cemetery -defences, a somewhat gruesome place, and subject to the usual -attentions of the Boches to such a place. One man went to hospital -with what seemed to be a small piece of shell in his cheek, but when -the M.O. extracted it, it was discovered to be a tooth, apparently -belonging to one of the rightful inhabitants! Good shelter was to be -had inside some of the tombs. - -On 18th March "D" Company carried out a raid on the enemy's lines. The -zero hour was 2.50 a.m., and Captain W. D. Stuart was in command, -along with Lieut. Semple and Lieut. Morton. The 9th and 12th Division -co-operated by similar raids on their fronts. The object of the raid -was to destroy enemy dug-outs, and to obtain identifications and -information regarding the enemy's lines. - -The raiding party took up position along tapes which had been -previously laid out by Captain Stuart. The raiders advanced in two -parties (each two platoons) through separate gaps in the enemy's wire. -They met with no difficulty in forming up, although an enemy party of -about 40 strong had been seen working in front of their wire shortly -before. An enemy machine gun kept firing through the gaps in the wire, -but this was luckily put out of action by a direct hit from a shell. -Both parties succeeded in getting through the wire and entering the -enemy's trenches without encountering the enemy. The fire trench was -found to be badly damaged, and the control trench, a few yards in the -rear, was discovered to be very wide and deep (about 10 feet). The -party working to the north came across six dug-outs. Voices were heard -in them all. Each dug-out was bombed by means of Stoke shells. Wire -frames acting as blocks had been erected in both the fire and -communication trenches, and these made movement along the trenches -difficult. In most cases the parties had to climb out of the trenches -and go round the top. - -The party working south found ten dug-outs; two entrances had been -blown in by the artillery bombardment, the remainder were destroyed -with Stoke shells. No dead were found in the trenches, but all -dug-outs were still occupied by the enemy. A machine gun in an -emplacement was destroyed. No gas cylinders were seen nor -identifications obtained. A party of 30 or 40 Boches were seen and -fired at as they retired through our box barrage. This was thought to -be the wiring party which had been seen earlier in the evening. One of -the dug-outs which we destroyed caught fire. The majority of the party -returned to our trenches at 3.25 a.m., though one officer and a Lewis -gunner, who were carrying a wounded man, did not return till later. -The enemy barrage did not come down till 3 a.m., when the support -line--Islington Street--and the cemetery were heavily shelled. The -enemy put up the usual number of lights, those well behind the line -bursting into golden rain. Our casualties amounted to 1 killed, 1 -missing believed to be killed, and 35 wounded. Two died of wounds. - -The following special orders were issued:-- - - "The G.O.C. 15th Division wishes to convey his appreciation to all - ranks who took part in this morning's raid, and his congratulations - on the success achieved. - - "The Corps Commander wishes to congratulate all concerned in the - preparation, execution and success of the raid carried out by the 7th - Cameron Highlanders." - -The C.O. issued a special order congratulating Captain W. G. Stuart, -M.C., 2nd Lieuts. Semple and Morton, Sergeant A. M'Donald, -Lance-Corporal J. Kelly and Privates G. M'Lean and W. Marston on the -gallant and conspicuous part they took in the raid. A special order -was also issued by the Army Commander congratulating the 44th and 46th -Brigades on the successful raids carried out during the month. - -From the 3rd to the 7th of April the Battalion was billeted in the -cellars of the Grand Place, Arras, preparatory to the battle. The -shelling by the enemy was now considerable, but we only suffered two -casualties. Before the attack the Padre held a Communion Service in -one of the large cellars, in which many of the officers and men -partook. It was indeed a unique and solemn Service. Every now and then -the sound of a shell bursting amongst the houses above, or in the -Grand Place, would drown the words of the Padre and shake the cellar. -At 11.30 p.m. on the 8th the Battalion moved from the cellars down -into sewers, along which they travelled to the communication trenches, -and so to their assembly trench in front of the cemetery. The -Battalion headquarters were in the cellars of a house in Rue de Douai. - -At 3.20 a.m. on the 9th the Battalion was reported in position ready -for the attack. The zero hour was 5.30 a.m. The attack commenced with -the 8/10th Gordons on the right, the 9th Black Watch on the left, and -the 7th Camerons in support. The advance was carried out behind an -intense barrage. The German's first system was gained with slight -loss, the Camerons occupying "O.G.1" and "O.G.2." At 7.30 a.m. the -attack upon the second objective was commenced. The 9th Black Watch on -the left were for a time held up at the Railway Triangle, where there -was heavy fighting, and this also prevented the Gordons from reaching -their objective. The Camerons were then ordered to support the -assaulting battalions, and with their assistance all objectives were -gained. About 3 p.m. the Camerons were ordered to relieve the Black -Watch on the left. The Battalion was re-organised, "B" and "D" -Companies moving forward, two platoons to "Hecq Trench," and two -platoons to "Helle Trench." "A" and "B" Companies moved to "Cable -Trench," which they started to consolidate about 1 p.m. Orders were -then received to proceed eastwards to Feuchy, in support of the 45th -Brigade. This move was carried out and completed by 4 p.m. Later it -was arranged that the position occupied by us was to be taken over by -the 6th Camerons (45th Brigade), and we were to move back to the -trenches we had previously occupied. So ended the first phase of the -battle. - -At 12.45 a.m. on the 11th we heard that the attack was to be continued -at 5 a.m. At 3 a.m. orders came through from Brigade to move into a -position occupying part of the "Brown" line which had been captured -previously by the 46th Brigade. This position was occupied by "A" -Company on the right, "C" Company on the left, "B" Company right -support, and "D" Company left support. At 11 a.m. the Companies -attacked in artillery formation, moving half-right for "Orange Hill." -As soon as the crest of the hill was reached we came under heavy -machine gun and shrapnel fire, which for a time delayed the advance, -but the Battalion finally worked forward and occupied a system of -trenches about H29 central. About 2.54 p.m. a message reached us that -the barrage was to again commence at 2.50 p.m., and the Brigade was to -attack at 3. This gave only a few minutes to get the necessary orders -issued, but about 3 p.m. the Battalion commenced the attack. Once -again they came under exceptionally heavy machine gun and shrapnel -fire, but they succeeded in reaching a position running roughly -between Lone Copse and Monchy. Here word was brought about 4.40 p.m. -that the enemy was reported to be preparing a counter attack, and at -once everyone was busy putting the trenches in a state of defence. -However, it was stated shortly afterwards that the counter attack was -no longer to be expected. - -A great portion of the Battalion entered Monchy, where they were -placed under command of a Colonel of the Essex Yeomanry, who was in -charge of the troops there. No one who was in Monchy is likely to -forget the sight. The casualties had been heavy amongst both men and -horses, some of the latter being literally blown to pieces. Later, -orders were issued to O.C. Companies to withdraw and link up with the -Gordons from a line about 100 yards in front of the sunken road. This -movement being completed about 3 a.m. On the 12th, the Battalion was -relieved by a Company of the Worcester Regiment, and moved back into -"Helle Trench," which was reached about 5.30 a.m. There it remained -till 3 p.m., when it was finally relieved and moved into billets in -Arras. The strength of the Battalion taking part in these operations -was 23 officers and 521 other ranks; of these 12 officers and 175 -other ranks became casualties. The officer casualties were:-- - - _Killed._--Lieuts. P. G. Jenkins, G. R. Morton, M.C., R. W. B. - Semple, M.C., J. F. Smith, J. B. Ronaldson, and 19 other ranks. - - _Wounded._--Captain G. A. C. Davy, Lieuts. S. C. Russell, J. A. - Symon, D. M. Brown, J. K. M'Millan, E. F. Forrest, and 128 other - ranks. - - We have also to record the death of C.S.M. Cameron and Sergt. - Dalgleish, two splendid N.C.O.'s. - -We all felt very sorry for Lieuts. Semple and Morton, as these two -splendid young officers had only on the day before the attack been -awarded the Military Cross for their conspicuous gallantry in the raid -which had taken place a few days previously. They were killed while -the sincere congratulations of all ranks still sounded in their ears. - -A special order was issued by the Commander-in-Chief:-- - - "My warmest congratulations on the important success achieved by you - yesterday. The manner in which the operations were carried out - reflects the greatest credit on Commander, staff and troops. Please - convey to all employed my appreciation of the great skill and - gallantry shown by them." - -The Corps Commander also issued a special order, expressing his -appreciation and thanks for the splendid work done both in the -preparation for, and execution of, the attack. He was particularly -gratified by the energy displayed by all ranks after the third -objective was captured. - -The Divisional Commander issued the following special order:-- - - "15th Divisional Commander feels sure that this generous - acknowledgment of the work of the Division will be highly valued by - all. He wishes to add his own thanks. He is proud to have under his - command a Division in which officers, N.C.O.'s and men are inspired - with so fixed a determination to do their duty. The task given to the - 15th Division in the Battle of Arras was a very heavy one, entailing - hard work in preparation and great gallantry in attack. The - difficulties of the operation only inspired all ranks to greater - effort, and brilliant success has been achieved. The crushing defeat - of the enemy on 9th April was due to the discipline, hard work, - untiring energy, and magnificent gallantry of all ranks. Another page - of honour has been added to the glorious record of the Division. The - Divisional Commander wishes to thank every officer, N.C.O. and man, - and he feels that it is indeed an honour to command the victorious - 15th Division." - -The signallers and runners during the battle of Arras had a severe -time, owing to the heavy shell and machine gun fire. The system of -deep buried cable had not yet been developed, all wires being laid -over the open. They were therefore being constantly cut by shell fire, -and the signallers had to be out continually, both night and day, -repairing them. This also necessitated the use of runners to carry -messages during the periods of the heavy bombardment. Signallers and -runners were picked men, as the work was not only arduous and -dangerous, but required both judgment and commonsense. We were lucky -with the men chosen, as they on this and all other occasions did their -work well, showing courage and devotion to duty. - -At the close of this phase of the battle, Lieut.-Colonel Crichton went -down the line sick, the command of the Battalion being taken over by -Major MacLeod. The Battalion was billeted in Arras up till the 23rd -April, re-organising and absorbing fresh drafts. They also practised -the attack in open order, and did a certain amount of rifle practice -in the "butte de tir." We left our billets in Grand Place on the night -of the 22nd, relieving the 8/10th Gordons. We were to attack the enemy -on the 23rd, the first objective being the "Blue" line. At 3.20 a.m. -the Battalion was in position, "D" Company being on the left, "A" -Company on the right, "B" and "C" Companies in support. On our right -were the Seaforths, on the left the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders -(45th Brigade). - -The zero hour was 4.45 a.m., when the Battalion commenced to attack -under a heavy barrage. The enemy almost at once opened a barrage on -our front line, and also an intense machine gun fire from an -emplacement on our immediate front and from the high ground on the -south side of Scarpe River. The machine gun emplacement on our front -was to have been knocked out by our trench mortars, which were to open -rapid fire on it half a minute before we attacked; but this scheme was -not carried into effect, and we suffered very heavy casualties when -the men got over the top and rushed the gun at the point of the -bayonet. The fact that Lieut. Anderson, the trench mortar officer, was -killed probably accounted for the failure of the trench mortar to -knock out the machine gun. Lieut. Anderson was a most skilled and -gallant officer, beloved by all, and his death must have had a -disconcerting effect on his men. He was a cheery individual, and had -often rendered very valuable service in the attack. We missed him both -as a soldier and as a man. After rushing the gun at the point of the -bayonet, our right was held up by machine gun fire. Our left, in the -meantime, pushed on to Bullet Trench, seizing the south end of it, -taking about 40 prisoners and capturing a machine gun. Here about 5.30 -a.m., finding they were out of touch both on their left and right, -they dug themselves in. The centre of the Battalion for a time had -been held up by the machine gun fire, but succeeded finally in -advancing and fortifying a post about the sunken road (5.45 a.m.) A -small party on the right, with the assistance of Captain Morrison of -the Black Watch, formed another post in the sunken road. By 10.30 a.m. -those who were holding the post in Bullet Trench had managed, with the -assistance of a few stokes and rifle grenades, to clear the trench up -to the Cambrai Road, three posts being formed in the trenches. - -For a time our right was insecure, as the Black Watch, who had -attacked the village of Guemappe, had not succeeded in holding it, and -had been driven out by the enemy. About 12 mid-day a new barrage was -formed, under which we pushed forward the posts in the sunken road, -advancing to a part of "Hammer Trench." These posts, being on high -ground slightly in front of the village, spotted the enemy forming up -for a counter attack against the Black Watch, and our Lewis Gunners -were able to do considerable execution before the counter attack was -broken up. The 46th Brigade advanced through the 44th, and again our -Lewis gunners were able to do good work in firing on the enemy as he -retired from the trenches on the right. After re-organising the -Battalion moved back to behind the "Brown" line about 2 a.m. on the -24th. - -Everyone believed we were now done with fighting for the time being, -as our casualties had been heavy, and we were all congratulating each -other on being the lucky ones who had got through it. Next day, -however, the Commanding Officer received orders that we were to go -back into the line in order to take Cavalry Farm on the 26th, as -another Battalion had failed to do so. No doubt it was necessary, as -there were no fresh troops available, but no one, unless he has done -it, can realise the feelings of a Commanding Officer when he has to -order the men to turn round and go back into the fight under such -circumstances. But he was proud of his men who, tired as they were, -once more turned back and faced the enemy without a grumble. - - [Illustration: Lieut. Colonel NORMAN MACLEOD, C.M.G., D.S.O., - commanded from 23rd April, 1917, to 10th June, 1918.] - -Owing to casualties in the previous fighting, we had now only three -Company Officers left, besides the Commanding Officer and Lieut. -Legate, who was acting as Adjutant. A request was made to be allowed -to bring up fresh officers from the transport lines, but this was -refused. Unfortunately, just as the Battalion was moving off, one of -the three officers became a casualty, leaving only two, neither of -whom had been in action before the previous day's fighting. When we -reached the lines and found that the Battalion was to carry out the -attack on Cavalry Farm, the Commanding Officer suggested to Brigade -that he would go forward to Company Headquarters, as the Battalion had -been practically reduced to the strength of a Company, especially in -officers. However, the Brigade would not agree to this. - -The intention was that the Battalion was to take Cavalry Farm and the -trenches to the east of it. The 45th Brigade were to attack to the -north of Cambrai Road, and take a German strong point so as to protect -our left, while the Black Watch were to advance on our right and form -a line of posts. As soon as the Battalion had captured the farm, the -9th Pioneer Gordons were to make a communication trench up to it. The -attack commenced at 11 p.m. We managed to capture the farm, but on -getting past it we found the trench to the east strongly held by the -enemy. These we attacked, but almost immediately found ourselves -between two fires, coming from the trenches in front and from machine -guns close on our left rear, situated in the strong point which the -45th Brigade had failed to capture. The result was that we had to fall -back on the farm. In the meantime the Gordons, having heard that we -had taken the farm, came up to commence their trench. They also came -under the same heavy cross fire as was holding up our advance, and had -to withdraw. The Major in Command and many others become casualties. - -This information being received at the Battalion Headquarters, the -Commanding Officer decided to go forward and try to re-organise the -attack. The communication trench was filled with 9th Gordons, and it -became necessary to advance over the open, which was a slow process, -as the ground was being swept by machine guns. On reaching the front -line it was found crowded with troops, in consequence of the -Seaforths, who were in support, having moved forward into the front -line when our Battalion had advanced to the attack. They were now -mixed up with our men who had come back. The Seaforths were ordered to -withdraw to the support line, with the exception of one Company which -was retained to assist us in holding the front line. It was -practically impossible to take the trenches east of the farm unless -the strong point on the north side of the road was attacked and -captured. Having therefore formed posts in the farm and to the right, -to link up with the Black Watch, he proceeded to the 45th Brigade -Company, who had failed to capture the strong point on the north side -of the road, and from which position the enemy were able to fire into -our rear when we had gone forward. They informed him that they did not -intend to attack the strong point again. This made it impossible for -us to continue the attack beyond the farm with any chance of success. -That evening the Battalion was relieved by the Seaforths, and moved -into support. The next day the Battalion was occupied in burying dead. -This work was difficult, as the enemy, seeing the movement, kept up -intermittent shelling. However, we managed to collect 64 bodies of -Camerons, which we buried in one grave. The Commanding Officer took -the service, but had to limit the number of men present owing to the -danger of casualties from shelling. - -In order to save space, the majority of men were buried lying on their -side. A touching feature was the fact that someone had taken each -man's arm and put it round the body lying next to him. From the top of -the trench one could imagine that the men were sleeping, embraced in -each other's arms, more especially as they were buried in their kilts -just as they had fought, no blankets or other covering being -available. Altogether it was a most moving scene. The machine gun, -which has already been referred to, and which should have been knocked -out before the attack, had taken its toll, as most of these bodies -were found round about its emplacement. One could well appreciate the -desperate gallantry of the men who rushed it. We had the satisfaction, -however, of knowing that many of the enemy's gun crew had been -bayoneted by our men. - -A good example of the grit of the young officer and also the -difficulty of obtaining accurate information regarding casualties was -experienced. Lieut. Mackay was missing, and though several men were -certain that they had seen him dead in a certain shell-hole, his body -could not be found. One reliable N.C.O. was so certain of its position -that he guaranteed, if he were allowed to go out, he would return -directly with the body. His re-request was granted, but proved a -failure. As a matter of fact, Mackay was found dead a considerable -distance further on. He had been severely wounded where the men saw -him, and they had been wrongly convinced that he was dead. He had been -killed finally by a direct hit. He must have suffered severe wounds -first of all, as his right hand, which had been blown off, and other -wounds, had been dressed. Such wounds would have more than justified -anyone going back to the dressing station, but this brave young -officer, although stunned and wounded to such an extent that his own -men thought he was dead, had evidently advanced with the remainder of -the Battalion as soon as he had regained consciousness. - -If the Battalion on our left had succeeded in obtaining their -objective, or had at least silenced the enemy, the attack on the farm -would probably have proved a success. On the night of the 28/29th of -April the Battalion was relieved by the 3rd London Regiment, and -withdrew into billets in the Grand Place. The fighting had been long -and severe, and if fresh troops had been available to go through on -the completion of the first "phase" the success might have been even -greater. At the close of the fighting at that time one was able to -move a considerable distance forward at night without encountering the -enemy, who must have been holding his line very lightly and far back. -He had recovered himself, however, when the second phase started. It -is interesting to read with what surprise and despondency General -Ludendorf, the Chief of the German Staff, writes concerning the -battle. He says:-- - - "On that day (9th April) I celebrated my birthday. I looked forward - to the expected offensive with confidence, and was now deeply - depressed. Was this to be the result of all our care and trouble - during the past half year? A day like April the 9th threw all - calculations to the winds." - -Such an expression of opinion is high praise to the troops whose -vigour and bravery brought such a disaster to the enemy. - -It may be remembered that at that time the latter part of the battle -of Arras was almost over-shadowed in the press by the very gallant and -successful attack by the Canadians when they took Vimy Ridge. It is -instructive, however, to read in General Ludendorf's Memoirs the -statement:-- - - "On the 11th they took Monchy, and during the following night we - evacuated the Vimy Ridge." - -So ends the battle of Arras. - - - - -CHAPTER 6. - -THE SALIENT, 1917. - - -On 29th April, 1917, the Battalion moved out of Arras to Semincourt, -via Rues St. Aubert, Denvielle, and Bernville. Here training was -carried out until the 8th, when the Battalion moved to Grande -Rullecourt. On the 21st May the 15th Division were transferred to the -19th Corps, and moved to Vacqueril. On the 22nd they again moved to -St. Georges via Conchy and Wail. On the 6th instant, Lieut.-Colonel -Crichton officially relinquished command of the Battalion, which was -taken over by Major MacLeod, who had been acting C.O. since the second -phase of the Battle of Arras. We remained in St. Georges carrying out -field training till the 20th of June. This summer it was supposed that -the British had adopted the German system of "storm troops," and that -the 15th Division was one of these. Whether this was true or not, -there is no doubt that we were employed in all the big engagements, -and when we were not fighting we were out training for the next attack. - -While at St. Georges we held Brigade Sports. Captain Lumsden, who had -been acting as Adjutant for some time in place of Captain A. R. -Chapman, who had been appointed Staff Captain 46th Brigade, was now -confirmed in the appointment. Captain Chapman, who was one of the -original officers, had acted as Adjutant for some time, and by his -keenness, efficiency, and good temper had proved himself a most -suitable officer for the work. We parted with him with regret, and -wished him all success on the Staff. - -On 18th June, Major-General Sir F. W. N. M'Cracken, K.C.B., D.S.O., -relinquished command of the Division, and issued the following special -order:-- - - "In bidding farewell to the 15th Division, I wish to express my - heartfelt thanks to all ranks for their continued assistance to me - throughout the period of over two years since I assumed Command. - - "The standard of discipline and training which has enabled the - results already obtained will, I am convinced, lead in future to - still greater success. The maintenance of this standard, added to the - high sense of duty of all ranks in the Division, will inevitably - enable the same to obtain the final victory before returning to the - land of their birth, which is already so justly proud of their fine - achievements. - - "I shall at all times watch their movements with the deepest - interest, and I wish them every possible success in the future." - -It was with great regret that we parted with General M'Cracken, who -had so ably commanded the Division since its arrival in France, and -whose ability in no little way helped to achieve success in many hard -fought battles. The command of the Division was taken over by -Major-General H. F. Thullier, C.B., C.M.G. - -On the 21st June we left St. Georges and began to move northward. The -first night we stayed with three Companies at Croix and one at -Siracourt; next day we went on to Pernes, and the next to Borecq, with -two Companies at Ecquedeque, where we spent the Sunday. On the Monday -we moved to Steenbecque, and from there to St. Sylvestre Cappel. On -the 27th the Battalion went into Reserve in the 9th Corps area, -camping about two miles southwest of Vlamertinghe. A special order was -issued by the G.O.C. 15th Division, who expressed himself as very -pleased with the march, discipline and appearance of the Battalion. In -spite of the fact that they had no breakfast, the long march was -completed, with only one man falling out. - -On the 2nd of July we moved forward into the support line via -Reigersburg Chateau, "C" Company being in "Half Moon" trench, "B" and -"D" in the Ecole, "A" Company in the Convent Ypres, and Headquarters -on the Menin Road. This was our first experience of the Salient, and -we got a hot reception, being heavily shelled, and suffering several -casualties while going in. In the Salient there were no trenches, as -the ground was too wet for digging, and breastworks had to be built. -From the support we moved into the front line, with Headquarters at -Dragoon Farm, and with support companies in St. James' trench, -Milcote, Posier defences and road. Coming out of the line, we returned -to Eerie Camp. From there we marched to Poperinghe, trained to -Arnecke, and thence we marched again to Le Choche. Here we carried out -training on the Rubroucke training ground. On the 17th the Battalion -moved to Winnezele under orders of the 46th Brigade. From there we -moved to Toronto Camp, via Watou and Poperinghe, halting for an hour -on the road for breakfast. - -On the 23rd we once more took over the front line with Headquarters -under the railway at South Lane, in a dug-out which was exceedingly -wet, and the men had to be kept constantly at the pumps. That portion -of the dug-out which the C.O. and signallers occupied was a small side -shaft without any ventilation, so that a man had to be kept at the top -of the stair pumping air down to us. As a rule this gentleman was -rather sleepy, and had to be encouraged with powerful language. On one -occasion, however, air came blowing in with great force. We soon -discovered that some gas shells had exploded near the mouth of the -dug-out which had effectually wakened up the warrior at the pump, and -he, with a sudden spurt of energy, was diligently pumping the gas -down. We were now busy constructing works preparatory to the attack, -all of which had to be carefully camouflaged. - -On the 24th a successful little raid was carried out by twelve other -ranks of "A" Company under command of 2nd Lieut. J. Miller. Taking a -course parallel to the railway, they found the enemy's trenches much -battered, but the wire, though flattened, was difficult to get over. A -machine gun emplacement was discovered on the railway embankment. Its -crew fled, two being killed as they were running away, and one brought -back as a prisoner carrying the machine gun. Our casualty was one man -slightly wounded. - -At this time we were actively patrolling every night as well as -carrying out work parties. On the 25th we got orders for relief, but -these were cancelled later, and we were told we had to remain in the -front line. On the night of the 27/28th, orders were received that we -were to carry out a large raid on the enemy's front on the afternoon -of the 28th, two Companies being employed in this operation. This was -a very tall order. In the first place, we had never had an opportunity -of patrolling the part of the front over which the raid was to be -carried out. On the map, it appeared as if part of it was an old pond. -Neither did we know the condition of the enemy's wire, etc. In -addition to this the Battalion had been in the line for some time, and -the men were therefore very tired. Further, the time allowed for -preparation was so short that it was practically impossible to get up -and issue the usual paraphernalia for a raid. - -The task appeared to be beyond our powers, and the C.O. reported this -to the Brigade, who more or less agreed with him. The Brigadier made -representations to the Division, but the answer came back that the -raid had to be carried out. No doubt this was inevitable, but it must -be remembered that it was usual for a Battalion doing a raid of this -size to be taken out of the line and given time to rehearse it, -examine the ground, and consider the whole problem with the Artillery -Commander, etc. What must be, must be, and we found ourselves with -only a few hours wherein to decide on our line of action, issue the -necessary orders, and, as far as possible, collect such stores as were -available, a somewhat difficult matter, as movement during the day -generally led to shelling. The orders were that the raid was to go to -a considerable depth, the final objective being the enemy's reserve -lines (the first objective in the general attack which was to take -place shortly). The raiding party consisted of "D" Company with three -platoons of "A" Company, under command of Captain J. L. C. Jenkins. A -smaller party of 14 other ranks, under 2nd Lieut. Elliot, were ordered -to raid the railway embankment on our right and look for a suspected -machine gun. - -The zero hour was 7 p.m., the raiding party being lined up at 6.45. At -zero the artillery trench mortar and machine guns opened an intense -barrage on the enemy's front, and the raiders at the same time left -our trenches and followed the barrage. The enemy's front line system -was found to be badly knocked about, any of the enemy who had survived -the bombardment being either killed or taken prisoners. The raiders -then pushed on over the support lines to the reserve lines. Many of -the enemy were encountered, and these too were either killed or taken -prisoners. A machine gun was also captured. The small party who raided -the railway embankment bombed a culvert and dugout which was occupied. -They did not discover the machine gun, but they took a few prisoners. -Both parties returned, having inflicted many casualties on the enemy -and taken 1 officer and 39 other ranks prisoners and 1 machine gun. -Several other prisoners were driven in to the Battalion on our left. -Our casualties were very slight, being 1 O.R. killed, 2 missing, and 6 -wounded. 2nd Lieut. A. Fraser and Lieut. Elliot were both wounded. - -Altogether the raid was a huge success, which was all the more -creditable considering the very difficult circumstances under which it -was carried out. No doubt the element of surprise helped the result. -Many raids are given away by the preparations, especially by officers, -both Staff and Regimental, coming for days and looking over the top in -order to examine the ground. The Battalion received warm -congratulations on the success of the raid from the G.O.C. 15th -Division. At last we were relieved on the 29th by the 8/10th Gordons, -and went into Brigade reserve. Next evening the Battalion moved into -position of assembly for the attack, "A" Company with two platoons at -"A.R.A." dump, 30 men at "Thatch Barn," 30 men in "Half Moon" trench, -"B" Company in "St. James' trench," "C" Company in "Half Moon" trench, -and "D" in "Hedge trench" south of "West Lane," the Battalion -Headquarters being in South Lane. The Battalion got into position -without any casualties. This was the first night that the enemy's -artillery was more or less silent, owing no doubt to the fact that our -artillery was gas shelling their batteries. "A" Company was used for a -carrying party, the remainder of the Battalion remaining in their -assembly position until 10 a.m. - -Shortly after zero hour, "Thatch Barn" dump was blown up by the enemy, -causing many casualties to the carrying party. This considerably -disorganised the party and added greatly to their work. The conditions -caused by the shelling and the muddy nature of the ground made it -impossible to carry full loads. It was also found that the "Yukon -Pack," while enabling men to carry heavy loads, was inclined to make -them top-heavy, and on the uneven and slippery ground they easily lost -their balance and fell. This either necessitated extra men without -packs assisting them to their feet again, or else they had to take the -packs off in order to get up, and then reload. This caused -considerable delay. The extra weight also made the men's feet sink -deep in the mud, rendering marching extremely difficult and -exhausting. Most of the party was made up of a draft without any -previous training with the "Yukon Pack." - -Three out of the four Company Officers and a Company-Sergt.-Major -became casualties, the Company being reduced to 26 other ranks. Lieut. -Mackay, who was in command, shewed great pluck and determination in -the way he organised the parties and got the materials forward. He was -wounded himself in the leg, but insisted on going up to the forward -dump to see the work properly handed over before going to the dressing -station to have his wounds attended to. In addition to the actual pain -involved, his wound was unfortunately saturated with dirt, the result -being that this fine young officer died a few days later from the -effects. Besides being a good officer, he was a splendid young fellow. -He had just left one of the great public schools and had taken a -scholarship at Oxford, which was waiting for him on his return. - -About 10 a.m. the remaining three companies of the Battalion advanced -and occupied the German front system of trenches. At 1 p.m. the -Headquarters moved forward to the German reserve lines. The enemy -shelling was severe, but they were lucky enough to find an old German -concrete machine gun post for a new Headquarters. One platoon went -forward about 2 o'clock to construct a strong point under an R.E. -officer. When they got there, however, they found they were drawing so -much shell fire that the R.E. officer decided not to proceed with the -work. About 5 a.m. next morning the Battalion moved forward to -support, relieving the Seaforth Highlanders, who replaced the Black -Watch in the front line, the latter taking our place in the reserve. -The position of the Battalion now was two Companies in the Trench -immediately behind North Station Buildings, and one Company in the -strong points. - -We were suffering considerably from the mud, many of the rifles were -almost choked with it, and even ammunition could not be put into the -magazine without a portion of the mud on the men's hands going in -along with it. The Commanding Officer, on going round in the morning, -insisted on getting the arms cleaned as far as possible, a precaution -which proved itself of considerable advantage later on, for the enemy -counter-attacked about 3 p.m. Captain Symon got his Company out in -front of the trench ready to counter-attack. This movement was -conformed to by the Company on the left. As soon as he saw that the -enemy had broken through our front line Captain Symon gave his orders -to charge with fixed bayonets. The enemy were driven back, and we even -gained a little ground. - -The enemy put down a fairly heavy barrage on our front trench and -immediately behind it. There was also a considerable amount of machine -gun and rifle fire, as well as some sniping from a distance. We took -four prisoners, and killed many of the enemy who were seen retiring on -the hill opposite. As our right flank was now in the air no further -advance, on our part, could be made, and we had to form a flank -defence along the Ypres-Roulers railway. The two Companies remained in -the front line. That night we were relieved in support by the 8/10th -Gordons and took over the remainder of the front line, which we held -for the following two days, until relieved on the night of the 3rd/4th -by two Companies of the Munster Fusiliers. - -During the attack we had found little use for the Mills bomb, partly -because there were few trenches to attack, and partly because the men -had now got more confidence in their rifles. The Rifle Grenadiers were -carrying rifle grenades in sand bags in their hands. Many of these got -lost, so that it was decided that it would be better to carry fewer -grenades in future and that these should be worn in the equipment, the -waistcoat pattern being considered the best for the purpose. In the -counter-attack the men fired their rifles from the hip, which possibly -had a good moral effect, although cold steel was the deciding factor. -The casualties during the operations from the 31st July to 3rd August -were 7 officers killed, and 285 other ranks. - -On the 4th August the Battalion moved to Winnezwele by bus. Here we -were inspected by the G.O.C. 15th Division. We were drawn up in three -sections, the first of officers and other ranks who took part in the -operations, the second of those who were with details, and the third -of drafts. The G.O.C. expressed his appreciation of the excellent work -performed by the Battalion in the recent operations under very -exceptional circumstances. Here on the 14th we held regimental sports. -"A" Company was successful in winning the tug-of-war and the -"six-a-side football" match. The sergeants beat the officers in the -tug-of-war. The officers, however, were successful in winning the -tug-of-war against all comers from the Brigade. The Company -championship in points was as follows:--"B" Company, 50; "A" Company, -26; "C" Company, 24; and "D" Company, 20. The best all round athlete -was C.S.M. Keith, "B" Company. At the close of the sports, the prizes -were presented by Brigadier-General Marshall. The Divisional Band -played at intervals during the forenoon, and the massed pipes of the -Brigade played at the close of the sports. Everything went off without -a hitch, and great credit is due to Lieut. Gibb and his Committee for -the way they arranged and carried out the programme. - -On the 20th we once more returned to the line in order to continue the -offensive, the disposition of the Brigade being, 8th Seaforths on the -right, 7th Camerons on the left, and the 8/10th Gordons in support. -The route taken by the Headquarters was via Reigersberg Chateau and -No. 4 track. The Battalion, less four platoons, proceeded via the -White Chateau. The Headquarters were in Pommern Redoubt. The zero hour -was 4.45 a.m., when the attack was launched and carried on for about -200 yards west of Hill 35. Here the Battalion came under very heavy -machine gun and rifle fire from Gallipoli Farm and Iberin Farm, where -they were held up. The Battalions on the right and left also being -held up, we consolidated the position which we had gained, with the -assistance of the 8/10th Gordons, while the 9th Pioneer Gordons -constructed a strong point immediately in our rear. We held this -position till the night of the 22nd/23rd, when we were relieved by the -9th Black Watch, and proceeded to the support position in Rupprecht -Farm, with the Battalion Headquarters at Verlorenhock. The next day we -were relieved by the 8/10th Gordons and proceeded to Eerie Camp. Our -casualties were, 4 officers killed, 5 officers wounded, 3 other ranks -killed, and 132 wounded. The time was now employed in re-constructing -the Battalion and carrying out preliminary training. The Division then -received orders to move south. - -General Sir H. P. Gough, K.C.B., Officer Commanding the 5th Army, -stated in a farewell message to the 15th Division that "he parted with -them with great regret. The reputation of the Division has been earned -on many battlefields, and has never stood higher than now. He wishes -it all good fortune and many further successes in the future. Will ye -no come back again?" - -While the Battalion was on the march for the Wateau Area to entrain, -it was inspected by the G.O.C. of the 5th Army, who expressed to the -Commanding Officer his very high appreciation of the work of the -Battalion, and warmly congratulated him on this account, and on the -successful raids they had carried out. It was with no feeling of -regret that we marched south leaving the Salient behind us, where it -was not only a case of fighting the enemy, but also of fighting an -almost worse enemy in the elements. It is quite impossible to describe -the conditions of that half-inundated land and the sea of mud which -was stirred up by the heavy shelling on the ground over which we had -to attack. - -The following is a vivid description by General Ludendorff in his -"Memoirs" of the fighting in the Salient. While written of his own -Army, it is also applicable to ours:-- - - "The fifth act of the great drama in Flanders opened. Enormous masses - of ammunition, such as the human mind had never imagined before the - war, were hurled on the bodies of men who passed a miserable - existence, scattered in mud-filled shell-holes. - - "The horror of the shell-hole area of Verdun was surpassed. It was no - longer life at all, it was mere unspeakable suffering. Through this - world of mud the attackers dragged themselves slowly but steadily. - Caught in the advance zone, by our hail of fire, they often - collapsed. Then the mass came on again, rifles and machine guns being - jammed with mud. Man fought against man, and only too often the mass - was successful.... The enemy lost heavily. When we occupied the - battlefield in the Spring of 1918 they lay in their thousands. We - knew that the enemy suffered heavily, but we also knew he was - amazingly strong and, what was equally important, had an - extraordinary stubborn will." - -As there were no dugouts, and the men were living in shelters only, -every tour saw a considerable number of casualties. The enemy had the -Menin Road and other tracks carefully taped, and the area behind the -front line received almost more attention from the enemy's artillery -than the front line itself. The Headquarters were generally in the -remains of houses partly protected by concrete, but which would have -easily been destroyed by a direct hit. In fact, on more than one -occasion the officers at Headquarters left the protection of these -buildings and sat in a field watching the enemy bombard them. This, -however, proved good for the morale of the front line troops, who -often used to be "bucked up" at seeing the Headquarters getting it hot. - -The reserve billets in Ecole outside Ypres, and the cellars of the -convent in Ypres, did not afford much comfort, for, while they were -fairly well protected, the approaches were constantly being shelled, -so that the men were more or less confined to the cellars. - -We were the first Division to experience the effects of Mustard gas. -When we first learned of its power of burning the skin, it was thought -that we would probably suffer badly in the kilt. However, it is -satisfactory to know that the kilt once again proved its efficiency as -a fighting garment. While we have no statistics, we believe it is true -that we did not suffer more than the trousered regiments in this -respect, the reason being that it was generally the parts of the body -where the skin was tender that got burnt. The skin of the legs having -got hardened by exposure to the weather, was generally able to -withstand the effects of gas in the same way as the hands and face. -Again, most of the cases of burning were caused by men sitting down on -the ground which was saturated with the gas. The kilt, being thick, -the gases could not easily penetrate it, and no doubt its swinging in -the air, when the men got up, helped to dispel them. In fact, the men -did not suffer much from the effects of burning unless the shell burst -close enough to sprinkle them with the liquid. - -We regret to record the fact that within a short time of our handing -over our Headquarters in Pommern Redoubt, which was a most unhealthy -spot, Major Murray, Commanding the Black Watch (better known as -"Haggis," and after whom the Divisional rest camp was called), and -some of his staff, were killed by a direct hit at the entrance of the -shelter. The Headquarters, which consisted of an old German machine -gun concrete emplacement, were very low. We could not stand up in -them. There was no ventilation except through the door, and when they -were filled with signallers, officers, etc., with one or two candles -burning, the heat and exhaustion of the air became terrible. After the -first phase we experienced great difficulty in getting back the -wounded, of whom there were a great number. One must say a word in -praise of the splendid work done on this and many other occasions by -the stretcher bearers. Lacking the excitement of fighting, they -carried on their humane work often under heavy shell fire, always -showing a splendid example of devotion to duty. Owing to the mud in -the Salient, their work here was exceedingly arduous as well as -dangerous. It often took four men to carry a stretcher back to the aid -post, and even then it was a slow job. Their work, therefore, during -some of the heavy fighting was practically continuous night and day. -Often very weary, yet never complaining, they doggedly carried on. Not -many of them received honours, although many well deserved them. The -mud so delayed the removal of the wounded that some of them lay in -dugouts and shelters for a couple of days. At last the Division sent -up a large number of men under a Colonel of the R.A.M.C., who finally -got them taken down. His energy was splendid. He wandered about at -early dawn, even in No Man's Land, looking for the wounded in shell -holes, closely followed by his faithful little dog. - -The Headquarters at one time were in an old Boche strong point. -Unfortunately, as it was the only place protected, some of the men in -the trench round about it would rush to it for shelter, whenever heavy -shelling started. As many as possible squeezed inside, but it seldom -contained all, and as it was no doubt the enemy's target we had -several casualties in the trench outside. It was little use telling -the men not to come, for each hoped to be fortunate enough to find -room inside, and the desire for security overmastered all else. The -floor of the dugout was a foot deep in water, which kept slowly -getting deeper as the water in the trench increased, and its smell was -horrible, as it was partly mixed with the blood of the men killed -outside. There was only one bed, which was occupied for the two days -we were there by a wounded officer. We all had to sit and sleep on -boxes with our feet perched on petrol tins. The usual result of trying -to sleep in this position was that we had hardly got off when our feet -would slip from the tin into the water, wakening us up, after which we -had to start again. - -The Adjutant, Signallers and Orderly Room Sergeant had a trying time -in carrying on their work. One often admired the way in which the -Orderly Room Clerk performed his duties on this and other occasions. -Numerous returns had to be sent into Brigade, operation orders, orders -for work parties and ration parties had to be written out by him, -generally in triplicate at least. There he was stowed away in a -corner, without a table, writing on his knee with nothing but a bag to -keep his papers in, often working late into the night by the light of -a solitary candle balanced on a piece of wood stuck into the wall of -the dug-out, yet always doing his work efficiently and well without a -grumble or complaint. - -The transport had some very severe experiences also in getting up -rations, which was no easy job. Carrying parties found many -difficulties. There was a great deal of work to be done, and therefore -ration parties had to be reduced to a minimum. In the dark it was no -easy matter to find the map locations where the rations were dumped, -as there was nothing to distinguish one shell-hole from another. On -more than one occasion the carrying parties were so wearied with the -struggle through the mud with heavy loads that they had to leave the -rum ration behind, a convincing proof that they were at the last gasp. - -Although possibly some of the Division may have been a little shaken -by their terrible experiences in the fighting during the third battle -of Ypres, this was not the case with the Camerons. We had met with -great success in all our raids, we had countered the German's -determined counter-attack which had driven in our front line, and, -while we had certainly suffered heavy casualties during the battle, we -had always been able to make ground. In the last phase many of the -officers and men had just joined the Battalion from drafts, and their -baptism was indeed severe. We therefore marched away with a feeling of -elation, although everyone was naturally fagged out and glad of the -prospect of a short rest from the mud and dirt. - -It is difficult to give a general description of the front line in -France and Belgium. It ranged from the breastworks and mud of Ypres to -the crater areas and sap heads at Hulluch; where mines exploding were -a daily occurrence, and the dead formed part of the parapet; or to the -shell-hole area of the Somme, where the enemy looked down on the top -of us and could get direct observation for his shell fire. Civilians -and even Staff Officers doing a tour of the trenches were very -properly sent to quiet areas, and so often formed wrong impressions. -Thus a well known officer, who has written an account of the life at -G.H.Q., gives the following interesting information concerning the -trenches. - - "Behind the parapet it was almost as safe, and on dry days as - pleasant, as on a marine parade. A solid fortification of sand bags, - proof against any blow except that of a big high explosive shell, - enclosed each side of a walk, drained, paved with duck boards, and - lined with dug-outs, in places adorned with little flower beds." - -Possibly these amenities existed somewhere, but certainly all the -years we were in France we never came across such a front line. "Big -High Explosives!" Why, it did not often require more than a "pip -squeak" to push in the parapet! A heavy shower of rain was sufficient -to cause it to collapse from its own weight! - -The same writer says if he were - - "Seeking the fit adjective that could be applied to it in its - superlative, it would certainly not be 'exciting,' nor yet - 'dangerous.' The life was exciting, and it was dangerous a little." - -He then goes on to describe the duties as not so dangerous as that of -a policeman who has to stop a runaway horse! He evidently never served -in a front line where for days the Boche put down a practice barrage, -or where he was in the habit of following you along the trench with a -shower of aerial darts; or in a front line which you knew was mined, -and it was a question whether you or he were going to be blown up -first. But enough! Let the casualty lists for each tour in the line -speak for themselves. As for excitement, recommend us to night -patrolling with Very Lights and an active enemy. - -The Battalion marched from Watau at 7 a.m. on 1st September, 1917, via -Godwaers-velde, and Cemelhof to Gaestre Railway Station, where they -entrained at 2.5 p.m. for Arras, which was reached at 9 p.m., and -marched back to billets at Montenescourt. On the 7th of September we -once more entered the Arras sector, relieving the 10/11th H.L.I. at -Blangy Park. We now settled down into this area, and a delightful -place it was after our experience in the Salient. The park at Blangy -must have contained many fine residences. The grounds were well -wooded, although much destroyed, and there were remains of what were -formerly beautiful gardens. The river Scarpe flows through the woods -and fills several artificial ponds, where the men were able to spend -much of their time bathing and basking in the sun. - -Major-General Reed, V.C., had now taken over command of the Division, -Major-General Thulliers having received an important appointment at -home in connection with the production of gas. - -On the 14th October we were instructed to send over two small fighting -patrols, consisting of 1 officer and 4 O.R.'s each. The idea was that, -while a raid was being conducted on our right, these patrols should -cross "No Man's Land," enter the German trench, and, if possible, -seize some identifications. It was not intended that they should -search the German trench, but simply rush over and back again. The -raid was to be assisted with a preliminary discharge of thermite -shells and a ten minutes' bombardment with trench mortars. It was to -take place during daylight, though the proposition to our minds did -not appear very hopeful. "No Man's Land" was fairly wide, and one -could be sure that the enemy would be fully alert, as the raid on the -right was bound to attract his attention. - -Lieut. E. D. Hoskins and Lieut. A. Chisholm were chosen to command the -raiding parties for which there were many volunteers. The first -patrol, under Lieut. Chisholm, got over the top and suffered 2 -casualties going across "No Man's Land." The officer was killed near -the enemy trench, and only one of the party returned. The second -party, under Lieut. Hoskins, got safely across "No Man's Land" and -were seen to jump into the enemy trench, but none of them ever -returned. It was learned later that Lieut. Hoskins and the others were -all killed. Out of the raiders, therefore, only one escaped. We also -sustained the further casualties of 4 killed and 6 wounded by the -bombardment. These were the only really unsuccessful raids which the -Battalion ever undertook. We felt they were foredoomed to failure. No -enemy were going to allow a small party of four men to walk across "No -Man's Land" in broad daylight. It is reported that Lieut. Hoskins -turned to his men before going over the top and said: "I am a -Catholic, and am going to say a petition before going over; I don't -know what you fellows are, but I advise you also to say your prayers, -as none of us will ever come back alive." They went across, and were -all killed in the enemy's lines, no doubt fighting as brave men would. - -On the 19th, "A" Company returned from the third Corps Musketry Camp, -where they had been under training, and were congratulated by the C.O. -on the successful results of their shooting. They gained the first and -second prizes both in the "rapid firing" and in the "knockout" -competitions, and they also won the second prize in the "snap" -shooting competition for teams of six, and in the "pill box" -competition. In the 17th Corps boxing competition Private E. Davies -and Private D. Tate both won their heats on points, these being the -only two men we entered. This was a very creditable performance. About -this time men from the Lovat Scouts, of whom there were a good many in -the Battalion, were being formed into a Battalion of "Observers." It -was understood they would live behind the line as Corps troops and -only have to come up to observe from observation posts which were not -generally in the front line, and then only if the weather was clear. -Naturally there was a rush for the job, for living behind the line -with no more night working parties was too good a thing to miss. In -the long run, however, not many men were actually taken away from us. - -We were glad to hear of the success of the actions further north, and -about the 20th of November the position was so promising that we were -under orders to be prepared to move at fifteen minutes notice, in the -event of the enemy retiring on our front. Unfortunately, however, this -never came off. During the tour in the trenches from the 8th to the -20th of November we had a very strenuous time in improving trenches -and erecting wire. The Brigadier expressed his appreciation of the -manner in which all ranks had carried out these duties. - -In November Brigadier General Marshall left the Brigade to take over -an important home appointment. He had endeared himself to us all. -Constantly in the front line in all weather he had a practical -knowledge and sympathy with the discomforts and difficulties which the -troops had to contend with. Kindly and most considerate yet inspiring -all with confidence by his undoubted ability and cheerful manner, it -was with great regret that we learned of his departure. - - - - -CHAPTER 7. - -THE BRITISH WITHDRAWAL AND GERMAN ATTACK, 28th MARCH, 1918. - - -By the end of December, 1917, rumours began to circulate regarding a -great German offensive. Everyone had to sleep with their clothes on, -all troops, even in the reserve billets in Arras, had to "stand to" -before sun rise every morning until orders to "stand down" were -received from Brigade. Sleeping in your clothes is never comfortable -or refreshing. Practically every night large working parties had to be -sent up to the trenches, often not returning till the early hours, so -that shortly after the men had got comfortably settled down they had -to get up again and "stand to" fully equipped ready to move. This -"stand to" often lasted several hours. The advantage, therefore, which -was supposed to be had in the rest billets was much discounted. - -We were fated once again to spend our New Year in the trenches, but on -the 2nd of January we were relieved by 2nd Guards Brigade. We had done -our best to make the trenches as clean as possible in order that they -might take over a system worthy of the Guards. It is satisfactory to -know that the G.O.C. Guards Division informed the G.O.C. 15th Division -that he had never had such a satisfactory take over as on this -occasion from the 15th (Scottish) Division. It was doubtful if some of -the men appreciated the hard fighting qualities of the Guards Brigade, -looking upon them as show troops. This is exemplified by a story of a -rather dirty Jock who was baling mud out of a trench. One of the -splendid clean Guardsmen, who had come up as orderly with some -officers, tried to get into conversation with him by remarking that -they were coming up to relieve them. The muddy Jock asked him, "Who -are ye?" and he replied, "Oh, we are the Guards," and the Jock, -proceeding with his digging, rejoined: "Ah! weel! ye can write hame -an' tell yer mither ye've seen the sodjers." - -On relief the Battalion went into billets in the Ecole des Jeunes -Filles. Here on the 9th and 10th the Battalion had their Christmas -dinners, which were a great success and much enjoyed. During the -proceedings the C.O. addressed the troops and gave a brief review of -the operations which the Battalion had taken part in during the past -year, also the new honours they had won for the regiment. He wished -them all the best of luck for the coming year. We must record the very -great kindness and assistance shewn us by Mademoiselle G. Marmier, who -always did all she could to add to the comforts of the troops. On this -occasion she made many fine paper flowers to decorate the Christmas -dinner tables with. After the dinners the men were entertained in the -theatre, where "the Jocks," our Divisional troupe, performed the -pantomime "Robinson Crusoe." - -The weather was now very cold, in fact when we handed over to the -Guards the ground was deep in snow. On the 23rd February we carried -out a small raid on the enemy's trenches at 3.30 a.m. The party -consisted of 28 other ranks of "A" Company under command of 2nd Lieut. -A. R. M'Donald. The raid proved a success. The German trenches were -found to be unoccupied, but 4 men were caught in a sap head, one of -whom was killed and 3 brought back as prisoners, so we succeeded in -getting the identification which was required. Our casualties were -nil. For this we received the congratulations of both the Corps and -Brigade Commanders. - -We now fully expected an attack by the Boche, and everyone was kept on -the strain, working hard in preparing belts of wire and improving -trench systems. For many weeks neither officers nor men had their -clothes off, and the work in the reserve area was almost as strenuous -as in the front line. We knew that the Germans had been successful -further south, and we were holding what was becoming an acute salient. -One can quite understand the nervousness of those behind the line, but -those in the front areas were confident of their powers to resist the -Boches and in the strength of the defensive systems. On the occasion -when the Guards relieved us one of their officers was much impressed -with the serious spirit with which he found the Staff behind the line -treating the matter. After going round the front line, however, he -remarked that the cheerfulness of the troops had put new heart into -him. - -Indeed, the front line troops (probably in their ignorance) treated -the anxiety of those behind with a good deal of levity. An amusing -method of dealing with the rumours flying around called the -Thermometer game was invented. This consisted in assigning so many -degrees or marks to the person reporting a "windy" story according to -its source. Whoever got 100 degrees first won. For instance, a -terrible story from the cook's mate or transport men was valued at -about 10 points; from a brigade-major about two, and a higher staff -officer about one. - -The Staff, it is to be feared, did not appreciate this chaff, and -orders were issued that Regimental Officers were not to refer to the -Staff as having the "wind up," as they were only taking necessary -precautions. However, it shewed the troops were in good spirits. - -On the evening of the 22/23rd of March we were surprised to receive an -order that we were to withdraw with all stores to the Army line, the -movement to be completed by 3 a.m. The Battalion happened to be -occupying La Fosse Farm with the caves below, and also the strong -points. We had, therefore, a considerable amount of ammunition, etc., -in the part of the line held by us. Further, we were instructed to -guard our right flank carefully. As we knew that the enemy had driven -in the line further south of us, this warning was appreciated. "D" -Company, who were occupying Fork, Spade, and Gordon Trenches, were to -be left behind to fight the rear guard actions when the Boche -discovered we had withdrawn. O.C. "D" Company also had orders to -destroy the Headquarters dug-out at Crater Subway, and the electric -lighting plant in the Fosse Farm was to be rendered unworkable. Over -and above this, R.E.'s were to blow a mine placed under the Cambrai -Road. - -As soon as it was dark motor lorries and vehicles of all descriptions -were brought up to the farm, and we at once started loading them. -Luckily for us there was a Y.M.C.A. Canteen in the caves, the officers -in charge of which left it when they heard we were retiring. The C.O., -taking advantage of this, allowed every man who brought down a box of -ammunition from the strong points to help himself to cigarettes. With -this encouragement, men carrying ammunition came back in quick -succession, and by the time we finally retired, about 3.30 a.m., all -ammunition trench stores, etc., with the exception of a few gum boots, -had been loaded and withdrawn. - -It was difficult to understand how the Boche did not hear the noise of -the retiral. If he had done so, and had trained his guns on the -Cambrai Road, he would have caused endless confusion and casualties. -The road was simply packed with motor lorries, guns and vehicles of -all descriptions, with the retiring infantry dodging in and out -between them. The congestion was extremely bad at the cross roads at -Tilloy, where the different streams of traffic met. While recognising -that this movement was necessary from a military point of view, still -it was hard to persuade the men to see this, almost as difficult as it -is for anyone who was not there to realise their disappointment and -surprise. They had worked hard for months in preparing this position. -They had carried up tons of wire and constructed belts of it many -yards wide. They now felt all this work had gone for nothing. -Supremely confident that they would have held this position against -all odds, they regretted that they had not an opportunity of proving -it. They evidently did not appreciate the dangers of an exposed flank. -We got into our new position shortly before sunrise, and from there we -could see our artillery, in the morning light, still getting back -their guns, but the enemy was not even then aware of the movement. - -We knew that an attack by the Germans was almost inevitable. All -preparations possible were being made, and it was easy to understand -the importance of the orders that the ground we held must be "held at -all costs." While it is true that there were many defensive lines -behind us, right back almost to the sea, yet we believed that there -were practically no troops in our immediate support to man them, so -that, if the Boche once more broke through us, it was likely to prove -a disaster. Furthermore, if our position was lost the enemy would -outflank Vimy Ridge, which would probably necessitate our withdrawing -from it. We had gone through a long spell of hard work in the -trenches, and had been kept in a state of suspense for several months -without a chance of ever getting our clothes off. The men, however, -were in good fettle, but the Battalion contained a number of young -lads from 18½ to 19, who had been sent out in drafts in the early -Spring. They had not been proved in battle or seen any action, and it -was impossible to say how they might act, although we had every -confidence in them. - -On the evening of the 27th March the Brigadier visited our Battalion -Headquarters with the joyful news that it looked as if the Boche had -given up the idea of attacking us meantime, as he was moving his guns -from their battery positions, presumably with the intention of taking -them somewhere else. Unfortunately this conclusion proved wrong, for -in reality they must have been taking their guns out to move them into -position for the attack. When the Brigadier left, the C.O. went round -the front line with the good news. He remained in the front line till -about 2 a.m. Just as he was leaving, a post reported that a short time -earlier they had discovered a party of Boche in front of our wire, -apparently cutting it. They had been driven off with a Lewis gun, and -had not been seen since. On examining the wire, which was a fairly -broad belt, there were certainly signs that this had been their -intention. - -About 3 a.m. on the 28th, the enemy opened an intense bombardment on -our front and immediate support lines, using gas shells on the left -Company's front, south of Cambrai Road. This had lasted for about half -an hour, when the bombardment was moved on to the back area, including -the town of Arras. It was learnt afterwards that this was largely -composed of gas shells. About 4 a.m. the bombardment of the front line -having become less, the officer on duty patrolled the whole of the -left Company's front up to the Cambrai Road, afterwards returning to -the right, when he reported that the whole Company were standing to. -There had been a fair number of casualties. Once again our front was -heavily bombarded, mostly with trench mortars. This bombardment was -exceedingly severe, especially on the left, south of the Cambrai Road. -The N.C.O. who was on duty (the officer on duty having been killed) -stated afterwards that he had again tried to patrol his front, but -found the trenches so flattened that it was hard to say where they had -been, and the ground resembled a ploughed field. He believed nearly -everyone in this sector was either killed, buried or wounded. - -At 5.15 a.m. the enemy again put down a very intense trench mortar -barrage on the left, which probably killed any men left in the front -trench south of the Cambrai Road. At the same time the enemy could be -seen jumping from shell-hole to shell-hole in front of Le Fosse Farm. -We now fired S.O.S. signals, and opened rapid fire on the enemy. On -the centre of our front line the enemy were about 100 yards away in -front of the wire. The men in this part of the line afterwards stated -that they were still confident that they could hold them up. Suddenly, -however, it was seen that the enemy were working round our flank. An -attempt was at once made to form a flank defence, but the casualties -had been so great that this was found impossible, and practically no -officers were left. Those remaining, therefore, had to fall back -rapidly. So quickly did the enemy come round the flank that the -signallers and others in the advance Battalion Headquarters (old 44th -Brigade) were not able to get out in time to escape. - -The extreme right of the Battalion had also been severely shelled -along with the left of the 3rd Division. Here, too, the enemy broke -through. From the Battalion Headquarters we now saw the lines of the -3rd Division front being driven back, and shortly afterwards our own -men were seen retiring. The officer on the right had thrown back a -platoon to try and form a flank defence, but soon found the enemy -working round his rear and forcing him to withdraw. The withdrawal was -carried out in an orderly fashion, a covering fire being kept up with -Lewis guns and rifles, the men behaving splendidly, which says a lot -for their morale, as by this time most of the officers had been -killed, and it must be remembered that many of the men were young -recruits who had just come through their first experience of a -hurricane bombardment. - -At no time was the shelling so severe on the centre of our line as it -was on the flanks. It is more than probable that the bombardment was -so withering that the men on the flanks were wiped out before the -enemy attacked. This seems to be proved by the fact that no officer or -man belonging to the three platoons on the left or the platoon on the -right, and only 1 man of the next two platoons, returned; in other -words, only 7 men returned out of 6 platoons. The smoke and dust were -such, however, that no one could see more than a few yards, and in any -case it was impossible for us to see what was occurring to the north -of the Cambrai Road, as at this point it is raised by an embankment. - -The front line Companies Headquarters were in machine gun nest -dug-outs in front of our wire. They were rushed early in the attack. -No-man's-land certainly was a bad place for Company Headquarters, but -there was no better location available. By 8.15 a.m. we had formed a -new front line running north along the switch line, being in touch -with the 8/10th Gordons on our right and the 6th Camerons on our left. -By this time there were probably not more than 150 other ranks and 3 -Company officers remaining. As, however, the 6th Camerons were on our -left, some of the men naturally got intermixed with them. The -Battalion Headquarters were by this time in the front line, and all -the Headquarter officers and men were used in the defence of the line. -It was one of the advantages of having the Battalion Headquarters -worked more or less on the principle of a Company, that this was so -easily carried out: each Headquarter officer had his own section of -men, and the men knew under whose command they had to place themselves. - -The C.O. now consulted with Captain Wood, commanding the Company of -the 8/10th Gordons, who at once took in hand the collection of -ammunition, which was rather short in the new trench, from the dump at -Shamrock Corner and the old trench systems. This distribution was -successfully carried out. It is only right that we should refer to the -splendid assistance given to us by Captain Wood. He was one of the few -remaining officers who came out with the Division. He therefore had a -wide experience in fighting, and shewed as usual that coolness, -disregard for danger, and sound judgment with which we all associate -him. - -After the consultation the C.O. decided to try and counter-attack the -enemy and establish a line along the old support trench in the Brown -Line. We sent off messages asking for artillery support for 9.30 a.m., -when we proposed making the counter-attack. We could not get Brigade -on the 'phone, the wires having probably been cut. We sent off -pigeons, but the bombardment had been too much for them, and it was -only after considerable amount of stone throwing that we got them to -fly at all. We sent messages also with the buzzer set, but the -annoying thing about both pigeon and power buzzer messages is, that -one never knows whether they have been received or not. The artillery -support never came, and we held back the counter attack till 10.30, as -we did not wish to advance in case we should walk into our own fire. -As a matter of fact not one of our messages ever got through. - -About 10.30 a.m. the C.O. received a message from the O.C. "A" Company -6th Camerons, who were on our left, stating that his flank was now in -the air, and that the enemy were as far back as Feuchy Chapel -Crossroads on his left and rear, and he asked what he should do. -Instruction were sent him to try to form a flank defence so as to get -in touch on his left, but to hold his ground at all costs whatever -happened. This information definitely decided us to give up the idea -of counter-attacking. In order to get a clear idea of the situation, -the C.O. went along the front line to the 6th Camerons, and found they -were holding the front in good strength. There was not much doing in -their immediate front, but evidently some of the enemy had penetrated -along the Cambrai Road to their left rear. Three Vickers gun teams -which were in the trench were instructed to get into position where -they could defend the flank, if necessary. On returning to the -Battalion he ordered a certain number of men to get back into the -strong points directly behind the line, and thus increased the depth -of our defence. - -About 1 p.m., as the line was now well organised, the Headquarters -were withdrawn to those of the 8/10th Gordons. The instructions issued -previously were that if the front line went the Headquarters were to -withdraw immediately. As it turned out, however, it was not possible -to withdraw the Headquarters earlier, as they had to be used in the -defence of the line. Almost as soon as we arrived (1.30 p.m.) orders -were received that the whole line was to be withdrawn to the "Army" -line, and instructions were sent forward accordingly. Orders -afterwards came through that we were to hold the position we had, but -by the time they arrived we had already moved back. The Headquarters -were again withdrawn to those of the Reserve Battalion (8th -Seaforths), and shortly afterwards we withdrew the Battalion to some -old trenches. Lieut. Gibb, however, and a few men remained with the -8/10th Gordons, and during the afternoon this party accounted for many -casualties amongst the enemy by sniping them with the Lewis gun which -had been attached to Headquarters. At 1 o'clock in the morning we -received orders that what remained of the Battalion were to go back -and join the Transport at Wanquetim. We could not muster more than 30. -Only one Company Officer got back. Some more men came in next morning, -but the total number that returned from the fight never reached 100. -Luckily, several officers and men who had been left out at the -transport line form a nucleus round which to reconstruct the Battalion. - -To sum up: the enemy's barrage fire successfully annihilated our right -and left flank, the evident intention being to surround those left in -the centre. All the officers of the front Company being casualties, -the line was methodically withdrawn under N.C.O.'s. The support -Companies had more or less the same experience. No officer or other -rank returned from the platoons on the flanks, and out of the 4 -Companies 1 officer and about 150 other ranks returned to the switch -line. The men at all times shewed a good fighting spirit. The rapid -fire, together with the subsequent sniping which was brought to bear -on the enemy must have caused him heavy casualties. It was noticed -early in the fight that the enemy brought up a light gun with pack -animals. He also mounted several machine guns, which caused heavy -casualties when the line was withdrawn from the switch line. The total -casualties for the day were:-- - - Officers, 3 killed, 3 wounded, 10 missing. - Other Ranks, 1 killed, 72 wounded, 299 missing. - -The number of officers and other ranks returned as killed and wounded -is small, but most of the missing turned out afterwards to be either -killed or wounded. - -During this fighting our Medical Officer, Captain A. C. Bateman, M.C., -was killed. Among personalities connected with the Battalion there was -none more striking or lovable than "the Doc." Posted in the early -months of 1916, he served continuously with us until the fateful 28th -March, 1918, when he was reported as having been wounded and taken -prisoner by the enemy. As no more was heard of him after that date it -can only be inferred that he succumbed to his injuries, and gave up -his brave life in the service of his country. As a Battalion Medical -Officer he was unrivalled, and his ability in diagnosis and treatment -was widely commented on by all ranks. Sympathetic and kindly to "lame -dogs," and to the "nervy," he was a terror to "lead-swingers." -Providence seemed to have endowed him with a special faculty for -discovering these. In a battle he was ever in the thick of things -doing his duty, and more than his duty. It therefore gave high -satisfaction in all quarters when he was awarded the Military Cross in -recognition of the gallantry and efficiency he displayed at Ypres in -July, 1917. - -But all who knew him will think of him first as the best of -comrades--a very prince of good fellows. His rich Hibernian humour, -his infectious laugh, his droll ways were unfailing medicaments for -weary men, and in every social gathering he was the life and soul of -the company. One wonders if the French War Office has it on record how -two British doctors who had been enjoying Paris leave, and were in -danger of being late in rejoining their units, solemnly presented -their compliments to the Minister of War, along with a polite request -that they might without delay have the use of a car to take them to -Albert. On the request being acceded to that dignitary was warmly -shaken by the hand, and assured that no want of his, if made known to -them, would go unsupplied! Such was Bateman. Irrepressibly gay when -all around him was dismal and difficult, he brought sunshine into our -lives, and as often as men of the 7th Battalion meet together his name -is sure to be mentioned in terms of affectionate praise. - -The engagement was probably the heaviest fight the Battalion ever took -part in. One realised the difference between attacking and being -attacked. We felt all the horrible uncertainty as to what would be the -result of the next move by the enemy. We believed there was -practically no one between us and the sea, and that we had to hold the -position at all costs. Nobly did the officers and men carry out these -instructions. Unfortunately, as was proved later, practically all the -missing were never heard of again, only some 50 or 60 were accounted -for as prisoners, and most of these were wounded. - -We know now, through General Ludendorf's _Memoirs_, that it was the -failure of the German Divisions at Arras that brought their big -offensive to a standstill. It is interesting to read his description -and to note how it coincides with our experience. He states:-- - - "At the shortest range the artillery was to be supplemented by trench - mortars. After a short artillery bombardment, lasting only a few - hours, the infantry should advance to the assault. This short - artillery preparation was expected to paralyze the enemy's artillery - by means of gas spread over a large area and to keep his infantry in - their dug-outs. At the beginning of the assault the artillery, while - continuing to keep down that of the enemy, was to put down a barrage - in front of the infantry and pave a way for it like a giant roller. - The infantry had to keep close up to this wall of projectors. The - enemy, who would come out of his dug-out after the barrage had - passed, would be, surprised by our infantry, assisted by 'auxiliary' - or companion arms under the protection of artillery.... We had 20 to - 30 more Divisions than the enemy. We thought of carrying out the - attack with 50 or 60 Divisions. The Army had thrown off its - depression. Morale was completely restored, and we intended starting - a War movement. If the blow at the centre succeeded the strategic - results might indeed be enormous, as we should separate the bulk of - the English Army from the French and crowd it up with its back to the - sea.... The 17th Army was to capture the decisive heights East and - North of Arras. I attached the greatest importance to this attack, to - have the high ground in our possession was bound to be decisive in - any fighting in the plain of the Lys. In spite of employing - extraordinary masses of artillery and ammunition, the attack of the - 17th Army on both banks of the Scarpe was a failure." - -To shew the amount of artillery sometimes used, apart from trench -mortars, he states in another place:-- - - "In the offensive battle it was necessary to bring up a 100 guns to - each kilometre (1100 yards) of front." - -The following day the C.O. received the following letters:-- - - "MY DEAR COLONEL, - - "A hurried line to tell you that, while I feel most keenly your heavy - losses, I cannot sufficiently express to you my humble thanks for the - gallantry and devotion shewn by your Battalion yesterday under your - leadership. If you have a moment, let me know any details of losses. - I cannot come to see you, or, needless to say, I would. I may say - that the Corps C.O. says the Division has, it is hoped, saved Arras, - and I know that the 7th Cameron Highlanders bore the hardest share of - the fight. - - "Yours ever, - - "H. L. REED." - -From the G.O.C. 44th Brigade:-- - - "MY DEAR COLONEL, - - "I wish to send my sincerest congratulations and to thank you, and - all ranks under your leadership, for the grand work done during the - whole of this last tour of two months, which culminated in the - gallant fight put up by your Battalion on the 28th, and I consider - that it was entirely due to this fight that the 15th Division was - practically saved from destruction, or, at any rate, an ignominous - retreat. I would like you to convey to all ranks of your Battalion my - sincerest sympathy with them in the great struggle. The Divisional - Commander to-day, in expressing his thanks for the work of the 44th - Brigade, in all sincerity told me that your work has saved Arras. - - "Yours very sincerely, - - "EDWARD HILLIAM." - -Copy telegram G.O.C. XVII. Corps to G.O.C. 15th Division, dated 29th -March:-- - - "I knew you could be relied on to stick it out to the end. There are - fresh troops now in support of you, but I want the honour of holding - Arras to be yours alone." - -The Battalion was now reduced in numbers to one Company, made up -mostly from the reserves at the Transport lines which had been left -out of the trenches. Consequently we had one Company of the 9th -Gordons attached to us, and three days later (1st April) we were again -holding the trenches in rear of the intermediate Army line, which we -started to put in a state of defence. We soon received drafts, which -began to increase our strength, but there were no officers with them. -One fully realises the difficulties with which the Staff had to -contend, and the last thing anyone wants to do is to reflect in any -way on their hard work and wonderful organisation. At the same time, -we feel that the system of posting officers and men at the Base was -not the best that could have been devised. This was brought home to us -on this occasion. We were very short of officers, and on the Division -asking for drafts we were informed that there were no Cameron officers -available, and that if we insisted on having officers we would have to -take them from other units, a thing the C.O. always objected to. -Within a few days we received a letter from an officer with the home -Battalion who was anxious to try and get re-posted to the 7th. In his -letter he stated that there was such an enormous number of officers -with the Reserve Units they could hardly find room to put them all up! -The letter was brought to the notice of the Division, and the result -was that in a very short time we had a draft of Cameron officers on -their way to us. - -On the 26th the Brigade was relieved by the 176th Brigade, and we -withdrew to Berneville, via Dainville and Warlus, in motor lorries. We -were now leaving the 17th Corps area, and the following communication -was received from the Corps Commander addressed to the C.O.C. 15th -Division:-- - - "I wish to express to you and all ranks in the Division my great - regret at your departure from the 17th Corps, in which you have been - incorporated for many months, and I had hoped that we might have seen - the battle through together. That, however, is not to be, and I only - hope that the fortune of war may some day bring us together again. - The Division has a great reputation, and may well be proud of it. I - know that the honour of Scotland is safe in its keeping, and that - those now serving will prove themselves worthy of those men who have - won glory for the Division in the past. I wish you all good luck and - success from the bottom of my heart. - - "CHARLES FERGUSON, - - "Lieut.-General Commanding 17th Corps." - -On the 26th we moved by motor bus to Auchel. On the 1st May the G.O.C. -inspected the Battalion and presented medals. In a short address to -the Brigade he thanked all ranks for their work and devotion to duty -while in the Arras sector, and dwelt particularly on their splendid -work on the 28th in repelling the German attack. The following was -sent from the G.O.C. 44th Brigade to O.C. 7th Camerons:-- - - "I wish to thank you and all ranks of your Battalion for their - excellent behaviour and smart appearance the whole time we have been - in billets in Auchel. I think it will be very gratifying to you to - know that the Divisional Commander, during the parade yesterday, told - me that he considered the 44th Brigade the best command in France, - and that he had never seen smarter or cleaner men in any village - during the war than the 7th Cameron Highlanders. I would like you to - notify all ranks of the Divisional Commander's high appreciation of - their successful efforts to keep up the credit of the 44th Brigade. - - "EDWARD HILLIAM, - - "Brigadier-General." - - - - -CHAPTER 8. - -AMALGAMATION OF 6th AND 7th CAMERON HIGHLANDERS. - - -On the 4th of May the Brigade moved to the 17th Corps Area. The -Camerons proceeded by march route to Calonne-Ricouart, where they -entrained and proceeded to Acq. From here they proceeded to "Y" huts, -Etrun, by march route, the transport moving by road. On the 6th we -proceeded into support camps. We spent our time between the front -lines and the reserve camps up to the 10th of June, when we were -withdrawn back once more into Arras. These support camps, Collingwood, -Trafalgar, and Portsmouth, were originally constructed by the Naval -Brigade, who made a very fine job of it. They were, however, now under -observation by the enemy, and we were shelled now and again. We -luckily sustained no casualties in them, but some of the other -battalions were not so fortunate. - -At times we also occupied the huts built on the side of the railway -embankment. These were very comfortable, for, being on a steep slope, -they were always dry, and it was almost impossible for the enemy to -hit them. We were also bivouacked beside the old ponds and gardens of -Blangy Park. The weather was very warm, and both officers and men -thoroughly enjoyed another spell of bathing and basking in the sun. -The scene had the appearance of some picture by an old master with its -tall trees, grassy banks and sunny pools, where naked gods reclined -and bathed. Sometimes a shell would fall amongst us, but luckily they -never did any harm, as they generally hit the water or buried -themselves in the soft ground. The next occupants, however, received -more attention from the Boche, and were inclined to blame us for too -much movement. The true cause of this was not our movements, but the -fact that a battery of artillery was brought up into the woods near -the ponds before we left. - -During one of our spells in the trenches about this time we removed a -large gun from a German concrete battery position in the front area, -which had been captured during the Battle of Arras. All the work had -to be done at night by hand labour, and as the gun was a considerable -weight it was some job, but we finally got it out and towed it back -over the grass. It is a peculiar old French gun made of brass. It had -been rebored by the Germans and fitted with a 5.9 tube. We finally got -it sent home as a trophy along with its carriage. We were asked to -lend it to the War Trophy's Exhibition in London, but decided instead -to present it to the town of Inverness, as the capital of the -Highlands, and also as a proof that we had not forgotten the many -kindnesses the Battalion received there before it came out, and there -it now lies. - -On going back into Arras we received with much regret the information -that, owing to the shortage of men and recruits, a large number of -units were to be amalgamated. As we were the Junior Battalion of the -Cameron Highlanders, it was decided that we should unite with the 6th -Battalion. It is hardly necessary to say that this news was very far -from welcome, not that we had anything against the 6th, but because -the 7th Battalion, which had made such a name for itself, was to cease -to exist. It was decided by the G.O.C. Division that the O.C. of the -7th Battalion should take over the command of the 6th, and he also -gave permission for him to transfer what officers and men he might -desire. This was a great concession, as originally the order had been -that only the deficiencies in officers and men of the Senior Battalion -should be made up. The decision was a sound one, as by this means a -splendid Battalion was constructed. - -The remains of the 7th Battalion were to be made into a training -Battalion for the American Army. It was, therefore, possible for -officers and men, who were either war worn or had seen a considerable -amount of fighting, and deserved a rest from the fighting area, to be -sent with the training cadre. This left a large number of officers and -men to be disposed of, and it was no easy task to decide whom to keep -and whom to let go. The C.O. was much touched with the devotion and -loyalty to the Battalion shown by many. Wherever he went he would be -waylaid by anxious applicants, who would beseech him to keep them, -some even with tears in their eyes, for, although it was promised that -any who might be sent to the base would be kept as drafts for the -Camerons only, still they had had so many experiences of similar -promises they did not believe it. Their disbelief proved eventually to -be well founded, for many of them were finally transferred to other -units. It was a trying time. Everyone who was remaining had, so far as -possible, to put on a cheery countenance and to argue that it was all -for the best, still many of them felt the parting with old comrades -and tried friends as much as those who had to leave. - -On the 10th June the C.O. said farewell to those of the Battalion -proceeding to join the 39th Cadre Division to provide a training staff -for the U.S.A. Army. It was a sad moment, which certainly he and -probably many others who were present will never forget. The -transport, of which Captain Mauchlin was so justly proud, was ordered -to proceed to the base. Many exchanges took place with friendly -transport officers in the Division, so that the transport which left -our lines for the base, under Captain Mauchlin, was transformed into a -collection of the most ordinary looking horses drawing limbers and -waggons very far short of the splendid transport of the 7th Camerons. -No sadder man left the Battalion than the transport officer. He had a -great knowledge of his work, and took keen interest in his transport, -which, by his untiring energy, had been brought to a high state of -efficiency. - -The following officers were transferred from the 7th to the 6th -Battalion:-- - - Lieut.-Colonel N. MACLEOD, D.S.O., to Command. - Major R. M'F. CRAM, Second in Command. - Captain T. ORR, M.C. - Lieut. J. R. PARK. - Lieut. R. A. M. MACCROSTIE. - Lieut. R. C. HAMILTON. - Lieut. E. J. G. GIBB, M.C. - Lieut. S. M'D. SHAW. - Lieut. D. STEWART. - Lieut. D. WISHART. - Lieut. E. P. B. CAMERON. - Lieut. R. S. D. POLLOCK. - 2nd. Lieut. P. AUSTIN. - 2nd. Lieut. R. C. MITCHELL. - 2nd. Lieut. J. R. CRAN. - 2nd. Lieut. P. F. PRENTICE. - 2nd. Lieut. A. BANKS. - 2nd. Lieut. H. T. MACBETH. - 2nd. Lieut. M. T. H. WILSON. - 2nd. Lieut. A. KING. - 2nd. Lieut. J. HOGG, and - 383 Other Ranks. - -Of these the C.O. was the only original officer who had joined in -September, 1914, and proceeded overseas with the Battalion as Captain -Commanding "B" Company. In addition to him there were about ten men -who had embarked with the Battalion in July, 1915. - -Thus does the official history of the 7th Battalion come to an end. It -might be as well, however, before closing, to follow roughly the -training Battalion's movements until it was broken up, and also to -refer shortly to the doings of the 6th Battalion, which now contained -many of the 7th. - -The training staff proceeded to Calais, via Hazebrouck, where they -were affiliated to the 3rd Battalion 119th Regiment A.E.F. They at -once entered upon their duties as instructors, which they carried on -up to the 2nd July, when the American Division left the area, and the -training staff moved to Veuse. Here they carried on instructional -training lectures. On the 25th they moved to Watten for the 7th Corps -Reinforcement Camps. On the 30th they proceeded to Arneke, where they -were joined by a Battalion of Reinforcements for the 51st Division, -and worked on the back area in the 2nd Army Front, the Battalion being -called the 19th Corps Reinforcement Battalion. From Arneke they went -to St. Eloi area. They occupied different camps in this area, some of -them being very bad. On the 7th, 348 other ranks, conducted by 6 -officers, left for the 51st Division, and the remainder of the -reinforcements and the cadre moved into billets at La Cloche. On the -9th the remainder of the reinforcements were ordered to rejoin the -51st Division, and orders were received that what remained of the 7th -Camerons training staff had been placed at the disposal of the D.A.G. -for reinforcements. On the 12th of August orders came to return to the -39th Division to billets in Listergaux. On the 13th August -instructions were given that the 7th Cameron Highlanders training -staff should be broken up, all officers and other ranks who remained -being sent as reinforcements to the 6th Battalion, with the exception -of Lieut.-Colonel Anderson, who took over command of the 8th Seaforths -and the Adjutant and Orderly Room Sergeant, who were sent to Rouen -Base to wind up and check records, all stores being handed into -Ordnance. - -Something must also be said of the 6th Battalion which, as has already -been stated, now included many officers and men from the 7th -Battalion. The amalgamation was carried out most satisfactorily. The -C.O. addressed both units separately, and made a special appeal to -both officers and men not to discuss and compare the merits and doings -in the past of the two Battalions which were now united, but to -remember that they all belonged to the same famous regiment, and that -it was up to them to pull together, and so maintain the high name -which both Battalions had already created. Everyone backed him up most -willingly, the result being that there was not a single instance of -crime arising from disputes between the men of the different -Battalions. This is all the more creditable when it is remembered that -there was considerable unpleasantness in some of the other units which -were amalgamated. - - - - -CHAPTER 9. - -BUZANCY. - - -The 6th Battalion remained in the Arras sector till the beginning of -July, when we were at last taken out of the line. We moved back, and -it was believed that we were going to have that long rest which we so -much deserved, and to which we had been looking forward ever since we -arrived in France. We had been in the fighting area practically since -the end of the previous year, a period of about seven months, which -included heavy fighting. We were certain that we were in for a long -rest when we entrained. We steamed off south, and our hopes became -still higher as the report got about that we were going to one of the -big French training areas in the south of France. We heard it was an -ideal spot, and a health resort even before the war. However, after -steaming some distance past Amiens, the train suddenly stopped, and we -were ordered to get out and proceed to billets. Our faith began to be -shaken in the gentleman who talked about the seaside in the south. It -was still more shaken the next day when the Battalions were embussed -and proceeded in the direction of the front line. - -On the 18th of July we found ourselves under the command of the 3rd -French Army. On the 19th we moved into the Montigny area, and on the -23rd we relieved the first American Division and held the left sector -of the 20th Corps. We took over the line on the night of the 22/23rd, -and received orders that we were to attack the next morning (23rd) on -the high ground on the west bank of the Criscuart at Misse. The C.O. -hurried forward in the afternoon, and had a look round the line. The -Americans had suffered heavy casualties, and the ground was strewn -with their dead. The Battalion came in that evening, and the relief -was carried out without much difficulty. There was some confusion as -to the exact location of our front line, which apparently did not -tally with that shewn by the maps taken over. However, there was no -time to make even a preliminary reconnaissance. The zero hour was -fixed for 5 a.m. The C.O. and Adjutant moved back to Brigade -Headquarters, as up to midnight no orders had been received for the -attack. The C.O.'s of the other units of the Brigade were also there. -The operation orders did not come in till about 3 a.m. There was just -time to issue the Battalion operation orders, but it was quite -impossible to instruct Company officers or others in person. - -The attack commenced at 5 a.m. with the 6th Camerons on the right, the -Argylls on the left, and the Royal Scots in support. Everything went -well to begin with, although we came under very heavy machine gun -fire. Our barrage did not prove of much use, as the official front -line given to us was found to be considerably in advance of that -actually held. We advanced a considerable distance and took a sugar -factory. We had suffered severe casualties in consequence of the -barrage, leaving some German machine guns untouched. The attack took -place down a steep bluff, then across the valley (which was -intersected by a railway embankment), and the river, and up steep -rising ground on the other side. We managed to get forward fairly -well, although encountering strong opposition from the enemy. We took -the railway embankment and river, including "Sucrerie." Our left -flank, however, was in the air by this time, as we could not get into -touch with the Argylls on our left. We extended in order to try and -link up with them, but finally discovered they had come under heavy -fire and had not been able to advance. The result was that for a time -we had practically held the whole brigade front. About 6 p.m. the -enemy put down a heavy barrage and launched a strong counter-attack, -but this was successfully repulsed. We were to have attacked the -village of Buzancy on the morning of the 24th, but this was postponed. - -Owing to the pronounced salient held by the Division at the -"Sucrerie," it was decided to withdraw and occupy the line of the -railway. The fighting was of an open order nature, through fields of -grain and small woods, with machine guns firing from behind hedges -instead of out of the usual trenches. On the 27th we received orders -for the Division to make an attack on Buzancy and the high ground to -the east of the village. The fighting was again severe, and ended with -our taking Buzancy. There was exceedingly bitter fighting round the -grenade works, and the enemy put up very strong counter-attacks. Owing -to the non-success of the 87th French Division on our right, we had -finally to withdraw to the line of the Chateau. - -On the 30th or the 31st July it was decided that the 45th Brigade -would attack the main Soissons road from Villemontoire. About 10.45 -a.m. we had more or less reached our objectives, although the others -had been slightly held up by heavy machine gun fire. Our right flank -was now in the air, as we could not get into touch with the -K.O.S.B.'s. Meantime we formed a defensive flank along the road from -the cemetery to the Soissons road. The S.O.S. went up from the 12th -Division about 2.45 p.m. and also from the original front line. A -pitiless machine gun fire was experienced from the wooded hills on the -right. Evidently the Germans had raided the 12th Division's lines, and -we heard later that they had taken some prisoners. About 10.35 a.m. on -the 2nd August strong patrols which had pushed out found that the -enemy was retiring, and we got orders to swing our right forward so as -to keep in touch with the 44th Brigade. About 3.30 p.m. the Brigade -reached the edge of the Concrois wood. At 7.50 the next objective was -given as the river Crise about Nilleblain. On the night of the 2/3rd -we were relieved by the 17th (French) Division, and on the 4th we -embussed for Leincourt. - -So came to an end our tour with the French and American Armies. The -following is an interesting memo, issued by the First Field Artillery -Brigade of the American Expeditionary Force to the batteries of the -Brigade, and also special orders issued by the French Army Commanding -Officers:-- - - "HEADQUARTERS, FIRST FIELD ARTILLERY BRIGADE. - AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, - U.S.A., July 22nd, 1918. - - "_Memorandum._ - - "It is noted that, for the first time in history, French, British and - American Artillery are working together under the same Command. They - will support an attack to-morrow morning to be made by the 15th - (Scottish) Division in line as follows:-- - - 45th Brigade. - 1/8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (kilts). - 6th Cameron Highlanders (kilts). - 13th Royal Scots (trousers). - - 46th Brigade. - 10th Scottish Rifles (trousers). - 7/8th K.O.S.B. (trousers). - 9th Royal Scots (kilts). - - In Reserve, 44th Brigade. - 4/5th Black Watch Highlanders (kilts). - 5th Seaforth Highlanders (kilts). - 5th Gordon Highlanders (kilts)." - -Extract of telephone message from General Mangin, Commanding X French -Army, to G.O.C. 15th Division. - - "Le General Mangin vous charge de lire au General Reed que le succes - d'aujourd'hui a été acheté par la conduite de tous et - particulierement par le sarcifice des Ecossais." - -Special order by General Mangin, Commanding X Army, 20 Corps d' Armee. - - Etat-Major, 3 Bureau. - - ORDER du General Mangin. - - "No 1375/3. - - "A communiquer aux troupes per tous les moyens; - - "En avant! la victoire du 1er Août achève celle du 18 Juillet et - se termina en poursuite. Les chemins sont affreux, mais il pleut auss - pour les Boches--Tallonnez-les, bousculez-les en dépassant les - faibles centres de résistance où ils essaient de ralentir notre - marche victorieuse. - - "Ce soir il faut que la Xe Armée soit sur la Vesle." - -Copy of letter from G.O.C. 17th (French) Division to G.O.C. to 15th -Scottish Division. - -_Translation._ - - "17th Infantry Division. 27th August, 1918. - - "Mon General, - - "After relieving your Division in the pursuit on the Vesle, I - established my Headquarters at Buzancy. I found there the traces - still fresh of the exploits of your Scottish soldiers, and the - officers of my staff were able to see clearly what hard fighting you - had had to gain possession of the village, and, above all, of the - park. - - "Wishing to leave on the spot some lasting tribute to the bravery of - your soldiers, I entrusted to one of my officers, Lieut. Rene Puaux, - the task of erecting there, with the material at hand, a small - monument emblematic of the homage and admiration of my Division for - yours. - - "This monument has on it 'a medallion' on which are inscribed - thistles and roses, and beneath, the words:-- - - '_Here the noble thistle of Scotland will flourish forever among the - roses of France._' - - and beneath: - - '_17th French Division_ - to - '_15th_ (_Scottish_) _Division_.' - - "This monument was erected on the highest point of the plateau, where - we found the body of the Scottish soldier who advanced the farthest - (on 28th July, 1918--Buzancy). - - "The photograph of this monument has appeared in the last number of - the journal _L'Illustration_. I thought you would be glad to have a - few copies of the photograph, which I send you herewith. They convey - to you, together with the memories which I have kept of our short - meeting at Vierzy, the expression of my esteem and my admiration for - your valiant Division. - - "Will you please accept, dear General, the expression of my -sincere regards. - - "C. CASSOINS, - "General de Division, C. CASSOINS, Commanding - "17th (French) Division." - - [Illustration: "HERE THE GLORIOUS THISTLE OF SCOTLAND WILL FLOURISH - FOR EVER AMID THE ROSES OF FRANCE." - Monument erected by the 17th French Division to - 15th Scottish Division, near Buzancy, July, 1918.] - -Special order by General Mangin, Commanding -10th French Army. - - Au Q. G. A., - 5th August, 1918. - - _ORDRE GENERAL No. 343._ - - _Officers, Non-Commissioned, Officers and Men of the 15th and 34th - British Divisions._ - - "You entered the battle at its fiercest moment. The enemy, already - once vanquished, again brought up against us his best Divisions, - considerably outnumbering our own. - - "You continued to advance step by step, in spite of his desperate - resistance, and you held the ground won in spite of his violent - counter-attacks. - - "Then during the whole day of the 1st of August, side by side with - your French comrades, you stormed the ridge dominating the whole - country between the Aisne and the Ourcq, which the defenders had - received orders to hold at all costs. - - "Having failed in his attempt to retake the ridge with his last - reserves, the enemy had to beat a retreat pursued and harassed for 12 - kilometres. - - "All of you, English and Scottish, young soldiers and veterans of - Flanders and Palestine, you have shewn the magnificent qualities of - your race: courage and imperturbable tenacity. - - "You have won the admiration of your companions in arms. Your country - will be proud of you, for to your chiefs and to you is due a large - share in the victory that we have gained over the barbarous enemies - of the free. - - "I am happy to have fought at your head, and I thank you. - - "MANGIN." - -The monument at Buzancy is, we believe, unique as being the only -monument raised by the French Army to British troops during the war. - -We must refer to the excellent staff arrangements for bussing troops -which the French had made. Our usual experience had been that when one -was ordered to embus at a certain hour, the busses never turned up for -a considerable time afterwards. In fact, on our way down the bussing -and training arrangements were several hours behind the scheduled -time-table. With the French, however, on each occasion the busses -turned up a few minutes before the hour they were due, so that we had -no delay. We also had an officer in a motor car taking charge of the -convoy of busses. This enabled him to move about and see that no -distance was lost, also to go ahead and regulate traffic at important -cross roads. Another good arrangement they had was having one or two -empty busses at the end of each column, so that if a bus broke down it -was drawn to one side, and the men speedily transferred to an empty -bus. So the whole column was kept together. - -We now moved north to the Loos sector, and it was very interesting -once more going over the old ground. We took part in the final general -advance from this area. After the Armistice we were informed that we -were one of the Divisions that had been chosen for the Army of -Occupation, and we busily prepared indents for new clothing, etc., in -order to make a good impression. It was decided, however, that the -young Battalions who had come out from home should take over this -duty. We were finally billeted in Braine le Comte. Here we instituted -a Battalion Mess. We had always been in the habit of doing this -wherever possible. No doubt many officers preferred the small Company -messes, but from a disciplinary and many other points of view the -Battalion mess had many advantages. Certainly our mess proved a great -success. - - - - -CHAPTER 10. - -DEMOBILISATION. - - -The 6th Battalion was one of the Battalions chosen to represent the -15th Division in the march past before the King of the Belgians and -the Duke of York--the Earl of Inverness--in Brussels. We were the -guests of the town of Brussels for the three days we were there, and -everyone enjoyed their visit. The men were billeted in good houses, -and both they and the officers thoroughly enjoyed the theatres and -dancing halls. Their behaviour was exemplary, and when the Battalion -"fell in" to march home there was not a single man absent. The parade -itself was greatly spoilt by a snow storm. We also arranged for each -Company to visit the field of Waterloo, a short lecture being given -beforehand on the battle. The men displayed keen interest, especially -in the panorama on which they could see the square with the 79th. We -were all struck with the smallness of the battlefield, and the -enormous number of men that must have been crowded into this space. -The whole area would probably not have been more than a two-battalion -front in one of our late battles. - -Orders were that drills were to be reduced to a minimum, and that -education classes for the men were to be started. This education -scheme, however, was not a very great success, as we never received -any supplies of books or any other material for carrying it out. The -French class proved very popular, probably because everyone wanted to -be able to converse with the inhabitants, especially the young ladies. -In order to employ the men and keep them fit, we took up athletics -very keenly. There were several good athletes who had formerly been -prize winners both in the 6th and 7th. Once again we managed to prove -ourselves the best Battalion in this respect. Every officer and man -had to belong to a team, and there is no doubt that the officers -taking a keen interest in the games made all the difference in the -results. - -Our football team won both in the Brigade and Division contests, and -had a very tough fight before they were beaten in the Corps. At the -end of the first game we were all level, so we played another half -hour. As this resulted in another draw, we had a replay, which also -proved undecisive, so that we had again to play extra time, in which -both teams scored a goal. On the 3rd replay we were unfortunately -beaten by one goal to nothing. As our opponents were the Liverpool -Scottish, the defeat was somewhat softened. The match was intensely -exciting, both for players and spectators. Our cross country team was -our greatest success, winning not only the Brigade, Division, and -Corps Cups, but finally establishing themselves as "Army" Champions. -We also had a strong boxing team, which won the Brigade cup, and one -of our men was the runner up in the "Army" Championship lightweights. -In the final he was against a much bigger and stronger lad than -himself. He was all out in the third round, but he put up such a -plucky fight that the referee recommended the Committee to award him a -second prize, which they duly did. - -With us, as with other units, the demobilisation caused a certain -amount of dissatisfaction, owing to the fact that the system of -demobilising by "trades" and "districts" enabled many men who had only -served a few months to get home before others who had been out for -long periods. The Cadre of the Battalion set out for home on the 7th -June. We proceeded to Inverness with the Colours, which were duly -deposited at the Cameron Depot. The Colour party was received by the -Provost and others, and played up to the Depot by the Band. The -following day Mr. Barron, brother of the late Major Barron of the 7th, -who was killed at Loos, entertained the whole Cadre to lunch, a -kindness which we all highly appreciated. We then proceeded to -Kinross, where we were finally demobilised. - -The Colours of the 7th Battalion were "presented" at the Depot during -the Northern meeting in 1920 by the Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, -and Hon. Colonel of the 4th Battalion. On that day the Regiment held a -reunion parade at which many men who had formerly served in the -Battalion were present. After the presentation we all marched through -the town, the salute being taken by the Duke of York, who was -accompanied by The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lord Lieutenant of the -County, and Lieut.-General Sir Spencer Ewart, K.C.B. On the Sunday the -Colours of both the 6th and the 7th were marched by a Guard of Honour -to the High Church, the Parish Church of Inverness, and handed over by -Lieut.-Colonel N. Macleod, Cameron Highlanders, for safe custody, to -the Minister and Provost as representing the Session and Heritors. - -So ends the history of the 7th Battalion, better known as the "Shiny -7th." They received this name because of the great care that was taken -by all ranks in their cleanliness and appearance. Even in the front -line every man polished his buttons, brushed his boots and cleaned his -equipment every day. No doubt this was irksome to a few, but the large -majority of the men took a keen pride in themselves. - -The shortage of water did not prevent our men from shaving, and on -many occasions, when water could not be got, they reserved a little of -their tea for this purpose. There is no doubt about the "morale" -effect of keeping clean, and men always feel better for it. Further, -it occupied their spare time and so kept their minds from meditating -upon their unpleasant surroundings. - -This is no new discovery, for one reads that when Sir John Moore -started to train men in Ireland for the Peninsular War, one of the -first things he did was to encourage the men to clean themselves and -take up athletics so as to keep them out of "pot houses" and to -increase their morale. It is also interesting to read in Ludendorff's -memoirs that one of the chief causes he assigns for the loss of -discipline and morale amongst the soldiers of the German Army was the -filthy conditions in which they had to live in the trenches, and the -impossibility of getting the men to clean themselves. Certainly, from -the appearance of prisoners, the Hun paid little attention to -cleanliness in the front line areas. - -Our "Q" side also had a good deal to do with the morale, as by the -system on which we worked everything possible was done for the comfort -of the men. Men who were always detached from their companies, such as -those in the Transport lines and at Battalion Headquarters, had -N.C.O.'s told off to act as Q.M.S. for the detachment. They also had -their own cooks, and the officer in charge of them was made -responsible for their comfort and welfare. On one occasion Battalion -Commanders were called to a conference to discuss the organisation of -a Battalion with a General Officer from G.H.Q. We all went full of -wrinkles learnt from practical experience, but as soon as the first -suggestion was put forward the General got up and stated that a -Battalion must consist of four Companies of four platoons each, to -which every man and officer must belong, and he would not listen to -any discussion as to proposals for Headquarter Companies, etc. In -theory we all maintained the four Companies, yet circumstances made it -essential there should be Headquarter detachments. - -Our Headquarters were divided into platoons or sections, each under an -officer, with a senior officer in command of the whole. Thus -signallers were under the Signalling Officer, runners and observers -under the Observation Officer. Each section had its own battle -position in defence of Headquarters, and "stood to" morning and -evening in these positions under the command of their officers. If -Headquarter rations had been left to the four Companies to provide, -and there had been no fighting organisation, it would have led not -only to great discomfort but to considerable danger, in the event of a -successful attack by the enemy, such indeed as that which occurred in -March, 1918. One is glad to know that this fact was generally realised -towards the end of the war by Higher Authority. It was often found -difficult for old serving soldiers, especially Q.M.'s, to change the -routine which has almost grown a part of themselves, but in the 7th -Battalion we were lucky in having able Q.M.'s, who were always willing -to adopt any scheme that was for the comfort of the men. - -We cannot close these notes without stating our profound and deep -respect for the officers, non-commissioned officers and men who served -along with us in this splendid Battalion. They suffered appalling -hardships, especially in winter, living in trenches half filled with -freezing mud, often without a shelter; they performed prodigious feats -of work for long hours and for days on end; they advanced and -conquered despite the most terrible barrages, the men carrying on by -themselves after their officers and senior non-commissioned officers -had become casualties; they had, moreover, successfully withstood the -shock of one of the most terrific attacks which the Germans were able -to bring against them. Again and again the Battalion was annihilated, -but there were always plenty of recruits ready to uphold the honour of -the Regiment. As was once said of the Cameron Highlanders in another -great war: "Such troops may be annihilated, they can never be -defeated." Nothing better reflects the fine spirit of the young men of -Scotland, and their patriotic decision to defend their country at all -costs, than the fact that the heavy casualty lists proved the best -recruiting sergeant. Justly proud in the knowledge that time cannot -wither, nor the centuries deface, the glorious memory of these heroic -achievements, every officer, non-commissioned officer and man, whose -honour it was to serve with the 7th Battalion, derives his highest -pleasure and his truest satisfaction from the reflection that he -performed his duty; that he "did his best" in the most critical period -which the homeland has ever been called upon to face, and that he and -his comrades have written a golden page well worthy of its place in -the noble records of their famous and beloved Regiment, the - - "QUEEN'S OWN" CAMERON HIGHLANDERS. - - - - -HONOURS AWARDED. - - -_C.M.G._ - - 14/ 1/16 Lieut.-Col. J. W. Sandilands, D.S.O. - - -_D.S.O._ - - 3/ 6/16 Major T. L. Cunningham. - 4/ 6/17 Major Norman MacLeod. - 9/ 1/18 Captain J. A. Symon. - - -_M.C._ - - 14/ 1/16 2nd Lieut. R. R. Anderson. - 26/ 7/18 Lieut. P. Austin. - 20/10/16 2nd Lieut. W. Black. - 18/10/17 2nd Lieut. J. T. Bookless. - 26/ 9/17 Capt. A. C. Bateman, R.A.M.C. - 18/ 6/17 Lieut. J. Findlay. - 18/ 7/17 2nd Lieut. J. W. Graham. - 26/ 7/18 Lieut. E. J. G. Gibb. - 27/ 7/16 2nd Lieut. H. B. Goudie. - 26/ 9/17 2nd Lieut. R. Jardine. - 26/ 9/17 a/Capt. J. L. C. Jenkins. - 1/ 1/17 S/13232 C.S.M. A. Kidd. - 1/ 1/18 Capt. G. J. S. Lumsden. - 11/ 5/17 2nd Lieut. G. R. Morton. - 18/ 7/17 2nd Lieut. W. L. Muir-Kay. - 14/11/16 2nd Lieut. D. Moir. - 26/ 9/17 2nd Lieut. J. Miller. - 3/ 6/17 2nd Lieut. J. H. Mauchlin. - 26/ 7/18 2nd Lieut. J. M'Murray. - 2nd Lieut. J. I. M'Donald. - 22/ 4/18 2nd Lieut. A. R. M'Donald. - 7/ 4/18 Lieut. J. D. W. M'Cracken. - 20/10/16 2nd Lieut. T. Orr. - 26/ 9/17 2nd Lieut. R. B. Purdon. - 1/ 1/17 Captain W. G. S. Stuart. - 18/ 7/17 2nd Lieut. N. S. Sim. - 11/ 5/17 2nd Lieut. R. W. B. Semple. - - -_D.C.M._ - - 24/ 6/16 S/13635 C.S.M. C. L. B. Davie. - 14/11/16 S/15245 Cpl. J. Drysdale. - 18/ 6/17 5074 C.S.M. P. Fleming. - 14/ 1/16 S/13537 L./Sgt. W. C. Lamb. - 1/ 1/17 S/15857 a/C.S.M. J. Little. - 18/ 6/17 S/14241 C.S.M. J. D. M'Gill. - 14/11/16 S/13428 Sgt. J. Montgomerie. - 3/ 6/18 S/17863 Cpl. E. M'Kie. - 21/ 7/16 S/12647 a/B.S.M. A. K. Scott. - 14/ 1/16 S/13840 L./Sgt. H. Winning. - 3/ 9/18 9708 a/C.S.M. T. Yates. - - -_M.M. with Bar._ - - 18/10/17 6765 Sgt. A. Macdonald. - 18/10/17 S/14147 Sgt. M. W. Morrison. - 19/11/17 S/15565 Private J. MacLeod. - 27/ 6/18 S/14297 Sgt. A. Simpson. - - -_M.M._ - - 18/10/17 S/40965 Pte. G. G. W. Allan. - 3/ 7/17 5563 a/C.S.M. D. Anderson. - 19/11/17 S/139184 L./Cpl. J. Anderson. - 16/11/16 S/17792 Pte. J. Boyle. - 3/ 7/17 S/18090 Pte. R. Bell. - 16/11/16 S/18578 Pte. A. H. Craig. - 18/ 6/17 S/18323 Sgt. J. R. Cameron. - 18/10/17 8900 Cpl. D. Donegan. - 18/ 6/17 S/15513 L./Cpl. W. Fulton. - 10/ 4/18 S/41016 Pte. H. Finlay. - 19/11/17 S/43231 L./Cpl. J. Forsyth. - 18/ 1/18 9260 a/C.S.M. M. Grant. - 29/ 7/16 S/16816 L./Cpl. R. Gardiner. - 27/ 6/18 S/14084 Sgt. R. Grierson. - 3/11/17 S/23439 Pte. T. M'Govern. - 29/ 7/16 S/20039 Pte. J. Healy. - 27/ 6/18 S/14322 Pte. S. Hill. - 16/11/16 S/14002 Pte. W. Johnston. - 11/ 5/17 S/18641 L./Cpl. J. Kelly. - 10/ 6/17 S/22946 L./Cpl. J. B. Keiller. - 18/10/17 S/200364 L./Cpl. M. R. King. - 27/ 6/18 S/17962 L./Cpl. C. Logan. - 29/ 7/16 S/16957 L./Cpl. J. MacDougall. - 10/10/16 S/16536 Sgt. D. H. M'Gilp. - 16/11/16 S/13888 L./Cpl. J. A. M'Gowan. - 11/ 5/17 S/14069 Pte. G. M'Lean. - 18/ 6/17 S/15565 Pte. J. MacLeod. - 29/ 8/18 S/25807 L./Cpl. J. M'lntyre. - 9/12/16 S/13466 Pte. J. M'Lean. - 25/ 5/17 6765 Sgt. A. MacDonald. - 18/10/17 S/14032 L./Cpl. T. A. M'Murray. - 18/ 6/17 S/25532 Sgt. D. P. Maxwell. - 18/ 6/17 S/14147 Sgt. M. W. Morrison. - 18/10/17 S/10501 a/Sgt. T. Morgan. - 10/ 4/18 S/10391 L./Sgt. W. M'Kay. - 27 /6/18 S/12095 a/Sgt. A. M'Innes. - 2/ 7/17 S/13686 L./Cpl. W. Miller. - 3/ 7/17 S/16086 Pte. J. M'Lellan. - 18/10/17 200204 L./Cpl. J. Nicolson. - 29/ 8/18 201041 L./Cpl. T. A. Nicolson. - 18/ 6/17 S/27025 L./Cpl. R. Pringle. - 16/11/16 S/16973 Cpl. W. J. Ramage. - 18/10/17 9808 Cpl. T. Rowett. - 18/10/17 S/26863 L./Cpl. W. Ross. - 18/10/17 S/23246 Pte. J. Rose. - 29/ 8/18 7540 Cpl. T. S. Renton. - 29/ 7/16 S/13024 A/L/Sgt. G. S. Sutherland. - 8/ 8/17 S/12824 Sgt. R. F. J. Small. - 18/10/17 S/14032 L./Cpl. T. Shumacker. - 10/ 4/18 S/200542 L./Cpl. J. Stoddart. - 3/ 7/17 S/18170 Cpl. J. N. Spiers. - 2/11/17 9039 Pte. J. Spence. - 12/12/17 8983 L./Sgt. C. Smith. - 19/11/17 S/14297 Cpl. A. Simpson. - 10/10/16 S/16738 Pte. W. Train. - 16/11/16 S/21669 L./Cpl. E. B. Thomson. - 18/10/17 S/22930 Cpl. W. Taylor. - 18/10/17 S/16391 Pte. J. Tulloch. - 29/ 8/18 S/18231 Pte. J. Vickers. - 27/ 6/18 S/23992 Sgt. T. Wright. - 18/ 6/17 S/14140 L./Cpl. R. Young. - - -_Meritorious Service Medal._ - - 10/ 4/18 S/16104 L./Cpl. G. G. Black. - 1/ 1/18 S/16824 A./Sgt. R. Burton. - 17/ 6/18 S/13480 Pte. W. Lindsay. - 17/ 6/18 S/14285 L./Cpl. W. Ogston. - - -_Royal Humane Society Parchment for Saving Comrade's life from -drowning._ - - 8/ 9/17 S/23888 Pte. J. H. Ritchie. - - -_Mentioned in Despatches._ - - 1/ 1/16 Lieut. R. R. Anderson. - 24/ 2/17 S/12229 R.S.M. A. Anderson. - 1/ 1/16 S/13321 C.S.M. D. Adam. - 25/ 5/17 S/13184 L./Cpl. A. Bell. - 15/ 6/16 5651 C.S.M. J. B. Cranston. - 24/ 5/18 13436 Pte. A. C. Campbell. - 25/ 5/17 Captain A. R. Chapman. - 7/ 4/18 Major P. M'F. Cram. - 24/ 5/18 S/21667 L./Cpl. H. Fleming. - 25/ 5/17 Lieut. G. J. S. Lumsden. - 15/ 6/16 S/13901 Cpl. P. Macdonald. - 15/ 6/16 S/15814 L./Cpl. J. M'Callum. - 15/ 6/16 S/13088 Pte. A. F. Morgan. - 24/12/16 } Captain K. Macrae. - 4/ 1/17 } - 9/12/16 S/14241 Sgt. J. D. M'Gill. - 25/ 5/17 S/13241 Pte. W. Macintosh. - 25/ 5/17 } Lieut.-Col. Norman MacLeod. - 21/12/17 } - 21/12/17 2nd Lieut. J. Mackenzie. - 21/12/17 Lieut. J. H. Mauchlin. - 7/ 4/18 Lieut. J. D. W. M'Cracken. - 4/ 1/17 Captain A. Ogilvie. - 21/12/17 13866 Pte. J. Oliphant. - 25/ 5/17 S/16137 L./Cpl. J. O'Rourke. - 13/ 6/16 Lieut. J. S. Robertson. - 1/ 1/16 Lieut.-Col. Sandilands, D.S.O. - 1/ 1/16 Lieut. W. G. S. Stuart. - 2/12/17 Lieut. J. A. Symon. - 25/ 5/17 S/15620 Cpl. T. Torrance. - 15/ 6/16 S/13603 R.Q.M.S. T. F. Watson. - 25/ 5/17 13264 R.Q.M.S. J. P. W. Wilson. - - -_Belgian Croix de Guerre._ - - 12/ 7/18 S/16824 A./Sgt. R. Burton. - 12/ 7/18 R/3871 R.S.M. W. Vass. - 12/ 7/18 S/13264 R.Q.M.S. J. P. W. Wilson. - 12/ 7/18 4861 C.S.M. W. Falconer. - - - - -OFFICERS WHO SERVED WITH THE BATTALION. - - -ANDERSON, D. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/12/15, a/Captain 21/10/16, -transferred T.M.'s 5/2/16, killed April, 1917. - -ANDERSON, R. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 8/2/15, Lieut. 18/10/15, England -for course 27/6/16, mentioned in Dispatches, M.C. - -ANDERSON, J. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/5/16, killed 17/8/16. - -AUSTIN, P. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/9/17, M.C., H.Q. "works" Officer. - -AITKENHEAD, J. Lieut. and Q.M., posted 24/2/18. - -BARRON, J. Captain, posted 28/9/14, Major 25/1/15, missing 25/9/15, -prisoner died of wounds. - -BUCHANAN, J. F. Captain, posted 6/3/15, Adjutant, England sick -23/10/15. - -BLACK, W. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/2/16, Lieut. 30/7/17, a/Captain -21/5/17-26/6/17, transferred R.F.C. 17/12/17, M.C. - -BATEMAN, A. C. Captain R.A.M.C., attached 29/1/16, missing 28/2/18, -killed, M.C. - -BROWN, D. M. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, wounded 9/4/17. - -BROWN, T. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, wounded 2/1/17. - -BOYD, T. C. Lieut., posted 4/5/17, a/Captain 21/5/17-6/7/17, wounded -6/7/17, died of wounds 21/7/17. - -BOOKLESS, J. T. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/6/17, England 17/10/17, M.C. - -BEGBIE, T. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/6/17, wounded 6/7/17, rejoined -7/7/17, wounded 1/8/17. - -BLACK, W. D. J. Captain Rev., posted 13/8/17, Chaplain, killed -22/8/17. - -BAYNES, W. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 30/9/17. - -BLAIR, N. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/9/17. - -BLAIKIE, A. Captain, posted 17/9/17, transferred London Scottish -10/10/17. - -BANKS, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 29/10/17. - -CAMERON, E. K. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/4/14, Lieut. 11/11/14, Captain -20/1/15, missing, 25/9/15, prisoner. - -CAMERON, F. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/2/15, Lieut. 22/5/16, died of -wounds 19/8/16. - -CAMERON, E. 2nd Lieut., posted 18/9/16, Lieut. 1/7/17, England sick -11/12/16, rejoined 19/8/17. - -CAMERON, R. H. 2nd Lieut., posted 19/5/17, wounded 25/5/17. - -CAMERON, E. P. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -CHAPMAN, A. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 9/11/14, Lieut. 1/4/15, Captain and -Adjutant 23/3/16, transferred Staff Captain 12/5/17, mentioned. - -CHAPMAN, S. E. 2nd Lieut., posted 9/11/14, missing 25/9/15, killed. - -COWAN, J. C. Lieut. and Qr. Master, posted 9/9/15. Captain 17/3/16, -Acting Adjutant 23/10/15, attached 15th Division H.Q. 20/3/16. - -CATTENACH, J. C. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/12/15, wounded 10/2/16. - -CUNNINGHAM. Captain, posted 10/2/15, Major 18/10/15, 2nd in Command -1/4/16, a/O.C. Battalion 13/4/16-13/5/16, wounded 18/7/16, D.S.O. - -CURRIE, A. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 6/4/16, Lieut. 18/1/17, Assistant -Adjutant transferred Divisional School 18/1/17. - -COVENTRY, C. J. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, wounded 9/4/17. - -CRICHTON, D. E. M. M. Lt. Colonel, attached 31/12/16, O.C. 18/1/17, -relinquished sick 6/5/17. - -CHISHOLM, R. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/2/17, transferred Base 24/5/17. - -COOPER, A. W. H. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/5/17, wounded 1/8/17. - -COURTNEY, C. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/5/17, wounded 22/8/17. - -CRAM, P. M'F. Captain, posted 9/8/17, a/Major and 2nd in Command -14/8/17, Major 14/9/17, mentioned. - -CHISHOLM, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/9/17, killed 17/10/17. - -COULSON, B. J. B. Major, posted 8/11/17, transferred 17th Welsh -Regiment 8/12/17. - -CRAN, I. P. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -DAVY, G. A. C. Captain, posted 4/2/15, wounded 27/9/15, rejoined -23/2/16, England sick 31/3/16, rejoined 22/9/16, wounded 9/4/17. - -DREW, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 6/6/16, shell shock 18/9/16. - -DAVIE, G. L. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 9/18/16, wounded 9/10/16, D.C.M. - -DINWIDDIE, R. M. Lieut., posted 29/9/16, transferred B.W. 14/5/17. - -DUNN, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/11/16, wounded 10/1/17. - -DENHOLM, T. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/2/17, England sick 16/4/16, -rejoined 6/1/18, killed 28/3/18. - -DEANS, H. D. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/6/17, wounded 13/1/17. - -DICKSON, R. M. Captain Rev., posted 15/6/17, Chaplain, England sick -7/9/17. - -DRUMMOND, P. 2nd Lieut., D.C.M., posted 5/1/18, missing 28/8/18, -prisoner. - -DONALD, J. A. Missing 28/3/18, prisoner, wounded. - -ELLIOT, J. A. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/6/17, wounded 28/7/17, died of -wounds. - -EASTWOOD, A. J. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/10/17, England sick 26/11/17. - -EDMISTON, R. H. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -FAIRLIE, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, off strength 29/2/16. - -FORBES, D. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, wounded 19/11/15. - -FINDLAY, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/12/15, Lieut. 18/8/16, a/Captain -18/8/16-15/11/16 and 14/4/17-23/4/17, Captain 21/5/17, hospital -15/3/16, rejoined 16/9/16, wounded 24/4/17, rejoined 16/4/18, M.C. - -FRASER, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/4/16, wounded 28/7/17. - -FORRESTER, E. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, wounded 9/4/17. - -FRASER, J. Captain, posted 30/9/17, England sick 1/4/18. - -FINDLAY, T. N. 2nd Lieut., posted 16/9/17, killed 28/3/18. - -GRAHAM, W. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/9/14, Lieut. 26/9/15, hospital sick -11/3/16. - -GOUDIE, H. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/4/16, killed 17/8/16, M.C. - -GRAHAM, J. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 10/1/17, a/Capt. 6/9/17-24/9/17, -England duty 3/3/18, M.C. - -GIBB, E. J. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/5/17, a/Captain 25/7/17-4/2/18, -Lewis Gun Officer and a/Adjutant, wounded 28/3/17, M.C. - -GIDDEN, T. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/6/17, wounded 12/3/18. - -GRIEVE, W. F. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/9/17, missing 28/3/18, prisoner. - -GEMMELL, S. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/9/17, killed 21/3/18. - -GREIG, G. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/9/17. - -GRIEVE, C. C. Major, posted 18/1/18, England sick 30/3/18. - -HAIG, D. J. Lt. Colonel Commanding 8/10/14, relinquished 22/4/15. - -HAMILTON, L. R. DOUGLAS. Captain, posted 18/1/15, wounded 27/9/15, -rejoined 12/5/16, transferred 20th Lanc. 7/7/16, killed. - -HARDMAN, H. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 28/9/15, Lieut. 16/12/15, a/Adjutant -21/3/16, killed 17/8/16. - -HOSKEN, E. D. 2nd Lieut., posted 11/8/16, wounded 11/10/16, rejoined -30/9/17, missing 17/10/17, killed. - -HAMILTON, R. C. Lieut., posted 24/4/18. - -HOGG, J., M.M. 2nd Lieut., posted 28/4/18. - -IRVINE, A. Lieut., posted 3/11/16, a/Capt. 4/11/16-23/11/16, T/Major -and 2nd in command 25/5/17, wounded 13/8/17. - -JOHNSTONE, H. B. Lieut., posted 5/11/14, Captain 1/5/15, England sick -26/11/15, rejoined 18/4/16, wounded 17/8/16. - -JARDINE, R. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, wounded 11/9/16, rejoined , -wounded 22/8/17, M.C. - -JENKINS, J. L. C. 2nd Lieut., posted 30/8/16, a/Capt. 20/7/17-22/8/17, -wounded 22/8/17, rejoined 9/5/17, M.C. - -JENKINS, P. C. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/11/16, killed 9/4/17. - -KIRKLAND, W. H. Lieut., posted 28/9/14, Captain 31/10/14, missing -25/9/15, assumed killed. - -KAY, W. L. MUIR. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/11/16, wounded 17/5/17, M.C. - -KING, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -LUMSDEN, G. J. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/3/16, Signalling Officer -Lieut. 15/3/16, Captain and Adjutant 16/4/17, England course 15/5/18, -mentioned and M.C. - -LISTER, W. D. Lieut. and Q.M., posted 4/7/16, transferred 5th Army -14/9/17. - -LUEN, G. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/10/15, wounded 17/8/16, rejoined -25/5/18. - -LAMBERT, G. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, killed 23/4/17. - -LEGATE, A. D. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, a/Capt. 27/6/18-15/8/18, -Assistant and Act. Adjutant England, course 31/1/18, rejoined 25/5/18. - -LAMONT, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/5/17, wounded 2/8/17. - -MURCHIESON, M. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, Lieut. 25/11/15, Captain -1/3/17, wounded 17/8/16. - -MIDDLETON, J. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 18/12/15, transferred R. F. C. -4/7/16. - -MAUCHLIN. 2nd Lieut., posted 17/3/16, Transport Officer Lieut. 1/2/16, -Captain , wounded 11/7/16, rejoined 10/12/16, mentioned and M.C. - -MARTIN, NORMAN. 2nd Lieut., D.S.O., posted 6/5/16, transferred 1st -Camerons /6/16, killed. - -MARSH, C. H. Major, D.S.O., posted O.C. 13/5/16, a/Lt. Colonel -13/5/16, struck off strength 7/1/17. - -MOIR, D. 2nd Lieut., M.C., posted 24/6/16, wounded 17/8/16, rejoined -1/4/17, wounded 14/4/17. - -MILL, W. 2nd Lieut., posted 26/6/16, wounded 17/8/16. - -MARTIN, D. Captain Rev., posted 24/7/16, England 14/6/17. - -MORTON, G. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/9/16, wounded 13/10/16, killed -9/4/17, M.C. - -MORRISON, D. 2nd Lieut., posted 29/9/16, England 18/11/16. - -MATHIESON, J. Lieut., posted 22/2/17, England sick, 4/5/17. - -MILNE, D. T. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/5/17, Lieut. 1/7/17, a/Capt. -31/8/17, missing 28/3/18 (prisoner). - -MORAN, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/5/17, wounded 1/8/17. - -MUIRHEAD, W. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/5/17, killed 28/3/18. - -MILLAR, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/6/17, wounded 1/8/17, M.C. - -MURRAY, R. M. 2nd Lieut., posted 30/9/17, England sick 3/11/17. - -MITCHELL, R. C. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/9/17, afterwards killed. - -M'BETH, F. H. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -M'BEAN, H. Captain, posted 1/11/16, England sick 5/4/17. - -MACRAE, K. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/10/14, Lieut. 1/6/15, Captain -18/10/16, wounded 9/9/15, rejoined 23/2/16, England sick 10/8/16, -mentioned. - -M'CRACKEN, J. D. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/4/16, Lieut. 1/7/17, a/Capt. -2/6/17-10/8/17 and 15/2/18-7/4/18, wounded 24/12/16, rejoined 19/5/17, -wounded 6/4/18, mentioned and M.C. - -M'CULLOCH, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 29/9/16, a/Capt. 21/5/17, Lewis Gun -Officer, killed 22/8/17. - -M'CUISH, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 29/9/16, missing 24/12/16, prisoner. - -M'CALL, E. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/11/16, England 14/1/17. - -M'CROSTIE, R. A. M. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/4/16, Lieut. 1/7/17, England -sick 13/10/16, rejoined 19/9/17, transferred Bde Bombing Officer. - -M'DONNELL, K. C. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 17/10/14, Lieut. 21/10/14, -Intelligence Officer wounded 9/9/15, rejoined 12/3/16, sick 25/5/16, -rejoined 7/6/16, England R.A.F.C. 23/7/16. - -M'DONALD, S. 2nd Lieut., posted 10/3/15, killed 25/9/15. - -M'DONALD, D. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, England sick 8/2/16. - -M'DONALD, J. K. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/12/15, England sick 19/6/16. - -M'DONALD, M. D. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/3/16, killed 18/7/16. - -M'DONALD, J. I. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/11/16, wounded 22/8/17, M.C. - -M'DONALD, J. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/6/17, missing 23/3/18. - -M'DONALD, A. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 16/9/17, wounded, missing 28/3/18, -M.C. - -M'FARLANE, F. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, Lieut. 16/12/15, England -sick 7/3/16. - -M'INDEOR, M. N. 2nd Lieut., posted 16/9/17, Signalling Officer, -wounded 28/3/18. - -MACINTOSH, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 23/10/17, England sick 5/3/18. - -M'KAY, C. W. D. 2nd Lieut., posted 28/9/15, wounded and missing -17/8/16, death accepted 17/8/16. - -M'KENZIE, J. K. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/12/15, Hospital sick 21/1/16, -duty 28/2/16, transferred draft Conducting Officer 6/4/16. - -MACKAY, J. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/4/16, Lieut. 21/5/17, wounded -15/8/16, rejoined 19/5/17, wounded 1/8/17, died of wounds 20/8/17. - -MACKAY, M. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 23/4/16, killed 23/4/17. - -MACKENZIE, J. 2nd Lieut., posted / /17, mentioned 21/12/17. - -MACKENZIE, N. B. Major, posted 14/1/17. - -MACLEOD, NORMAN. Major, posted 11/2/15, 2nd in Command, appointed Camp -Commandant 8/8/15. - -MACLEOD, NORMAN. Captain, posted 5/10/14, Major 1/4/16, and 2nd in -Command 1/7/16, a/Lt. Colonel O.C. Battalion 21/5/17, Lt. Colonel -12/9/17, wounded 27/9/15, rejoined 6/5/16, mentioned (twice) D.S.O. - -MACLEOD, N. 2nd Lieut., posted 30/9/17, England sick 23/3/18. - -MACLEOD, L. 2nd Lieut., posted 30/9/17, wounded missing 28/3/18, -prisoner. - -M'LEAY, G. C. 2nd Lieut., posted 26/6/16, wounded 18/7/16, rejoined -22/7/16, killed 17/8/16. - -M'LEAN, W. T. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, transferred 27th I.B.D. -14/7/17. - -M'LEAN, M. N. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, Lieut. 24/11/15, wounded -23/2/16. - -M'LOGHLIN, J. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/12/16, England 5/1/17. - -M'MURRAY, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 9/8/16, England 3/11/16, rejoined -20/9/17, wounded 28/3/18, M.C. - -M'MILLAN, J. K. 2nd Lieut., posted 10/1/17, wounded 9/4/17. - -M'NIVEN, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 15/3/15, wounded 27/9/15, rejoined -24/3/16, wounded 18/7/16, rejoined 10/2/17, wounded 24/4/17, died of -wounds 1/5/17. - -M'NAB, J. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/5/17, a/Capt. 24/10/17-1/11/17, -missing 28/3/18, prisoner. - -M'PHERSON, D. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 28/9/15, England sick 18/5/16. - -M'PHERSON, R. S. M. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, England 17/9/16. - -M'EWEN, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/10/15, England sick 17/5/16. - -M'SWEEN. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/11/15, England sick 7/5/16. - -NOBLE, D. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/9/16, England 12/12/16. - -OGILVIE, ALLISTER. 2nd Lieut., posted 9/11/14, Lieut. 1/4/15, Captain -31/12/15, Transport Officer wounded 17/8/16, Mentioned. - -ORR, THOMAS. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/4/16, Lieut. 20/8/16, a/Capt. -11/10/16-3/11/16, Captain 21/5/17, wounded 18/7/16, duty 25/7/16, -wounded 26/1/17, rejoined 7/8/17, England sick 28/8/17, rejoined -6/4/18, M.C. - -PEARSON, H. C. Lieut., posted 20/9/15, killed 24/11/15. - -PURDEN, R. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 23/6/16, Lieut. 1/7/17, a/Capt. -15/11/17-2/6/18, wounded 17/8/16, rejoined 19/5/17, wounded 1/6/18, -M.C. - -PARK, J. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/2/17, England sick 15/6/18. - -POLLOCK, R. S. D. 2nd Lieut., posted 12/5/17, Lieut. 26/3/18, a/Capt. -12/4/18-12/6/18. - -PRENTICE, P. F. 2nd Lieut., posted 30/9/17. - -PARKER, H. L. 2nd Lieut., posted 20/9/17, England sick 22/2/18. - -PROVEN, R. A. Lieut., posted 1/11/17, transferred M. G. C. 18/1/18. - -RABAN, R. B. C. Captain, posted 18/11/15, Major 2nd in Command -18/11/15, posted 13th Royal Scots 1/4/16, afterwards killed. - -ROWELL, H. A. Lieut, R.A.M.C., attached 1/9/15 to 28/1/16. - -ROLLO, A. 2nd Lieut., posted 17/10/14, Captain 26/9/15, posted Staff -Captain 12/4/16. - -ROBERTSON, J. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/1/15, Lieut. 26/9/15, killed -21/5/16, Mentioned. - -ROBERTSON, P. H. Lieut. R.A.M.C., posted / /15, attached 46th F. -Ambulance 1/9/15. - -RUSSELL, S. C. 2nd Lieut., posted 6/5/16, wounded 9/4/17. - -RUSSELL, A. Captain Rev., posted / /15, attached Division 25/7/16. - -RONALDSON, J. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/2/17, killed 9/4/17. - -ROSS, A. M. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/5/17, England sick 9/11/17. - -RENNIE, H. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/10/17, prisoner 28/3/18. - -ROBERTSON. Lieut. R.A.M.C. attached / /15, transferred 46th F.A. -1/9/15. - -STUART, W. G. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/9/14, Lieut. 1/4/15, Captain -26/9/16, wounded 9/9/15, rejoined 13/9/15, killed 23/4/17, Mentioned, -M.C. - -STUART, R. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/9/14, killed 25/9/15. - -STUART, D. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 3/10/14, wounded 27/9/15, afterwards -killed. - -SUTTIE, D. F. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/11/14, Lieut. M. G. Officer, -Hospital sick 12/10/15, rejoined 3/3/16, England sick 24/4/16, -rejoined 24/8/16, wounded 20/3/17. - -SANDILANDS, J. W. Lt. Colonel, D.S.O., posted O.C. Battalion 22/4/15, -appointed Brigadier-General 13/4/16, Mentioned, C.M.G. - -SCOTT, C. R. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 26/6/16, wounded 17/8/16, rejoined -19/5/17, wounded 22/8/17, rejoined 25/5/18. - -SEMPLE, R. W. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 29/8/16, killed 9/4/17, M.C. - -SIM, N. S. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/9/16, a/Capt. 25/4/17-18/5/17, -Intelligence Officer England Duty 10/10/17, rejoined 25/4/18, wounded -4/6/18, M.C. - -SYMON, J. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/9/16, Lieut., 1/3/17, a/Capt. -12/7/17-1/8/17, wounded 27/1/17, rejoined 4/5/17, wounded 1/8/17, -Mentioned, D.S.O. - -SCOTT, D. Captain, Rev., posted 28/9/17, Chaplain. - -STEELE, J. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 26/8/16, shell shock 11/10/16. - -SMYTH R. 2nd Lieut., posted 7/10/17, missing 28/3/18. - -SHAW, S. M'D. Lieut., posted 20/4/18. - -STEWART, D. Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -SINCLAIR, J. A. Lieut., posted 19/2/17, England sick 23/4/17. - -SMITH, J. FRASER. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/2/17, killed 9/4/17. - -SINCLAIR, I. A. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -SABISTON, J. A. 2nd Lieut., killed 22/8/17. - -SMITH, R. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/10/17, prisoner 28/3/18. - -TAYLOR, E. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 5/1/15, killed 25/9/15. - -TIMLINE, G. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 14/10/15, England shell shock, -9/2/16. - -TAYLOR, D. 2nd Lieut., posted 9/5/15, missing 17/7/16, prisoner died -of wounds 1/9/16. - -THOMSON, J. 2nd Lieut., posted 10/1/17, England sick 31/2/17. - -TELFORD, T. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/5/17, Lieut., 26/4/18, England -sick 29/4/18. - -WATT, B. H. 2nd Lieut., posted 15/3/15, killed 25/9/15. - -WALLACE, C. D. K. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/10/15, Hospital sick 7/11/15. - -WELSH, C. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/1/16, killed 29/4/16. - -WATT, T. D. G. 2nd Lieut., posted 24/8/16, wounded 3/4/17. - -WALLACE, A. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 22/9/16, England 23/12/16. - -WALKER, H. P. W. 2nd Lieut., posted 10/1/17, killed 23/4/17. - -WHITE, D. M'L. B. 2nd Lieut., posted 10/1/17, England, wounded 3/5/18. - -WISHART, D. Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -WEDDERSPOON, G. Lieut., posted 25/4/18, wounded 1/6/18. - -WILSON, N. J. R. 2nd Lieut., posted 25/4/18. - -YOUNG, W. 2nd Lieut., posted 4/8/17, killed 22/8/17. - - - - -EXTRACTS FROM WAR DIARY. - - -1915 - - July 4--Parkhouse Camp Received orders to embark for - France. - - July 8-- do. do. Advance party embarked on s.s. - _Inventor_ for Havre via Southampton. - - Battalion embarked at 11.50 p.m. - on s.s. _Arundel_ for Boulogne - via Folkestone. - - July 9--Boulogne Disembarked and proceeded to - rest camp. Marched to Pont des - Briques. - - July 10--Houlle Joined by advance party and - proceeded to Watten by train. - 9.45 a.m. Billets at Houlle. - - July 12-- do. Inspected by Field Marshal Sir - John French. - - July 15--Hazelbrouck Marched at 6.30 a.m. to Hazelbrouck, - arrived 4.30 p.m. 19 miles. - - July 16--Gonnehem Marched at 8 p.m. to Gonnehem - via St. Venant and Busnes, arriving - at 3.30 p.m. - - July 17-- do. Marched at 8 p.m. to Houchin, - via Chocques, Le Perlecques, and - Vaudricourt, arriving 12.15 a.m. - (18/7/15). - - July 18--Houchin Marched at 9 p.m. to Les Brebis - via Mazingarbe, arrived 12 midnight - less sick and details. Reported to - C.R.E. Indian Cavalry Division. - - July 19--Les Brebis Found work party (300 from A - and D Coys.). - - July 20-- do. Found work parties from A, B, - C and D Coys. - - July 22-- do. First casualty 14176 Pte. V. A. - Telfer (wounded). - - July 24--Houchin Marched at 9 p.m. from Les Brebis. - - July 28-- do. A and B Coys. proceeded to trenches - for two days' tour under 142 - Brigade. - - July 30-- do. A and B Coys. relieved by C and - D Coys. - - Aug. 2--Sector W. I. A and B Coys. and H.Q. joined - C and D Coys. in Sector W.I., - relieving 142 Brigade on the - extreme right of the British lines: - A Coy. right and B Coy. left, - C support and D reserve. Battalion - H.Q. South Maroc. - - Aug. 6--South Maroc Battalion relieved by 8th Seaforths. - Found working parties 400 strong. - - Aug. 10--Mazingarbe Relieved by 8th K.O.S.B.'s 46 - Brigade. A and B machine guns - left in Keeps. Found work parties. - - Aug. 18--Sector X2 Relieved by 7th R.S.F. and we - relieved 6th Camerons in Sector - X2. - - Aug. 26--Mazingarbe Relieved in trenches by 10th - Gordons taking over area C from - 9th Black Watch. - - Aug. 30--Noeux les Mines Relieved 11th A. and S. H. in - billets. Finding working parties - (300). - - Sept. 7--Trenches Marched at 5 p.m. to Mazingarbe. - Relieved 7th R.S.F., taking over - trenches in Sector X1 from Sap - 18 to 8C exclusive. - - Sept. 10-- do. Casualties in Sap 18--5 killed - 2 wounded. - - Sept. 12--Verquin Relieved by 13th Royal Scots. - Marched to billets at Verquin. - - Sept. 18-- do. Our pipers played our 4th Battalion - through Verquin. - - Sept. 19-- do. Pipe Band played retreat in - Square at Bethune. First pipers - to do so; loudly cheered by crowd. - - Sept. 21-- do. 8 p.m. moved to Vermelles-Grenay - branch line of trenches. Bombardment - of enemy's trenches began that - morning. - - Sept. 25--Grenay Moved off at 4.45 a.m. to the - Vermeilles Line attack. Marched to Quality Street; - entered trench southern up. Head - of Battalion turned down trench - 21 and joined 9th Black Watch. - Gas turned on at 5.50 a.m. for - 40 minutes. Assault delivered - at 6.30 a.m. by 9th Black Watch - with the Lens Road on right, - and the 8th Seaforths on the - left. The 7th Camerons followed - in support, the 10th Gordons - being in reserve. Lieut.-Col. - Sandilands, D.S.O. commanded - on Hill 70 from 10 a.m. to 11 - p.m., when relieved by Lieut.-Col. - Maclean, Royal Scots. At 8 p.m. - G.O.C 46 Brigade arrived in - Loos. It was decided that 45 - Brigade should hold Hill 70 - and that what was left of the - Camerons should withdraw. At - 11 p.m. Lieut.-Col. Sandilands - with 6 officers and 75 men marched - back through Loos to La Philosophe. - The losses for the day were:--4 - officers killed; 6 officers - wounded; 4 officers missing; - 64 men killed; 253 wounded; 217 - missing; total, 14 officers, - 534 men. - - Sept. 26--Loos Battle Ordered to hold first line of old - British trench. Met large numbers - of men of the 21st Division - retiring from Loos. At 1 p.m. - ordered to hold support line - of old German trench. The 7th - Camerons dug themselves in on - reverse of parapet owing to gas - rendering the trench untenable. - - Sept. 27--Mazingarbe Ordered to withdraw to Mazingarbe - at 1.30 a.m. - - Sept. 28--Houchin At 9.30 a.m. marched to billets - at Houchin. - - Oct. 3--Lillers Marched to Lillers. Billets. - - Oct. 12--Noeux les Mines Left Lillers, entrained 5.30 p.m. - for Noeux les Mines. - - Oct. 26--Trenches Right Left Noeux les Mines at 12.40 - Sec. p.m. for trenches. Took over - line from 6th Camerons. - - Oct. 29-- do. O.G. Line Relieved by 8th Seaforths, going - back into old German trenches. - - Nov. 2-- do. Right Sec. Relieved 8th Seaforths in front - line. - - Nov. 3-- do. do. 11 men killed and 19 wounded - (B Coy). Trench infiladed by - heavy guns from Hulluch direction. - Trench considerably damaged. - - Nov. 4-- do. O.G. Line 1 man killed and 3 wounded. Relieved - by 8th Seaforths: occupied old - German trench. - - Nov. 5-- do. do. Found work parties (burying - dead). - - Nov. 7--Noeux les Mines Relieved by 8th K.O.S.B.'s and - marched to Noeux les Mines billets. - - Nov. 13--Sector D.I. Relieved 13th Royal Scots in - support B Coy. O.B. Support - line A and B Coys. billets Vermeilles, - D Coy. Philosophe. - - Nov. 16-- do. Relieved 8th Seaforths in front - line, D Coy. left, A Coy. right, - C Coy. support, B Coy. reserve. - - Nov. 19--Noyelles Relieved by 8th Seaforths, went - into reserve. - - Nov. 22--Trenches Relieved 8th Seaforths in trenches. - C Coy. left, B Coy. right, A Coy. - support, D Coy. reserve. - - Nov. 24--Noeux les Mines Relieved by 13th Royal Scots. - Marched to billets. - - Nov. 26--Sailly la Bourse Marched to billets. - - Dec. 1--Sector C1 Relieved 1st A. and S. H. in - trenches in front line, Devon Lane - to Goeben Alley. A Coy. right, - B Coy. left, C Coy. support, D - Coy. reserve. - - Dec. 4--Noyelles Brigade Reserve relieved by 8th - Seaforths. - - Dec. 7--Trenches Relieved 8th Seaforths in trenches - O.G.1 and O.B.5. D Coy. right, - C Coy. left, B support, A Coy. - reserve. - - Dec. 11--Philosophe Relieved by 8th Seaforths. B, - C and D Coy. billets in Philosophe. - A Coy. O.B.5. - - Dec. 14--Allouagne 141st Brigade relieved 44th, - Battalion relieved by 19th County - of London Battalion. Marched - to Noeux les Mines, entraining - for Lillers, thence marching - to Allouagne. - - -1916 - - Jan. 5--Allouagne Divisional exercise. Left Allouagne - at 8 a.m., via Burbure, Ecquedecque, - Lieres, Auchy, arriving Rely - at 3.45 p.m. - - Jan. 6--Rely Battalion marching from 7.30 - a.m., via Cumem Bomy to Coyecque, - returning Rely at 6 p.m. - - Jan. 7--Allouagne Left Rely at 1 a.m., arriving at - Allouagne at 12.15 p.m., via - Billery, Hurionville and Burbure. - - Jan. 14--Trenches Loos Left Allouagne 8.15 a.m. for Loos. - Marched to Lillers, entrained to - Noeux les Mines, marched to Loos - via Philosophe. Relieved 2nd - K.R.R. H.Q. in the Trait de - l'Union, A Coy. Gun Alley and - Reserve Trench, B and D Coys. - Gun Alley and C Coy. Lens Road - Redoubt, 65 Metre Point and - Northern Sap Redoubt. - - Jan. 15--Trenches Loos At 6 p.m. A, B and D Coys., less - Hill 70 to 2 platoons, took over firing line - Section 14B. between Boyau des Anglais and - Loos-Laurent Road. B Coy. relieved - 8th Seaforths on left. D Coy. - (2 platoons) in centre and A - Coy. on right relieved the 15th - London Regiment. H.Q. in cellars - in Loos with 2 platoons of D - Coy. C Coy. moved from Redoubt - in 10th Avenue to Gun Alley. - - Jan. 16-- do. do. Two platoons of C Coy. relieved - two platoons of the 8th Seaforths. - A Coy. 6th Royal Irish attached - for instruction. - - Jan. 17-- do. do. B Coy. to Gun Alley; front line - held by two companies only; the - two platoons of D Coy. (in cellars) - now proceeding to firing line. - - Jan. 18-- do. do. C Coy. relieved A Coy. - - Jan. 20-- do. do. B Coy. relieved D Coy. - - Jan. 23-- do. do. Battalion relieved by 8th Seaforths - going into reserve 10th Avenue. - H.Q. Pont Street. Battalion - area from Vendin Alley to Chalk - Pit Alley. B Coy. on left, then - C, D less one platoon, A Coy. - less 2 platoons. One platoon - of D Coy. in Northern Sap Redoubt. - One platoon A 65 Metre Point - Redoubt and one Lens Road Redoubt. - - Jan. 26--Philosophe Relieved by 4th Suffolks. Proceeded - to Philosophe. - - Jan. 27--Noeux les Mines Left Philosophe at 9.15 a.m. - Billets taken over from 8th - K.O.S.B. - - Jan. 29-- do. do. Finding large working party of - 659 men. Stood to from 5.30 to - 9 p.m. Reserve M.G. moved to - Mazingarbe. - - Feb. 1--Hulluch Section Marched from Noeux les Mines - at 2.30 p.m. and relieved 11th - A. and S. H. (of 45th Infantry - Brigade) in left sub section - Hulluch. - - Feb. 4--Philosophe Relieved in evening by 10th - Gordons and moved into Brigade - reserve at Philosophe. - - Feb. 7--Hulluch Section Relieved 10th Gordons in left - sub section. B and C Coys. front - line, A support, D reserve. - - Feb. 10-- do. do. Relieved by 10th Gordons and - relieved 9th Black Watch in 10th - Avenue as Bde. support. - - Feb. 13--Noeux les Mines Relieved by 8th K.O.S.B.'s of - 46th Brigade; marched to Noeux - les Mines. - - Feb. 16-- do. do. Finding working parties, 10 officers - 500 men. - - Feb. 19--14 B. 15 Section Relieved 6th Camerons in left sub - section of 14 B. 15 Section from - Vendin Alley to Possen Alley. - A and D Coys. firing line, C - support, B reserve. - - Feb. 25-- do. do. Relieved by 9th Black Watch, - moved into Brigade support 10th - Avenue, A Coy. in Gun trench. - - Feb. 26--14 B. 15 Section One officer and 59 men proceeded - to form part of permanent working - party on right sub section. - - Feb. 28-- do. do. Relieved 8th Seaforths in right - sub section. A and B Coys. - firing line, C support, D reserve. - - Mar. 2--Mazingarbe Relieved by 12th H.L.I., marched - to billets at Mazingarbe. Found - working party of 150 men. - - Mar. 8--Hulluch Section Relieved 7th R.S.F. in left sub - section of Hulluch Section, leaving - Mazingarbe at 8.30 a.m. C and - D Coys. firing line, B Coy. support, - A Coy. reserve. - - Mar. 11-- do. do. A Coy. changed with D. - - Mar. 12-- do. do. C Coys. line blown in, in 11 places. - - Mar. 13-- do. do. Support line blown in, in 4 places. - - Mar. 14--Philosophe Relieved by 3 Coys. 10th Gordons - and 1 Coy. Inniskilling Fusiliers. - Proceeded into Brigade reserve. - In billets. Day working parties of - 205 men supplied. - - Mar. 17--Hulluch Section Battalion (less D Coy.) relieved - 8th Inniskilling Fusiliers, going - into Brigade support in 10th - Avenue. D Coy. in reserve line - centre sub-section under O.C. - commanding 8th Seaforths. All - available men on working parties, - salving. - - Mar. 20--Noeux les Mines Relieved by 12th H.L.I. Marched - to Noeux les Mines. - - Mar. 22-- do. do. Night working parties of 6 officers - and 300 men supplied. - - Mar. 23-- do. do. B Coy. proceeded to La Buissiere - to do duty at 1st Corps H.Q. - - Mar. 25--Allouagne Railed to Lillers and marched to - Allouagne. Transport moved by - road. - - Mar. 28-- do. Ceremonial parade at Lillers at - 3 p.m. G.O.C. 1st Army distributed - medals. Brigade marched past - in column of route. - - April 1--Allouagne Innoculation. - - April 7--Fervin Palfart Divisional exercise. Battalion - left 7 a.m., billeted 2 p.m. - Marched via Lozinghem, Auchel, - Cauchy-a-la-Tour, Perfay Bellory, - Auchy-au-Bois to Fervin Palfart. - - April 8-- do. do. Marched to Enquin les Mines via - Flechin and Cuhen, entraining to - Fervin. - - April 9--Allouagne Marched back to billets. - - April 10-- do. Smoke demonstration at Burbure. - - April 10-- do. Lieut.-Col. J. W. Sandilands, - C.M.G., D.S.O., relinquished command - of Battalion on appointment - to 104th Brigade. - - April 21-- do. G.O.C. (15th Division) inspected - Companies. - - April 25--Annequin 12 noon A, C and D Coys. left - Allouagne, marched to Lillers, - entraining for Noeux les Mines. - Marched from Noeux les Mines to - reserve billets at Annequin. B - Coy. rejoined Battalion. - - April 26--Trench, Left Relieved 7th Royal Sussex Regiment - Sub-Section in Quarry Sector, front from - Quarry Sector Southern junction Swinbourne - Loup and Brookwood Trench to - Rifleman's Alley. A Coy. left, - D Coy. centre, B Coy. right - finding their own supports, C Coy. - reserve O.G.1. H.Q. in O.G.1 at - Pt. G11.d.3.9. - - April 27-- do. do. Shelling and Chlorine Gas. R.E. - exploded mine right leg of Hairpin; - bombers co-operated; casualties, - killed 6, wounded and shell shock - 18. - - April 28-- do do. Shelling and bombardment by - enemy. - - April 30--Noyelles and Relieved by 10th Gordons. Battalion - Vermelles in Brigade Reserve. A and C - Coys. billets Vermeilles. H.Q. - and B and D Coys. in billets - Noyelles. - - May 4--Left Sub-Section Relieved 10th Gordons in Left - Quarry Section Sub-Section Quarry Section. Disposition: - A. Coy. left, C Coy. centre, - B Coy. right finding their own - supports, D Coy. reserve in - O.G.1. Battalion H.Q. in O.G.1 - at Pt. G.11.d.3.9. front southern - junction of Swinbourne Loup and - Brookwood Trench to Rifleman's - Alley. At 5 p.m. enemy shelled - O.G.1. At 7 p.m. R.E.'s exploded - 3 mines at the Hairpin, our - bombers advanced and occupied - the lip of the crater. Enemy - bombarded front lines until - midnight. Casualties, 4 O.R. - killed, 28 wounded. - - May 5-- do. do. Bombardment during afternoon. - 1 O.R. killed, 3 wounded. - - May 6-- do. do. Bombardment continued. - - May 8-- do. do. From 5 to 5.45 a.m. Trench mortar - batteries bombarded far lip - of left Hairpin crater, but - were unsuccessful in destroying - it. At 10.30 a.m. relieved by the - 10th Gordons and moved into - Brigade support. Disposition: - C Coy. O.B.1, left of Fosse Way, - B Coy., O.B.1, right of Fosse - Way, D Coy. O.B.4 and O.B.5., - A Coy. Curley Crescent. H.Q. - junction of Fosse Way and Curley - Crescent. Found working parties - for 180th Tunnelling Coy. R.E., - 253rd Tunnelling Coy. R.E., and - 73rd Field Coy. R.E. - - May 9/10-- do. do. Found above working parties for - Tunnelling Coys. R.E. - - May 11--Labourse Relieved by the 7th Battalion - K.O.S.B.'s proceeding to billets - Labourse, arriving at 1.45 p.m. - Received orders to stand to - (4.30 p.m.). - - May 12-- do. Battalion standing to until 2.45 - p.m., when order to stand down - was received. - - May 13-- do. Working party of 4 officers and - 200 O.R. proceeded to trenches. - Major C. H. Marsh, D.S.O., assumed - command of the Battalion. - - May 14-- do. Two Coys. ordered to proceed at - once to the trenches under orders. - 46th Brigade. The other two Coys. - and H.Q. to proceed to Noyelles - under order 46th Brigade, C and - D occupying Lancashire trench. - H.Q. and A and B Coys. billets - at Noyelles. At 6 p.m. orders - from 46th Brigade that A Coy. - occupy part of Villiage line. B - Coy. occupy billets in Vermeilles, - H.Q. in Lancashire trench. Orders - executed by 7.30 p.m. - - May 15--Noyelles 9 a.m. orders from 46th Brigade - for A and B Coys. and H.Q. to - return to billets in Noyelles. - - May 17-- do. A and B Coys. relieved C and D - Coys. Lancashire trench. - - May 19--Left Sub-Section Battalion relieved 11th A. and - Hohenzollern S. H. Disposition: C Coy. right, - Section D centre, A Coy. left finding their - own supports, with B Coy. in - reserve. Front from Boyau 109 - (exclusive) to Mud Alley G.4.a.8.8. - (inclusive). Four men wounded. - - May 20-- do. do. Our saphead at G.4.a. 8½. 8½. - blown in by enemy. Seven O.R. - wounded. - - May 21-- do. do. 12.45 p.m. enemy sprung mine - between craters 3 and 4, filling - up our saps and connecting trench. - The damage was repaired. A severe - bombing fight took place. Casualties: - one officer killed. O.R., 5 - killed 19 wounded. Enemy driven - back. - - May 22-- do. do. Our engineers sprang mine in - centre sub-section in front of - junction of Poker Street and the - fire trench. - - May 23-- do. do. At 7.30 a.m. enemy completely - surprised us by springing another - mine at point G.4.d. 6½. 5½. Saps 9. - 9A Argyle Sap Hogsback and part - of Northampton trench filled with - debris; relief postponed until we - cleared trenches, etc. Relieved - by 8th Seaforths, moving into - Brigade support. Disposition: - A Coy.--1 platoon in Junction - Keep, 3 platoons in Lancashire - Trench; B Coy.--1 platoon in - Central Keep, 3 platoons in Railway - Reserve Trench. C and D Coys. - in Lancashire Trench. H.Q. at - point G. 3.c. 8.2. Casualties: - O.R. 3 killed, 46 wounded. - - May 24/26-- do. do. Every available man employed in - working parties. - - May 27--Right Sub-Section Battalion relieved 9th Black - Hohenzollern Watch. Disposition: B Coy. right, - Section A Coy. centre, D Coy. left finding - their own supports, C Coy. reserve. - Front extended from the junction - of Sackville Street and Hulluch - Alley on left to junction of - Quarry Bay and Brookwood Trench - on right. 9 p.m. our artillery - dispersed enemy working party - opposite Rabbit's Hole. - - May 28-- do. do. Two intelligence reports stated - enemy intended to attack and to - use gas. Killed O.R. 1, wounded - 4. - - May 29-- do. do. Similar reports received from air - reconnaissance. Abnormal transport - movement near Haines and 5000 - enemy seen moving in the open. - Artillery activity by our left - and right groups. O.R. wounded - 3. - - May 30-- do. do. Enemy trench knocked in by our - artillery. Enemy shelled Hulluch - Alley and rifle grenaded Rabbit's - Hole. Heavy trench mortar bomb - fell on our mine shaft heads - in front line, inflicting several - casualties. Enemy showed two - yellow flags with red St. Andrews - Crosses over parapet at the - Kink. - - May 31-- do. do. Heavy shelling by both sides. - O.R., 1 killed, 9 wounded. - - June 4--Bethune Relieved by 7/8th K.O.S.B.'s. - A Coy. proceeded to Gosnay. The - remainder of the Battalion were - billeted at Bethune in the Tobacco - Factory. O.R. 1 wounded. - - June 10-- do. In billets. A Coy. rejoined Battalion. - - June 12--Brigade Support Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. in Brigade - support, Hulluch Sector. Disposition: - A Coy. Curley Crescent, B Coy. - 2 platoons O.B.1, 2 platoons - O.B.5., C Coy. Tenth Avenue - between Hay Alley and Hulluch - Road. D Coy., 2 platoons - Lone Tree Redoubt. H.Q. at Junction - of Curley Crescent and Fosse - Way. Four platoons K.O.R. Lancaster - Regiment attached for instruction. - O.R. 2 wounded. - - June 16--Right Sub-Section Relieved 8th Seaforths. Disposition: - Hulluch Section C Coy., left, two platoons. B - centre, D Coy. right finding - their own supports. A Coy. and - 2 platoons of B in reserve trench - between Wings Way and Vendin - Alley. O.R. 2 killed, 20 wounded. - - June 22-- do. do. Disposition changed to: B Coy. - left, 2 platoons of East Surrey - Regiment in centre, A Coy. on - the right finding their own support. - Half Coy. 13th East Surrey Regiment - and C and D Coys. in reserve - trench. Surreys in for instruction. - O.R. 2 killed, 19 wounded. - - June 26-- do. do. Coy. of East Surrey Regiment - left trenches. - - June 28--Bethune After discharge of gas four patrols - of 39 men attempted to raid - enemy's trenches. 3 patrols held - up owing to uncut wire. Fourth - patrol bombed the German front - line and returned, leaving one - man killed. Battalion was relieved - by 10th/11th Scottish Rifles. - In billets. A and C Coys. Orphanage, - Bethune, B and D Coys. in Verquinal. - H.Q. Bethune. Casualties: killed 9, - wounded 19. - - July 6--Left Sub-Section Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. Disposition: - Hohenzollern D Coy. left, C Coy. centre, A Coy. - Section right finding their own supports, - B Coy. reserve. - - July 7-- do. do. Enemy shelled junction of Mud - Alley and Sticky Trench, and - Northampton Trench, doing considerable - damage. O.R. 3 wounded. - - July 8-- do. do. Mud Alley and Quarry shelled - with H.E. Four enemy seen in - crater wearing khaki caps our - pattern. O.R. 3 wounded. - - July 9-- do. do. More shelling on both sides. - Enemy exploded mine. O.R. 4 - wounded. - - July 10-- do. do. Relieved by 8th Seaforths. Battalion - in support. O.R. 4 wounded. - - July 12/13-- do. Found working parties. Officer - 1, O.R. 2 wounded. - - July 14--Right Sub-Section Relieved 9th Black Watch. Disposition: - B Coy. left, D Coy. centre, C Coy. - right finding their own supports, - A Coy. reserve. O.R. 1 wounded. - - July 15-- do. do. At 7.40 a.m. enemy exploded - small mine near Sap 98 A. No - damage done. O.R. 2 wounded. - - July 16-- do. do. From 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. our - artillery bombarded enemy's wire - and trenches. From 9 to 9.30 - enemy retaliated on Crown and - Border trenches, doing considerable - damage. Casualties: 4 killed, - 11 wounded. At 4 a.m. enemy - exploded mine near the right - crater of the Hairpin. R.E.'s - exploded 2 mines in the same - vicinity. These explosions filled - in our trenches. - - July 17--Right Sub-Section At 9 p.m. enemy started heavy - Hohenzollern bombardment on our front, and - Section under cover of this raided our - trenches in the vicinity of Alexander - Sap, capturing one officer and - 12 O.R. Casualties: killed 3, - wounded 5. - - July 18-- do. do. At 6 p.m. R.E.'s exploded 2 - mines at junction of Rifleman's - Alley and Alexander Trench, destroying - Border Redoubt and Alexander - Sap. Two craters were formed, - the left the larger. Our bombers - occupied the far lip of the - left crater, and tried to hold - the right crater, which was found - to be untenable owing to rifle - grenades and aerial darts. A - bombing post was constructed, - and the work of consolidating - craters carried out. Casualties: - One officer and 6 men killed; - 4 officers and 32 men wounded; - 1 crushed; 1 shell shock. - - July 19-- do. do. The enemy sprang a mine in existing - craters at Hairpin; 2 killed, - 4 wounded. - - July 20-- do. do. Intermittent shelling by enemy; - 5 wounded. - - July 22--Houchin Relieved by 2nd Royal Berkshire - Regiment and proceeded to billets - at Houchin. O.R. 1 wounded. - - July 23--Dieval Left Houchin and proceeded via - Bruay to billets at Dieval. - - July 26--Gouy-en-Ternois Left Dieval and marched via La - Trieuloye and Averdoingt to - billets Gouy-en-Ternois. - - July 27--Occoches Marched from Gouy-en-Ternois - via Honval, Rebreuve and Canteleux - to billets at Occoches. - - July 28--Autheux Marched from Occoches to billets - at Autheux. - - July 30-- do. Draft of 25 O.R. arrived from base. - - July 31--Naours Marched from Autheux via Fienvilliers - and Candas to billets at Naours. - - Aug. 4--Mirvaux Marched at 4.45 a.m. via Talmas - and Septenville to Mirvaux. - - Aug. 5--La Houssoye Marched to La Houssoye via Behencourt. - Billets and bivouac. - Bathing in river L'Hallue. - - Aug. 8--Albert E.7.b. Instructions issued 4th platoon - in each Coy. to be pioneer platoon, - 1 2 and 4 platoons to be full - strength of fighting unit of - 10's. 3 platoons to be weak - platoons. - - Aug. 11-- do. Found working parties of 400 O.R. - - Aug. 12--E.5.b.7.6. Replaced 9th Black Watch in - bivouac at E.5.b.7.6. Bde. in - Division reserve. - - Aug. 14--X.22.a (Peakwood) Brigade in "C" area. - - Aug. 15-- do. Found working parties making - Highland trench. - - Aug. 16--"B" area Relieved the 9th Black Watch - (the Cutting) "B" area Brigade support. Disposition: - H.Q. The Cutting, C (less 1 - platoon) and D Coy., Gourlay - Trench; 1 platoon C Coy. and - 1 Lewis gun, Villa Keep; A Coy. - Contalmaison; B Coy. Cutting - Contalmaison X17.A. Received - orders from Brigade to attack - next morning. - - Aug. 17--"A" area Attacked Switch Elbow. Relieved - (Front Line) by 8th Seaforths during the - night and early morning. Casualties: - killed 4 officers, died of wounds - 1, wounded 9; O.R., 40 killed, - 4 died of wounds, 9 missing - believed killed, missing 7, missing - believed wounded 7, wounded 160. - - Aug. 18--"C" area In Brigade reserve--reorganising. - - Aug. 19--"C" area Found working parties. O.R. killed - 2, wounded 3. - - Aug. 20--"B" area Replaced 8/10th Gordons in Brigade - support. Heavy gas shelling - by enemy. - - Aug. 21--"B" area Found working parties. Casualties - 6 wounded. - - Aug. 22--"A" area Relieved 8/10th Gordons front - line. Disposition: A Coy.--2 - platoons Gourlay trench, 2 platoons - Lancashire trench; B Coy. Gourlay - trench; C Coy.--Cameron trench, - between Gordon Alley and Gloucester - Alley with supports in Highland - trench; D Coy.--Cameron trench - between Gordon Alley and Munster - Alley, with supports in Butterworth - trench. H.Q. in Gourlay trench. - Commenced construction of 6 - strong points in front of front - line during the night. Casualties:--killed - 4, died of wounds 1, wounded 7. - - Aug. 23-- do. 5 of strong points completed and - occupied. O.R. 3 killed, 3 - wounded. - - Aug. 24--Scotts Redoubt In Brigade reserve. Relieved by - 9th Black Watch replacing 8/10th - Gordons in Scotts Redoubt. Found - working parties. - - Aug. 26--"C" area Replaced 8/10th Gordons in "C" - Battalion area 4.30 a.m.; in new - position by 6.30 a.m. C and D - Coys.; A and B Coys. 7 a.m. Disposition: - C and D Coys. Contalmaison; A and - B Coys. X22.b. Found working parties. - - Aug. 28--"B" area In Brigade support. Replaced - 8/10th Gordons A Coy. and B - (less one platoon) Gourlay trench - (one platoon B Coy. keep Contalmaison), - C Coy. Contalmaison and D Coy. - Cutting. Wiring party Highland - trench. O.R. 1 killed, 1 wounded. - - Aug. 29--"B" area Party completes wiring Highland - trench. O.R. 1 wounded. - - Aug. 30--Bivouac O.B.1 Brigade moved into Divisional - Trench Reserve. Relieved by 24th Northumberland - Fusiliers and occupied bivouac - at O.B.1 trench X.26.d. O.R. - 2 wounded. - - Sept. 5--Front Line Right Battalion relieved 12th H.L.I. and - Brigade Area 10th Scottish Rifles in front line. - Right Brigade. Support. B Coy. - left front Swansea trench, D - Coy. 1 platoon Intermediate - trench, 1 platoon Quarry, 2 - platoons Mill Street; A Coy. - Right front Bethel Sap, Clarkes - trench and strong point; C Coy. - support Argyle Alley Chester - Street. H.Q. in the Quarry. - - Sept. 6-- do. Killed 2, wounded 4. - - Sept. 7--O.G.1 between Battalion moved into position - S.7.c.2.1 and O.G.1 from S.7.c.2.1. to S.14.a.3.6. - S.14.a.5.6 (behind Bazentin-le-Petit-Wood), - being relieved by 8th Seaforths. - Disposition: from left to right - D, B, C, (less 1 platoon) and A Coys. - 1 platoon C Coy. and 4 Lewis guns - relieved the garrison of the keep - held by D Coy. 8th Seaforths at - about Point S.7.b.4.8. Casualties--killed - 1, wounded 10. - - Sept. 10--"B" area Relieved by "B" Battalion 149th - Infantry Brigade and "B" Battalion - 159th Infantry Brigade, and - moved into "B" area. A and C - Coys., Cutting, B and D Pearl - Alley, H.Q. Peakewood. Casualties--wounded - 6. - - Sept. 11--Front Line Relieved the 8/10th Gordons in - Sanderson the front line. Disposition: A - Trench Coy., 2 platoons Sanderson trench, - 2 platoons Egg trench and 6th - Avenue, C Coy., 2 platoons front - line to Pioneer trench, 2 platoons - near Villa wood, B Coy. Koyli - trench. Casualties: Officers 1 - wounded; O.R. killed 3, wounded - 14. - - Sept. 13--Bivouac E.7 Relieved by 6/7th R.S.F. and - Central proceeded via Contalmaison, Scotts - Redoubt, Becourt Wood, Albert, - Albert-Amiens Road to bivouacs - at E.7 Central. - - Sept. 14--Shelter Birch Battalion moved into Brigade - and reserve at Shelter-Wood, Birch-Wood, - Round-Woods. Round-Wood. - - Sept. 18--Koyli Trench Brigade support. Disposition: - D Coy. Ham trench, A Coy. Egg - trench, C Coy. Post trench and - part of Sanderson trench, B Coy. - Tangle trench. H.Q. junction of - Koyli trench and Welch trench. - - Sept. 19--Bivouac E.5.b. Battalion relieved by 8th Yorks - and Lavieville 23rd Division on night of 18th, - and morning of 19th rested in - Bivouac (E.5.b.), afterwards proceeding - to camp at Lavieville. - - Sept. 20--Franvillers In billets. - - Sept. 22-- do. In billets. - - Oct. 6--Becourt-Wood Brigade sports cancelled and - Brigade moved up to Becourt-Wood - and bivouaced; men's lines in - cemetery and officers on other - side of road. - - Oct. 8--Crescent Alley Battalion line. A Coy. O.G.1 - B Coy. Starfish trench, C, D Coys. - (less one platoon) Prue trench, - H.Q. one platoon D Coy. Crescent - Alley. Casualties:--Officers, 1 - wounded; O.R.'s, killed 2, wounded 27. - - Oct. 11--Front Line Relieved 9/10th Gordons night of - 10/11th in front line. Disposition - D Coy. on left of Le Sars-Bapaume - Road, B Coy. on right of Le - Sars-Bapaume Road. C Coy. Cutting - in M.16.c. A Coy. 2 platoons Tangle - M.22.a. 2 platoons in O.G.2. H.Q. - at M.22.a.2.1. Casualties:--Officers, - wounded 2; O.R.'s, killed 5, - wounded 22, shell shock 5. - - Oct. 13--Crescent Alley Relieved by 8th Seaforths. A - Coy. Crescent Alley, B and D - Coys. Prue trench Coy., O.G.1 H.Q. - Crescent Alley. Casualties:--Officers, - wounded 1, O.R., killed - 10, wounded 17, shell shock 6. - - Oct. 14--Contalmaison Relieved by 12th H.L.I. proceeding - Cutting into reserve area. - - Oct. 19--Right Section "C" area, relieved the 9th Black - Front Area Watch. Starfish trench. A, C, - B Coys. 2 platoons, D Coy. Tangle - trench, 2 platoons D, Tyne trench - H.Q. M33.D.4.4. - - Oct. 21--"A" area Front Relieved 8/10th Gordons front - Line line. Disposition: A, C Coys. - front line, B Coy. Sunken Road, - Tangle, D Coy. O.G.2. Battalion - carried in two day's rations. - - Oct. 23--"B" area Relieved by the 9th Black Watch - moved into "B" area in support, - A, C Coys. Prue trench, B Coy. - Crescent Alley, D Coy. O.G.1, - H.Q. Crescent Alley. - - Oct. 24--Contalmaison In reserve. Battalion relieved by - Cutting 12th H.L.I. Casualties: killed - 3, wounded 5, shell shock 8. - - Oct. 27--"C" Area Battalion relieved 10th Scottish - Starfish Rifles. A and C Coy. Starfish, - Line D Coy. Tyne, Tangle, H.Q. Martin - Alley. Casualties: 4 wounded. - - Oct. 30--Front Line Battalion relieved 10th Scottish - Rifles in "A" area. B and D - front line, A Coy. Sunken Road, - C Coy. O.G.1, H.Q. 26th Avenue. - - Oct. 31--"D" Area, Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. B - Reserve and D Coys. Swansea trench, A - Coy. O.G.1, C Coy. Gourlay trench, - H.Q. Bazentin-le-Petit. Casualties: - killed 4, wounded 8, shell - shock 3. - - Nov. 2--Becourt Hill Battalion was relieved and moved - into Camp. - - Nov. 5--Bresle In Camp. - - Nov. 10-- do. Inspected by G.O.C.-in-C., who - expressed himself as greatly pleased - with appearance of Battalion, and - thanks them for work done. - - Nov. 20-- do. Brigade was inspected by Lieut.-General - Sir W. P. Putteney, K.C.B., D.S.O., - Commanding 3rd Corps. - - Nov. 21-- do. Brigade Sports. - - Nov. 26-- do. In Camp. Inspection by G.O.C. - 15th Division. - - Dec. 1--Albert Proceeded via Lavieville and - Millencourt to billets. Whole - Battalion on working parties. - - Dec. 7--Camp X23. To camp via La Boiselle and - Central Contalmaison. Found working - parties. Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. - about X23. Central. - - Dec. 16--Shelter-Wood In camp. Transport at C Hapes - Scotts Redoubt Spur. Relieved 8th Worcester's - North at Shelter-Wood Scots Redoubt - North. - - Dec. 17-- do. Found working parties. - - Dec. 19--Acid Drop South Battalion relieved 6th Camerons. - - Dec. 21--Front Line 26th Relieved 8/10th Gordons, Right - Avenue Sub-Section C Coy. Scotland - trench, Warlincourt and Gilbert - Alleys, A Coy. O.G.1. B Coy. and - H.Q. 26th Avenue, D Coy. Martinpuich. - Officers missing 1, wounded 1, - O.R. wounded 4. - - Dec. 23-- do. C relieved D, D relieved B, B - relieved A, A relieved C. - - Dec. 25--Acid Drop Camp Relieved by 8th Seaforths and - South proceeded by platoons to Acid - Drop camp south, 100 yds. interval. - - Dec. 26--Shelter Wood Relieved by 10th Scottish Rifles. - South Finding working parties. - - Dec. 31--Front Right Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. B Coy. - Sector right front, C Coy. left front, A - Coy. support Sunken Road, D - Coy. reserve Flers line. Q.M. - Stores Pioneer Camp. - - -1917. - - Jan. 2-- do. A and D Coys. relieved C and B - Coys. respectively. - - Jan. 4--Support Area Relieved by 4th Seaforths. A Coy. - moved to Prue trench, C Coy. to - Starfish, D Coy. to Seven Elms, - B Coy. to Starfish, H.Q. Seven - Elms. - - Jan. 5-- do. Dug new communication trench - near Spur trench. - - Jan. 7--Pioneer Camp Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. - - Jan. 8--Scots Redoubt Relieved 10th Scottish Rifles less - North B Coy. forming Brigade working - party at R.36.c. - - Jan. 12--Villa Camp Copse Moved to Villa Camp. - - Jan. 14--Acid Drop In reserve, relieved by 8/10th - Gordons. - - Jan. 16--Front Line Relieved 9th Black Watch: Right - Section left Sector A Coy. on - right, C on left, B in support, - 3 platoons in O.G.1., one platoon - Destremont Farm, D Coy. in reserve - 26th avenue. - - Jan. 18-- do. B and D Coys. relieved C and A - Coys. respectively. - - Jan. 20--Scots Redoubt Relieved by 12th H.L.I. Killed - North 1, O.R. wounded 1 officer, 4 O.R. - - Jan. 24--Front Right Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. in left - Sector sub-sector, C Coy. left, A Coy. - right, B support, Sunken Road, - D Coy. Flers line. - - Jan. 26-- do. D and B Coys. relieved A and C - Coys. respectively. - - Jan. 28--Support Line Relieved by 8th Seaforths, A Coy. - Prue trench, C Martinpuich, B - Starfish, B Coy. and H.Q. Seven - Elms. - - Jan. 30--Pioneer Camp Relieved by 9th Black Watch. - - Feb. 1--Becourt Camp Relieved by 18th Australian Battalion. - The 5th Australian Brigade. - - Feb. 4--Contay In billets training. - - Feb. 14--Beauval Moved to Beauval route Herressart, - Le val de Maison Vert, - Grand Fare. - - Feb. 15--Gazaincourt Moved here at 11 a.m. - - Feb. 16--Bouque-maison Moved here at 8 a.m. - - Feb. 17--Croisette Moved here less two Coys. to - Framecourt at 7.45 a.m. - - Feb. 18--Moncheaux Moved here at 9.15 a.m. via - Framecourt, Houvin Station, Buneville. - - Feb. 22-- do. Working party of 16 officers, 544 - other ranks sent to Milly. - - Feb. 24--Maisieres Moved here less working party. - - Mar. 2-- do. Working party rejoined Battalion. - - Mar. 6-- do. The 44th Brigade inspected by - Commander-in-Chief at Ambrine. - - Mar. 11--Arras The 44th Brigade relieved the - 45th Brigade. Battalion in reserve. - 1.3. Sector. Route:--Penin, Tilloy, - Hermaville, St. Pol-Arras Road. - A Coy. relieved 8/10th Gordons - as permanent Garrison of the - Cemetery Defences. Men in Arras - only allowed out between 5.45 p.m. - and 9.30 p.m. Transport and Q.M. - Stores at Duisans. - - Mar. 15--Front Line Battalion relieved 8/10th Gordons - in right sub-sector of 1.3. sector. - Disposition: D Coy. Front Line, - C Coy. 2 Platoons support trench, - 1 platoon reserve trench, 1 platoon - in billets near H.Q., B Coy. billets - 78.79. Grand Place. Casualties: - Killed, 9 O.R., wounded 16 O.R., - died of wounds 50 O.R. - - Mar. 16-- do. Cleaning trenches. B Coy. relieved - D Coy. in front line. - - Mar. 18--Arras, Front (1). D Coy. raided the enemy's - Line trenches between points G.21.d. - 5½.4.-2½.3.-0½.5.-3.5½. Zero hour - 2.50 a.m. (2). The 9th and 12th - Division co-operated at zero hour - by similar raids on their divisional - fronts. Casualties were: 18 O.R. - wounded. - - Mar. 19-- do. Battalion relieved in right sub-sector - 1.3. section by the 12th H.L.I. - - Mar. 20--Harbarcq Moved to Harbarcq at 7.15 p.m. - Reserve. Casualties: Killed, 1 - O.R., missing believed killed 1 O.R., - wounded 1 officer, 35 O.R., died - of wounds 2 O.R. - - Mar. 26--Arras In support. Relieved 9th Black - Watch and were attached to the - 46th Brigade Infantry. - - do. Found working parties. Casualties: - 4 O.R. wounded. Transport at - Duisans. - - Mar. 31--Front Line Front Line. The 44th Brigade - relieved on the right sub-sector - of the 1.3 sector. Battalion relieved - the 12th H.L.I. A Coy. front - line. D Coy. 3 platoons support - line, 1 platoon reserve line. - C Coy. in cemetery defences. - B Coy. in Billets. - - April 3--Arras, Grand Reserve. Relieved by the 8/10th - Place Gordons and moved into billets - in cellar Grand Place. 2 O.R. - wounded. - - April 8--Arras Battle In support. At 11.30 p.m. Battalion - moved out of cellars in the - Grand-Place, via the sewer and - communication trenches to assembly - trench in front of the Cemetery. - H.Q. in cellars in Rue-de-Douai. - - April 9-- do. Battalion reported in support - position ready for attack. At - 5.30 a.m. (zero hour) under intense - barrage assaulting battalions - (8/10th Gordons on right and - 9th Black Watch on left), supported - by 7th Camerons, attacked the - first system of enemy trenches. - The Black Line gained. Battalion - occupied O.G.1. and O.G.2. - - At 7.50 a.m. attack on the second - objective began. The 9th Black - Watch on the left held up by - the Railway Triangle, so also - were the 8/10th Gordons. With - the assistance of a tank the 9th - Black Watch captured the Rail-Triangle - (Blue Line). - - At 3 p.m. received orders to - relieve the 9th Black Watch on - the left. Reorganised in Hermes - trench. - - April 10--Front Line B and D Coys. moved forward, - 2 platoons into Hecq trench and - 2 platoons into Helle trench. - A and B Coys. moved to Cable - trench. - - At 1 p.m. Battalion ordered to - proceed to the east side of Feuchy - to support the 45th Infantry - Brigade. Move completed by 4 - p.m. Relieved by 6th Camerons, - Battalion proceeding to trenches - previously occupied. - - April 11-- do. At 3 a.m. received orders to - occupy part of the Brown Line. - A Coy. right front. C Coy. left - front. B Coy. right support. - D left support. Move completed - by 4 a.m. Received orders to - take objective line running - through I 22.23.24. At 11 a.m. - coys. moved from their position - in artillery formation to the - attack, moving half right for - Orange Hill. Battalion then - occupied a system of trenches - about H.29 Central. Orders received - that at 2.50 p.m. a barrage - was commencing in Loue-Copse, - and that at 3 p.m. the Brigade - was to attack. Despite heavy - fire Battalion succeeded in - reaching a position running - between Lone Copse and Monchy. - - At 7.30 p.m. orders received - from Brigade that Battalion was - to be relieved by a Battalion of - the 50th Brigade. The greater - portion of the Brigade reached - Monchy. The men of the Battalion - in and around Monchy ordered - to place themselves under the - the command of the C.O. Essex - Yeomanry, then in charge of the - defences of Monchy. - - April 12-- do. At 3.30 a.m. O.C.'s Coys. ordered - to link up with the 8/10th Gordons - and to form a line about 100 yards - in front of the Sunken Road. This - movement completed relieved by a - company of the Worcester Regiment. - Battalion moved back to Helle - trench, arriving there about - 5.30 a.m., where it remained till - 3 p.m., when it moved back into - billets at Arras. 23 officers and - 521 men proceeded to attack, 11 - officers and 346 men returned. - Therefore the total casualties - were 12 officers and 175 men. - - April 14--Arras In reserve. 4 O.R. killed, 2 - officers and 21 O.R. wounded, - 1 O.R. missing. Died of wounds - 1 O.R. Casualties during the - operations during 9/12th April, - killed 5 officers, 19 O.R. Wounded, - 7 officers and 128 O.R. Missing - 24 O.R. - - April 22--Front Line Battalion relieved 8/10th Gordons, - taking over the Left Sub-Section, - leaving the Grand Place billets - at 6.30 p.m. Route via St. Saveur, - Tilloy, N.15.d.7.9. N.16. C.1.8. - N.10.d.5.1 and thence by trolley - line to front line. Disposition: - A Coy. on right. D Coy. on left. - C Coy. in support about N.11.a.2.6. - B Coy. in reserve, and H.Q. about - N.11.a.5.2. O.R. killed 3, wounded 1. - - April 23-- do. The 15th Division attacked the - enemy, their objective being the - Blue Line Bridge at O.14 Central - to O.8 Central to small wood in - O.8.B.1.2. - - At zero hour 4.45 a.m., under - an intense barrage, the Battalion - attacked the front line trench. - At Bullet trench we captured - about 40 prisoners and a machine - gun at N.18.b.9.8. Finding ourselves - out of touch, we dug ourselves - in. At 5.45 a.m. the centre - of the Battalion moved up, fortifying - a post about the sunken Road - (N.18.b.9.5.) - - At 10.30 a.m. the trench up to - the Cambrai Road was cleared. - At mid-day, under a new barrage, - we were enabled to push forward, - forming a new post about N.13.a.2.6, - probably part of Hammer trench. - At 6 p.m. the 46th Brigade advanced - through us, enabling our Lewis - Guns to do good work as the - Germans retired from the trenches. - - April 24--Arras Front At 2 a.m. after reorganisation the - Line Battalion moved back to behind - the Brown line, N.15.b. Central, - the 44th Brigade becoming supports. - - April 25-- do. Battalion relieved the 10th Scottish - Rifles in front line from Cambrai - Road to about 300 yards south, - the Coys. from left to right - being C, D, B and A Coys. - - April 26-- do. At 10.30 a.m. the 44th Brigade - advanced to the attack, one - objective being Cavalry Farm and - the German trenches to the east - of it. The advance was made in - 2 waves, A and B in first wave, - and C and D Coys. in second wave, - 20 yards between waves. The - advance reached the farm without - much difficulty, where they found - the trench very strongly held, and - at the same time a machine gun - opened fire on the left, coming - from the trenches which the 46th - Brigade had failed to capture. - The Battalion was forced to withdraw, - leaving a strong point on the - German line and another small - post to the east of the farm. - The remainder withdrew to our - original position. - - April 27-- do. About 2 a.m. orders were received - to try and reorganise the attack. - This idea was given up when it - was learnt that the 46th Brigade - on our left had failed to attain - their objective. Officers and - patrols were sent out to try and - establish posts to link up with the - Black Watch, who had advanced - and made posts. This endeavour - failed. At 10.30 p.m. the Battalion - was relieved by the Seaforths - moving into support in the O.B. - trenches and Shovel trench. - - April 28-- do. Support line. The Battalion was - relieved from the support line by - the A Coy. of the 3rd London - Regiment at 9.30 p.m. Casualties:--13 - officers and 570 men went into - action; 6 officers and 191 men - returned; the total casualties - being 7 officers and 369 men, - of these 64 n.c.o.'s and men - were killed. - - April 29--Simincourt In rest. Battalion moved from - Arras to Simincourt at 2.45 p.m., - via Rue St. Aubert, L.29.d. - Danville, L.34.c. Bernville. - - April 30-- do. In rest cleaning up, etc. - - May 1-- do. In rest. Training under Coy. - to arrangements. Casualties in - May 7-- operations 23rd to 28th April. - Killed, 4 officers and 78 O.R. - Wounded, 249 O.R. Missing 42 O.R. - Died of wounds, 3 O.R. - - May 8--Grand Rullecourt In rest. Battalion moved to - billets in Grand Rullecourt at - 8.20 a.m. - - May 21--Vacqueril The 15th Division was transferred - le Boucq to the XIX. Corps. Battalion - moved to Vacqueril at 5.45 a.m. - - May 22--St. Georges Moved to St. Georges at 7.30 a.m. - via Conchy and Wail. Battalion - training. - - June 21--Croix Moved at 3.15 a.m. to Croix with - 1 Coy. at Siracourt. Route: Willeman, - Oeuf, Siracourt. - - June 22--Pernes Moved to Pernes at 3.15 a.m. - St. Pol-Pernes Road. - - June 23--Bourecq Moved to Bourecq. C and D Coy. - with A and B Coys. at Ecquedeque - at 9.20 a.m. - - June 24-- do. Major General H. F. Thullier, - C. B., C.M.G., assumed command - of the 15th Division (17/6/17). - - June 26--Steenbecque Moved to Steenbecque at 7 a.m. - - June 26--St. Sylvestre Moved to billeting area, S.E. of - Cappel St. Sylvestre Cappel at 4.20 a.m. - - June 27--Vlamertinghe Moved into 9th Army area camp - about 2 miles S.W. of Vlamertinghe - at 3.15 a.m. - - July 1--Vlamertinghe In reserve. - Eerie Camp - - July 2--East of Battalion moved into Brigade - Ypres-Menin Road support as follows:--C Coy. Half - Moon trench. D and B Coys. in - the Ecole. A Coy. in the Convent. - H.Q. in the Menin Road (19.d.05.45). - Battalion went into line 600 - strong with 1 Coy. Commander - and 3 officers per Coy. - - July 3/4-- do. In support. Finding working - parties. O.R. killed 2, wounded 8. - - July 5--Front Line Battalion relieved the 9th Black - Dragoon Farm Watch in the left sub-section - right sector. Disposition: C Coy. - in front line (left). B Coy. in - front line (right). A Coy. in St. - James' trench. D Coy. Millcotts - (1 platoon). Potiize defences - (1 platoon), Potiize Road (2 - platoons). H.Q. at Dragoon Farm. - Finding working parties. Casualties: - Wounded, 2 officers and 8 O.R. - - July 8-- do. Front line. Patrols. A patrol - of 1 officer and 10 O.R. proceeded - at night across No Man's Land - to the Stables. No enemy encountered. - Casualties: Killed 7 O.R., wounded - 11 O.R. - - July 9--Vlamertinghe In reserve. Battalion relieved by - 13th Royal Scots. Relief platoons - proceeded independently to Eerie - Camp. Casualties: O.R. 1 killed - and 2 wounded. - - July 10--Rubrouck Battalion marched to Popperinghe, - Training trained to Arneke, marched to Le - Area Cloche. Transport by road. - - July 17--Winnezelle In rest. Battalion moved by - Billeting Area route march to Winnezelle area, - under orders of 46th Infantry - Brigade at 7.30 a.m. Route: Esquelbecq, - Wormhoudt, to billets half a - mile north of L in Lodgehoek. - - July 18--Toronto Camp In reserve. Battalion moved at - Brandhoek. 12.30 a.m. to Toronto Camp by - route march via Winezeele, Droglanet, - Watou, Popperinghe. - - July 21--Camp at In support. Battalion moved into - H.16.a.5.8. support camp at H.16.a.5.8., relieving - 8th Seaforths. O.R. 1 killed. - - July 23--Front Line Front line. Battalion relieved - Railway. Dugout 8th Seaforths in the right sub-section - at Southlane I Sector. Disposition: A Coy. - in right front. D Coy. in left. - B Coy. in support (Half Moon). - C Coy. in reserve (Ecole). H.Q. - at Dugout under Railway at South - Lane. Strength of Battalion - going into trenches: 15 officers, - 342 O.R.'s. - - July 24-- do. A raid on enemy's trenches by one - officer and 12 O.R. captured 1 - prisoner and a machine gun. The - party had one man slightly wounded. - Casualties: Wounded in action - (2 gassed), 8 O.R., missing - 1 O.R. - - July 25-- do. No Man's Land was patrolled. - Casualties: Wounded (1 gassed) - 11 O.R., killed 10 O.R. - - July 28-- do. A raid was carried out upon the - enemy's front line trenches by - D Coy. and 3 platoons from A - Coy. at 7 p.m. under an intense - barrage. Simultaneous with this - raid another party of 1 officer - and 14 O.R. proceeded from the - right of our line in search - of suspected M/G. This party - bombed Culvert and Dugout (where - the suspected machine gun was). - Both parties returned - about 7.30 p.m., having inflicted - many casualties and taken prisoner - 1 officer and 39 O.R. with 1 machine - gun. Our casualties were slight, - being: Killed 1 O.R., missing - 2 O.R., wounded 1 officer and - 6 O.R. - - July 29--H.16.d.5.8. At 9 p.m. the Battalion - was relieved by the 8/10th Gordons - and returned to camp at H.16.d.5.8. - Casualties: Killed 2 O.R., missing - 2 O.R., wounded 2 officers and - 17 O.R., died of wounds 1 officer. - - July 30-- do. In reserve. Battalion marched - to position of assembly of attack, - being 20 officers and 588 men - strong. The Battalion was in - reserve to the 44th Infantry Brigade. - Disposition: A Coy. 2 platoons - "A.R.A." Dump, 30 men "A.R.B." - Dump (Thatch Barn), 30 men Half - Moon trench, B Coy. St. James - trench, C Coy. in Half Moon - trench Right of West Lane, D Coy. - Hedge trench south of West Lane. - H.Q. I.10.d.5.5. (South Lane). - Route to trenches via "F" Track. - - July 31--I.10.d.5.15. Brigade reserve. Zero hour 3.50 - a.m. Shortly after zero hour - Thatch Barn dump (A.R.B.) was - blown up, inflicting considerable - casualties to one platoon. This - necessitated platoon detailed for - A.R.A. Dump carrying forward to - A.R.C. Dump. Heavy casualties - among carrying parties. At 10 - a.m. Battalion less A Coy. moved - forward into German front system - and came under heavy shell fire. - At 1 p.m. H.Q. went forward to - German reserve line. At 2 p.m. - one platoon went forward to construct - a strong point on Black Line - under R.E. officer, but owing - to heavy shelling it had to retire. - One Coy. went forward into Blue - Line, constructing and occupying - 5 strong points. - - Aug. 1--German Reserve At 5 a.m. the Battalion moved - Line forward as Battalions in support. - Disposition: 2 Coys. in trench - immediately behind North Station - Buildings, 1 Coy. in strong point - in Blue Line. The enemy counter-attacked - the right front of the Brigade, - but they were driven back, 4 - men being taken prisoner and - many killed. We occupied the - original front line. Relieved - 8/10th Gordons in front line. - - Aug. 3--Camp H.16. Battalion was relieved by two - Coys. of the Munster Regiment - and went back into camp. Casualties - during operations: Officers, - 6 killed, 1 died of wounds. O.R.'s - 12 killed, 205 wounded, 23 missing - believed killed. 17 missing believed - wounded, 23 missing unknown, - 5 died of wounds. Total: 7 officers, - 285 O.R.'s. - - Aug. 4--Winnezelle The 44th Brigade moved to Winnezelle - No. L 2 area by bus and billeted - in tents. - - Aug. 8-- do. Battalion was inspected by G.O.C. - 15th Division at 9.30 a.m. - - Aug. 17--Brandhoek Camp In camp. Moved to Brandhoek - area No. L.3; route: Watou, St. - Janister, Biezen Switch Road. - March off 12.15 p.m. - - Aug. 19-- do. Battalion proceeded to training - area, 17, 18, 23 and 24. Practising - attack. At 5.30 p.m. Battalion - moved to Bivouac Camp, H.17.A.1.9. - - Aug. 20--Bivouac Camp The 15th Division was ordered to - continue the offensive on "2" day. - At 6.30 p.m. the Battalion moved - to relieve the 8th Battalion - Worcester Regiment at Pommern - Redoubt on the night of the - 20/21st. After completion of - relief disposition of Battalion was - as follows: 2 platoons "A" Coy. - and 2 platoons "B" Coy. in - Pommern Redoubt; 2 platoons - "A" Coy. and 2 platoons "B" Coy., - and "C" and "D" Coys. in shell - holes in neighbourhood of C.30.a. - and C.29.b. H.Q. in Pommern - Redoubt. - - Aug. 21/22--Pommern At zero hour 4.45 a.m. on the - Castle 22nd, disposition of Battalion - was: A Coy. on right front; B - Coy. left front; C Coy. right and - support; D Coy. left and support. - The attack was launched and - the Battalion advanced to a - line about 200 west of Hill 35, - where it was held up owing to - heavy fire. Further advance was - impossible. On the night of the - 22nd/23rd August, Battalion was - relieved by the 9th Black Watch. - - Aug. 23--Rupprecht Farm After relief Battalion proceeded - to Rupprecht Farm. - - Aug. 23/24--Eerie Camp Battalion relieved by 8/10th - Gordons and proceeded to Eerie - Camp, reaching it about 6 a.m. - - Aug. 25-- do. Casualties 20th to 24th August: - Killed 4 officers, 30 O.R.; wounded - 5 officers, 132 O.R. - - Aug. 30--No. 2 Area Battalion moved to Watou No. 2 - Watou training area at 2.30 p.m. - - Sept. 1-- do. The 44th Infantry Brigade marched - to and entrained at 8 a.m. at - Caestre, and detrained at Arras - at 9 p.m., marching back from - Arras to billets at Montenescourt, - arriving about 1 a.m. (2/9/17). - - Sept. --Montennescourt In rest. Company training. - - Sept. 7--Blanchy Park Battalion moved at 3.45 p.m. - Route: L.2.C.2.4. St. Pol, Arras - Road, St. Nickolas, and relieved - the 10/11th H.L.I., 46th Brigade - at Blanchy Park (G.24.b.3.6.). - In reserve. Training. - - Sept. 14--Left Sector Battalion relieved the 11th A. and - Trenches S.H. 45th Brigade on the left - sector of the Division, right - sector Brigade front, finding - isolated post J.25.b.10.25. C Coy. - front line and scabbard support. - D Coy., 2 platoons left front, 1 - platoon scabbard support and 1 - platoon Welford trench. B and - A Coys. right and left reserves in - Lancer Avenue. H.Q. in Johnstone - Avenue about H.30.d.1.4. - - Sept. 18-- do. B and A relieved C and D respectively. - Casualties: O.R., 4 killed, 6 wounded. - - Sept. 23--Middlesex Camp Battalion relieved on the night - 22nd/23rd by the 8th Seaforths - and proceeded to Middlesex Camp - at G.17d.80.95 near Arras. Battalion - was in Brigade reserve. Company - training and working parties. - - Oct. 1--Barossa Camp Battalion was relieved by the - 10th Scottish Rifles, 46th Brigade, - and moved into Barossa Camp at - 2 p.m. Company training and - working parties. - - Oct. 2/9--Monchy Trenches Battalion relieved 13th Royal - Scots, right Sector, Monchy. - Disposition: D Coy. on right front, - C Coy. on left front, B Coy. in - support and A Coy. in reserve. - - Oct. 13-- do. A Coy. relieved C Coy., B Coy. - D Coy. C Coy. moved on relief - into Happy Valley. D Coy. moved - into support in Musket Reserve - and Curb Switch. - - Oct. 14-- do. In conjunction with a raid by the - Division on our right, Battalion - sent out two patrols each consisting - of one officer and 4 O.R. Of - No. 1 patrol only one man returned. - No. 2 patrol was seen to enter - enemy trench but never returned. - Killed 1 officer, missing 1 - officer and 7 O.R. - - Oct. 17--Rifle Camp Relieved by 8th Seaforths and - proceeding to Rifle Camp. Casualties: - 4 O.R. killed, 6 wounded. - - Oct. 21-- do. Battalion relieved 8/10th Gordons - in support. B and A Coys. Johnstone - Avenue, C and D Companies Rifle Camp. - - Oct. 25--Arras Battalion (less A Coy.) relieved by - 12th H.L.I. 46th Brigade. A Coy. - relieved by B Coy. 10th Scottish - Rifles. Battalion proceeded to - Oil Works, Arras. - - Nov. 2--Front Line The 44th Infantry Brigade relieved - the 45th Infantry Brigade, left - sector Divisional front. Battalion - relieved one Company of 6/7th R.S.F. - and three Companies of 11th A. and S.H. - Disposition: D Coy. right front, - C Coy. left front, B Coy. support, - A Coy. reserve. - - Nov. 7-- do. B and A Coys. relieved C and D - Coys. - - Nov. 10--Rifle Camp Battalion relieved by 8th Seaforths - and proceeded to Rifle Camp. - O.R. 2 wounded. In Brigade reserve. - - Nov. 14--Stirling Camp Relieved the 8/10th Gordons as - support Battalion. A Coy. in - Railway Cutting. C Coy. in - Embankment at Brigade H.Q. B Coy. - in Lancer Lane finding K.L.M. - posts. D Coy. in Stirling Camp. - - Nov. 18--Oil Works Battalion in support to 44th - Brigade. Relieved by 12th H.L.I. - and proceeded to Oil Factory, - Place St. Croix, Arras. - - Nov. 26--Wilderness Camp Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. at Wilderness - Camp in reserve. - - Nov. 28--Oil Works Relieved by 1st Battalion Lancashire - Regiment and proceeded - to Oil Works at Arras. - - Dec. 1--Trenches Battalion relieved 13th Royal - Scots in the left Div. Sect., front - line. Disposition: A Coy. on - right front, C Coy. on left front, - D Coy. in reserve. H.Q. in Candix - reserve (H.12.d.75.13). - - Dec. 8--In the Trenches Inter Coy. Relief C Coy., relieved - A Coy., and D Coy. B Coy. - - Dec. 13-- do. Relieved by 8/10th Gordons, Battalion - becoming support Battalion H.Q. - at H.11.c.7.9. - - Dec. 17--Ecole, Arras The 46th Inf. Bde. relieved the - 44th Inf. Bde. Battalion was - relieved by the 10th Scottish - Rifles and proceeded to the - Ecole des Jeunes Filles at Arras. - Companies occupied the Moat - Range for rifle practice and - Butte-de-Tir. - - Dec. 23--Pudding Trench Battalion relieved the 11th A. - and S.H. in Brigade Reserve in - and about Corps Line. H.Q. in - Pudding trench (H.16.C.7.5.). - - Dec. 27--Trenches Relieved the 8th Seaforths. B - Coy. on right front, C Coy. in - centre, D Coy. on left front, A Coy. - in support at Welford Reserve. - - -1918. - - Jan. 2--Ecole, Arras The 44th Inf. Bde. was relieved - by the 2nd Guards Bde. Battalion - was relieved by the 3rd Grenadiers - and proceeded into billets at - Ecole des Jeunes Filles at Arras, - - Feb. 5--Trenches Relieved 1st Duke of Wellingtons - and part of 2nd Battalion Essex - Regiment. Front line. - - Feb. 8--Bois des Boeufs Re-adjustment of Brigade Front - Camp on night of 8/9th Feb. A Coy. - relieved by D Coy. 8th Seaforths; - B Coy. relieved by C Coy., 11th - A. and S. H. C Coy. relieved by - 1 platoon 13th Royal Scots; D - Coy. relieved by 2 platoons 11th - A and S. H., B and C Coys. 8th - Seaforths. On relief, Battalion - became reserve Battalion in Bois - de Boeufs Camp. - - Feb. 11--Trenches Battalion in support relieving - 8/10th Gordons. Disposition: D - Coy. 3 pn. Fosse Farm, 1 pn. Brown - Line. C Coy. B.C.D. and E. Strong - Points. B Coy. and H.Q Fosse - Caves. A Coy. Brown line. - - Feb. 17--Front Line Relieved 8/10th Gordons. A Coy. - 3 pn. Fork Reserve, 1 Pn. Saddle - support, C.H.Q. Pick Caves. B - Coy. 3 Pn. Spade Reserve. 1 Pn. - Hoe trench, C.H.Q. Spade. C Coy. - 3 Pn. left front line, 1 Pn. support, - C.H.Q. Saddle support, D Coy. - 3 Pn. right front, 1 Pn. support, - C.H.Q. Saddle support. - - Feb. 20--Front Line Inter Coy. relief. A Coy. relieved - C Coy., B Coy. relieved D Coy. - - Feb. 23-- do. 1 officer and 28 O.R. raided the - enemy's trenches at 3.30 a.m. - There were no Germans in the - trenches, although 4 were found in - a saphead. 1 was killed and 3 - made prisoners. Our casualties, - nil. - - Feb. 23/24--Bois des Relieved by 8th Seaforths and - Boeufs became reserve Battalion. O.R. - 2 wounded. - - March 1-- do. Battalion relieved the 8/10th - Gordons, becoming support Battalion - in Les Fosse Farm. A Coy. - B.C.D. and E. strong points. - B Coy. 3 Pn. Fosse Farm, 1 Pn. - Brown Line. C and D Coys. Brown - Line. - - Mar. 7--Front Line Relieved in support by the 8th - Seaforths, and on relief relieved - the 8/10th Gordons in the front - area. Disposition: A Coy. in - left support, B Coy. in right - support, C Coy. left front, D Coy. - right front. - - Mar. 10-- do. Inter Coy. relief. A and B Coys. - relieved C and D Coys. O.R. 17 - wounded. - - Mar. 13--Reserve Line Relieved 8th Seaforths, becoming - reserve Battalion. - - Mar. 19--In Support Relieved 8/10th Gordons in support - Battalion. A Coy. N.12.c. B Coy. - 2 pn. N.12.c., 2 pn. North of - Fosse Cave. C Coy. strong points - B.C.D. and E. D Coy. 3 pn. Apple - and Pear trench, 1 pn. Gordon - Avenue. H.Q. Les Fosses Farm. - - Mar. 22/23-- do. Battalion ordered to withdraw - to the Army Line in N.7.a. and b. - - Mar. 23-- do. Battalion moved forward to support - the 8th Seaforths with their - right on N.8.c.8.0, and their left - on the Brown Line. This line - was held with 2 Coys. in front and - 2 Coys. in support. H.Q. at - Shamrock Corner. - - Mar. 25--Front Line Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. Moved - forward and relieved 8th Seaforths - in the front line. Disposition: - A Coy. left front, D Coy. left - support, B Coy. right support, - C Coy. right front, H.Q. in - N.9.C.8.5. - - Mar. 27-- do. Inter Coy. relief. D Coy. relieved - A Coy., B Coy. relieved C Coy. - - Mar. 28-- do. About 3 a.m. the enemy started - a heavy bombardment. About 7 a.m. - enemy infantry attacked and - gained a footing in the forward - trench and commenced to work - round our left in considerable - numbers. To avoid being cut - off D and B Coys. retired to rear - of Brown Line, here holding the - enemy attack until 1 p.m. About - 3 p.m. the line was withdrawn to - the Army Line in front of Tilloy. - About midnight Battalion withdrawn - from action and proceeded via - Arras, Dainville to Wanquetin. - - Mar. 28--Wanquetin Casualties sustained during battle: - Officers--Killed, 4; wounded 3; - missing 4; wounded and missing - 4; wounded (believed P. of W.) 1. - Other Ranks--Killed 1; wounded - 72; wounded (believed P. of W.) - 22; wounded and missing 28; missing - (believed killed) 6; missing - (believed P. of W.) 28; missing - 213. Total--16 officers; 372 - other ranks. - - Mar. 30--Arras Battalion proceeded to Arras and - were billetted in Petite Place. - - Mar. 31-- do. 44th Infantry Brigade relieved - 45th Infantry Brigade in the line - near Tilloy. Battalion being in - reserve. Formed into 2 double - Coys. - - April 1--Army Line One Coy. of the 9th Gordons was - attached to the Battalion, which - occupied the old trenches in rear - of the intermediate Army line - with H.Q. at 9.35.D.15.90. - - April 4--Arras Relieved by 13th Royal Scots and - proceeded to billets in Petite - Place, Arras. - - April 9--In the Trenches Relieved 13th Royal Scots in - reserve. B and D Coys. occupied - the tunnel and A and B Coys. the - large dug-out at 19.5.6.3.7. - - April 13--Arras Battalion was relieved by the 6th - Camerons 45th Brigade, and proceeded - to Petite Place, Arras, where - work parties were found. O.R.'s, - 7 wounded. - - April 18--In the Trenches Relieved the 8/10th Gordons at - 9 a.m. - - April 20-- do. Battalion relieved the 6th Camerons - in support. Disposition: A Coy. - in London Avenue and Inverness - Terrace (H.25.d.). B Coy. in - Blangy Front and support lines - between Pelves Lane and Cambrai - Road inclusive. C Coy. 2 platoons - in Tilloy Reserve (H.31.b.), - 1 platoon St. Patrick's Road - (H.31.a. central) 1 platoon - with Coy. H.Q. at Devil's Wood. - D Coy. in Blancy Front. H.Q. - Imperial Cave. - - April 23/24--Berneville The 44th Infantry Brigade was - relieved by the 167th Brigade. - Battalion was relieved by the - 8th Middlesex Regiment and proceeded - to Berneville via Dainville - and Warlus. - - April 24-- do. In camp. - - April 25--Auchel Battalion moved by bus to Camblain - Chatelain and Auchel at 7.20 a.m., - reaching Auchel about 1 p.m. - Transport by road independently. - - May 4--Y Huts, Etrun The 44th Brigade moved to the - XVII. Corps area 8.30 a.m. Marched - to Calonne-Ricourt, entrained - to Acq, march to Etrun. - - May 6-- do. Brigade moved to support area. - Disposition of Battalion: H.Q. - Portsmouth Camp G.3.b.9.2. B - and C Coys. in Colinwood Camp - G.3.b.6.6. D Coy. Cinema Hut - G.3.b.8.3. A Coy. Trafalgar - Camp G.3.d.7.4. - - May 10/11--In the Trenches Relieved 10th Scottish Rifles in - Right Sector, Left Sub Section - H.Q. at H.16.d.1.8. - - May 13/14-- do. Battalion took over area held by - 6th Camerons as far north as - H.17.b.35.60. Disposition: A - Coy. from H.17.d.0.8. to H.17.c.35.60 - (3 platoons), 1 platoon in Cam. - Avenue from H.17.c.10.70. B - Coy. as at present. Coy. H.Q. - H.16.d.5.2. C Coy. in front line - from H.17.d.10.60 to H.23.a.30.90 - (3 platoons). 1 platoon in a - cellar at H.17.c.45.35. D Coy. in - Pudding Trench (as far north as - H.16.c.79.60). - - May 14/15-- do. Inter Coy. relief. D Coy. relieved - A Coy. - - May 17--In Support Area Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. Took - over accommodation in Stirling - Camp. A and C Coys. with H.Q. - at Stirling Camp. B Coy. in - Cam. Valley. D Coy. in cellars, - and old gun pits Athies. O.R., - 3 wounded. - - May 20-- do. 2 Camerons escaped from German - Internment Camp and came through - British lines. - - May 24--Roclincourt Relieved by 13th Royal Scots - going into Divisional reserve at - Roclincourt Area. B and C Coy. - Collingwood Camp. A Coy. Trafalgar - Camp. B Coy. Cinema Hut. - H.Q. Portsmouth Camp. - - June 1/2--In the Trenches Relieved the 10th Scottish Rifles - in left front line. Officers, 3 - wounded: O.R.'s, 16 wounded, - 4 killed. - - June 6/7th--Arras Relieved by 4/5th Black Watch. - Battalion withdrew to Petite - Place, Arras. H.Q. at Rue des - Trois Visages. - - June 10-- do. The 7th Camerons were amalgamated - with the 6th Camerons, Lieut.-Col. - N. Macleod, D.S.O., to command - the new Battalion. 21 officers - and 383 O.R.'s were absorbed - in the 6th Camerons. 9 officers - and 466 O.R.'s were transferred - to the Base M (S) Depot. - - June 10--Lens Mardeuil Formed into a Cadre Battalion - for the purpose of training American - Battalions. Establishment: 10 - officers and 60 O.R.'s. Designation: - 7th Battalion Queen's Own Cameron - Highlanders Training Staff 118th - Infantry Brigade. 39th Division B.E.F. - - Entrained at Mardeuil at 10 a.m. - and proceeded to Barlin - for Audruicq Hazelbrouck. - - June 11--Hazelbrouck Arrived Hazelbrouck at 6 p.m. - (Ardruicq at 4 p.m.) Billeted - there for night. - - June 12--Calais Left Nortkerque-Hazelbrouck at - 9 a.m. and marched to Rodelinghem, - Calais, arriving 11 a.m. - - June 17-- do. Left Rodelinghem for camp at - Calais 13.3F.86.75, arriving at - 11 a.m. Affiliated to 3rd Battalion - 119th Regiment A.E.F. Started - training. - - June 21-- do. Lieut.-Col. F. Anderson, M.C., - late C.O. of the 6th Camerons, - joined as C.O. of this Staff. - - June 22-- do. Training Americans. - - July 1-- do. General Pershing inspects 119th - Regiment at training. - - July 2-- do. American Division leaves area. - Moved camp to a field in Veuse - Village. - - July 26--Listergaux Left Listergaux at 3.30 p.m. for - VII. Corps Reinforcement Camp - Watten by march, arriving about - 7 p.m. - - July 29--Watten Received orders to receive 823 - O.R. arriving Watten 30/7/28. - - July 30--Arneke Left Watten at 12.30 p.m., arriving - Arneke about 4 p.m. In billets - about 8.30 p.m. Battalion made - up of Black Watch, Seaforths and - Gordons. Dropped 350 O.R. at - Cassell to join A. and S. H. Our - Battalion are reinforcements for - 51st Division to be called XIX. - Corps Reinforcement. - - July 31-- do. Left Arneke and marched via - Cassel to a staging camp in St. - Eloy Area, Hazelbrouck. Map - 3 H. 30.85. - - Aug. 1-- do. A and D Coys. left camp at 1 p.m. - and marched to L.33.C. area where - they billetted. H.Q., B and C - Coys. marched to 28 A.24.c.6.6, - arriving at 10 p.m. - - Aug. 2--St. Eloy Area Moved back to old Chinese camp - at Sheet 28.G.14.A.05.70. - - Aug. 3-- do. Found working parties. - - Aug. 6-- do. 310 O.R.'s conducted by officers - left for 51st Division. - - Aug. 7-- do. 248 O.R. conducted by 6 officers - left for 51st Division. Remainder - of reinforcements entrained at - Remy Siding for La Cloche, reaching - there at 8.30 p.m. - - Aug. 8--La Cloche Cleaning up. - - Aug. 10-- do. 7 officers and 71 O.R. leave for - 51st Division, only 7th Camerons - now left. - - Aug. 13-- do. Leave La Cloche and march to - Esquebecq, entraining there at - 8.30 a.m. for Audruicq. Embus - at Audruicq for Listergaux, arriving - about midday. Received orders - that the 7th Camerons are to break - up and proceed to the 6th Battalion. - Lieut.-Col. F. Anderson to command - 8th Seaforths. - - Aug. 14--Listergaux Marched from Listergaux to Audruicq - and entrain at 11.30 a.m. for - 15th Division via Etaples. - - -[Illustration] - - - JAMIESON & MUNRO, LTD., PRINTERS. - 40 CRAIGS, STIRLING. - - - - -"THE 7TH CAMERONS ON HILL 70." - - -The frontispiece to this volume is a reproduction of a painting by the -distinguished War Artist, Joseph Gray. It was commissioned by Evan M. -Barron, Esq., Inverness, as a Memorial to the Battalion of which his -brother, Major James Barron, was second-in-command when he fell at the -Battle of Loos, on 25th September, 1915. The incident depicted by the -artist is thus described by Mr. John Buchan in _Nelson's History of -the War_:-- - - "Lieutenant-Colonel Sandilands of the 7th Camerons arrived on the - Hill. Being the Senior Officer present, he took command and planted - the headquarters' flag of his Battalion on the top. It was his - business to recall the van of the advance, now lost in the fog and - smoke of the eastern slopes, and to entrench himself on the summit. - The Redoubt was now out of our hands, and the line taken ran just - under the crest on the west, and was continued north of Loos by the - 46th Brigade. To retire the van was no light task. Two officers, - whose names deserve to be remembered, Major Crichton of the 10th - Gordons, and Major Barron of the 7th Camerons, volunteered for the - desperate mission. They fell in the task, but the order reached the - stragglers, and they began to fight their way back. In the midst of - encircling fire it was a forlorn hope, and few returned to the - British lines on the Hill. All down the slopes towards Lens lay the - tartans, Gordon and Black Watch, Seaforth and Cameron, like the drift - left on the shore when the tide has ebbed." - -Reproductions of the picture, measuring 25 inches by 12 inches, are on -sale as follows:--Signed Artist's Proofs, £3 3s.; Ordinary Prints, £1 -1s.; but purchasers of this volume may obtain - - Signed Artist's Proofs for £2 2s., - -on filling in name and address at foot of this page, and sending it, -along with a remittance, to - -Messrs. ROBERT CARRUTHERS & SONS, "Courier" Office, INVERNESS. - -_Name_ .............................. - -_Address_ ............................ - - .......................... - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of the 7th Battalion The -Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, by Col. J. W. Sandilands and Lt. Col. Norman Macleod - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY 7TH BATT. 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