CONCLUSION
28TH OCTOBER 1918 TO 15TH MARCH 1919
At the beginning of November 1918 Germany stood alone against her
enemies. The tottering empire of Austria soon shared the fate of
Bulgaria and Turkey. The Italian armies, which during the critical
summer months had remained inactive, in the late autumn hastened to
join in the general onslaught against the crumbling resistance of the
Central European States. On the 23rd October the offensive began, and
four days later the Piave was crossed by British and Italian forces.
As a result of this blow the mouldering edifice of the Hapsburg
dominions immediately collapsed, and on the 3rd November Austria[136]
accepted the armistice terms of General Diaz.
The military position of Germany was utterly hopeless. While
maintaining for a time her grasp on the Meuse against the Americans,
she was wholly unable to arrest the progress of the British armies
on the northern wing of the far-flung battle front. In the Battles
of the Selle, 17th to 25th October, the British forced the passage
of the river, and advanced to the line of the Sambre. Bankrupt of
hope and device Ludendorff surrendered to the logic of events,
and resigned on the 26th October. Surmounting their commissariat
difficulties the Americans broke the enemy line on the southern flank
of the battle, and this disaster destroyed all chance of the German
army being safely withdrawn behind the Rhine for the protection of
the Fatherland. The Allied forces were rapidly converging on the
hostile lines of communication, and after the great British victory
of the 4th November, when the Sambre was crossed and large numbers of
prisoners were captured, the retreat developed into a rout. Though
the pursuit was retarded by difficulties of transport owing to roads
and railways having been mined by the enemy, it was beyond doubt
that but for the Armistice on the 11th November the German forces
would have been compelled ignominiously to lay down their arms. The
Armistice was in fact a capitulation.
During these fateful days the Ninth was reorganising near Harlebeke.
After a short spell of rest the troops recovered their wonted vigour
and the drawn, haggard look disappeared from the faces of officers
and men. On the 5th November the whole Division was reviewed by
H.M. the King of the Belgians. After the ceremony H.M. the Queen
of the Belgians requested General Tudor to cut from his sleeve the
divisional sign (a silver thistle on a blue background); he did so,
and then she pinned it on her breast. Ever after the G.O.C. wore only
one badge. Every preparation was made for the Division to return
to the front line, but as the days passed it became increasingly
doubtful if it would see any more fighting; for it was known that
the Germans were negotiating for terms, and even the consistent
pessimists of all ranks admitted that there was a chance of the war
being finished before Christmas. The spread of social agitation
within the Fatherland and the flight of the Kaiser to Holland on
the 9th November made it impossible for the enemy to do anything
but surrender. On the evening of the 10th the news filtered through
to the men that Germany had accepted the Armistice terms and that
hostilities were to cease on the next day at 11 A.M. The event
occasioned the wildest rejoicings and all units in the Division
celebrated it by a special divine service on the 11th.
During the following days camp gossip was chiefly concerned with
the question as to which British divisions would have the honour of
marching through Germany to the bridgehead, which in accordance with
the terms of the Armistice was to be formed across the Rhine. There
was great jubilation when it became known that the Ninth had been
chosen as the left division of the Army of Occupation. It was the
only division of the New Armies to take part in the triumphal march.
The march began on the 14th November. Until the 4th December our
route lay through the occupied portion of Belgium, and the troops
received an exuberant welcome from the officials and inhabitants of
the villages and towns through which they passed. Usually the main
streets were spanned by arches gaudily decorated with streamers and
the flags of the Allies. Here and there effigies clad in the familiar
field-grey and suspended from gibbets, revealed clearly the intense
hatred of the Belgians for the vanquished foe. The liberated people
frequently evinced a childish delight in displaying the ornaments,
goods and wines which they had succeeded in concealing from the
invaders during the four years of war. Every place gave evidence of
the universal respect and affection of the people for their heroic
monarch, and there were tremendous rejoicings when on the 22nd
November King Albert made his formal entry into the capital. On that
occasion the Division was represented by the massed pipers of the
Highland Brigade and a company of the same brigade, with platoons
from each of the three battalions and the 9th Seaforths. Officers
and men were also given an opportunity of visiting the city, and
so overwhelming was the welcome of the citizens that they had the
greatest difficulty in tearing themselves away from the attractions
of Brussels.
On the 4th December the Ninth left the friendly soil of Belgium and
entered the unravaged territory of the enemy, most of the battalions
passing the boundary post to the tune of “A’ the Blue Bonnets are
over the Border.” The atmosphere here was icy compared with that
of Belgium. A few of the German civilians, well versed in military
customs, tested the temper of the men by attempting to break through
the ranks, but so rough and unpleasant were their experiences that
they found few imitators. Apart from this show of bravado there was
no expression of hostility. Several of the inhabitants showed signs
of terror, evidently anticipating reprisals for the outrages which
their soldiers had committed in Belgium and in France, but they were
soon reassured when it became apparent that our men were neither
vindictive nor malicious. Some of our wilder spirits regarded German
shops and cafés as places that might be legitimately looted, but
that practice was peremptorily repressed, and as a whole the troops
showed the same scrupulous regard for the property of the enemy as
for that of their allies.[137] Owing to the Revolution in Germany
and the consequent collapse of regular government, riots broke out
in the large towns, and in order to save Cologne the 28th Brigade
was sent up there by rail at the request of the German authorities.
The stately city of the Rhine was reached by the remainder of the
Division on the 9th and 10th December.
Here three days were spent in cleaning up kit and polishing brass;
then on the 13th December the Ninth crossed the Rhine by the boat
bridge at Mulheim. Several of the units had to march a long way
to reach the starting-point, and there was slight confusion which
was regrettable, as it was the intention of our authorities to
impress[138] the enemy with our discipline and organisation. The
salute was taken by the British Military Governor, Sir Charles
Fergusson, but the ceremony was spoiled by the torrents of rain which
descended all day. By the 15th the Division had taken up its position
on the perimeter of the bridgehead near Solingen, Wald, and Haan,
D.H.Q. being established at Ohligs.
Thirty-two days had been spent in proceeding from Harlebeke to the
perimeter. On fifteen of them no advance was made in order to allow
the Supply Services to bring up rations and stores which had to be
conveyed by motor lorries since all the railways had been damaged.
During the other days, an average of 11½ miles per day was covered;
the total distance was 193 miles.
It was eminently desirable that the men should realise in some
tangible form that they had won the war. Only first-rate billets were
accepted, and burgomasters and their staffs were badgered until these
buildings were satisfactorily equipped with beds, cooking ranges, and
up-to-date sanitary arrangements. Halls were taken over for concerts
and reading-rooms, and cinematographs were run for the entertainment
of the men. Parties were granted permission to visit Cologne, and
every unit was given an allotment of tickets for the Opera House; but
the boon most cherished by the men was the liberty to travel by tram
or rail without payment. If there was little friendliness between the
troops and the inhabitants, there was practically no friction, and
the discipline of the soldiers and the fairness of their behaviour
were gratefully acknowledged by the townspeople. The first great
difficulty of “Q” was the provision of the Christmas dinner. Germany
had barely sufficient food to feed her own people, and supplies had
to be drawn from the rear areas. Unfortunately as the railway system
over the devastated regions required a great deal of repair to put
it in good working order, the provisions were delayed, but luckily
they turned up in time for the 1st January, an appropriate date for a
Scottish Division.
Bridgehead duties were not onerous. The troops certainly enjoyed the
power of being able to subject the Germans to restrictions which they
themselves had for more than four years imposed on Belgian and French
people. The inhabitants were forbidden to be out of doors between
9 P.M. and 6 A.M. without a pass. In the small hours of the 1st
January, a Royal Scot officer was proceeding to his billet after the
Hogmanay celebrations when he met a civilian in the streets of Haan.
This open disregard of our regulations was not to be tolerated, and
the officer curtly asked the German for his pass; he was completely
nonplussed by the bland query—“Is it not that we are permitted to
circulate after 6 A.M.?”
Certain specified goods were not allowed to be taken across our
frontier, and our most exacting task was the repression of smuggling.
All sorts of ingenious devices were resorted to, but they were
quickly detected as our men gained experience. The craft of Teutonic
and Jewish traders in exploiting the innate chivalry of the British
soldier by using their womenfolk to convey prohibited goods, the
British authorities countered by sending up officers of the W.A.A.C.
and soon it became as difficult to smuggle goods past our posts as
it is to deceive the Customs officials at Dover. Periodic raids
were made upon trains, and while W.A.A.C. officers searched the
German women the troops searched the men and explored the engine and
compartments; usually a surprising amount of contraband was brought
to light, on one occasion several cases of whisky being found under
the coals in an engine tender.
The defect of the Teuton is that as a rule he has no sense of humour,
but he had one good score against us. A report from a German source
reached our authorities to the effect that a certain citizen of Wald
was manufacturing air bombs. The secret manufacture of munitions
within our area was of course forbidden, and a party of soldiers of
the 27th Brigade raided the offender’s house. He was found to be a
paralytic old gentleman, unable to move about, and a thorough search
of his premises failed to disclose any sign of the bombs. Ultimately
the officer in charge asked him where he stored his weapons. At first
the old man looked puzzled, then light seemed to dawn on him and
he directed the party to a small cabinet in a drawer of which lay
the air bombs. The feelings of the officer on picking one up can be
better imagined than described; it consisted of a tiny pole with a
paper flag attached to a small leaden contrivance which, when fitted
with a cap of the sort used to discharge toy pistols and dropped on
the ground, caused the flag to rise gently into the air to a height
of over ten feet.
Those who infringed our regulations were tried by a summary court
presided over by an officer of field rank. The maximum fine which
such a court could impose was 7000 marks, and the maximum period of
imprisonment was six months. All accused had the right of appeal to
the Military Governor, and the more serious cases were tried by a
special court equivalent to a court-martial. The fines and penalties
depended upon the gravity which the officer ascribed to a particular
offence, and naturally throughout the area of occupation there was
for a time considerable discrepancy between the penalties imposed
for the same kind of offence. Gradually only officers with legal
training were placed over these courts, and a regulated scale for
each particular type of offence was laid down.
Demobilisation was the question of greatest moment for one and all.
Having viewed the enemy’s country, officers and men were eager to
return as soon as possible to their civilian occupations. There
would have been practically no trouble if a definite scheme had been
issued, and a date assigned for the commencement of demobilisation.
But demobilisation was begun at once, with the result that many
soldiers who had seen little or no active service were demobilised
either because they happened to be at home on leave at the time, or
because they were classified as “pivotal.” The “pivotal” clause was
grossly abused, and under this pretext mere youths of eighteen years
of age, who had never heard a gun fired in anger, were allowed to go
home. Such anomalies created much restiveness and irritation among
the older men, and not until they were removed and a smooth-working
system devised was the general discontent allayed.
The military authorities acted with tact and sympathy. Training was
mostly recreational with a view to keeping the men interested and
in good health. After a time those waiting for demobilisation were
collected in special camps and separated from those who were to form
part of the Army of Occupation. Education was a useful safety-valve
during the period of irritation; it kept the men employed and was
probably more congenial to them than ceremonial drill. Owing to
lack of trained teachers and constant changes of personnel it could
scarcely be said that the standard of instruction within units was
very high, but all who were really anxious to study were taken from
the various units and concentrated in the Ninth Divisional College,
where the best teaching ability at the disposal of the Division
was available. This College was opened at Ohligs before the end of
December 1918, and there much excellent work was carried out.
In the month of February Colours were presented to the various
Service Battalions; to those of the 26th Brigade at Solingen by
General Plumer, to the 27th at Wald, and to the 28th at Benrath by
General Jacob. The Division preserved its identity till the 15th
March 1919, but long before that date the vast majority of the
officers and men who had fought with it had been demobilised. After
the 15th, divisions were reformed under different designations. When
the well-tried and trusted leaders of the Ninth were transferred to
other posts and new and unfamiliar officers took command it was
clear that a new era had begun. The units of the Highland Brigade
were transferred to another division and battalions who had not
shared in the Ninth’s brotherhood of arms took their place.
The history of the Ninth Division ends with the formal disappearance
of its title on the 15th March. In the chronicle of its achievements
attention is inevitably focussed mainly on the doings of the infantry
and the gunners. But just as a good Quartermaster is a blessing to
his battalion, though his name rarely occurs in the story of its
battles, a division cannot expect to be successful without efficient
“Q” and administrative work. The Ninth had good reason to be proud
of its special branches, the Sappers, Pioneers, R.A.M.C., A.S.C.,
and Ordnance; their skilled help, generously given, was a factor
of first-rate importance in giving the Division its prominent name
among the British forces in France. Their work was assiduous and
unremitting and was often carried on under conditions of great
strain and extreme peril, particularly in the case of the Sappers,
Pioneers, and R.A.M.C. A more trying ordeal can scarcely be imagined
than that of digging under a heavy bombardment. The preparations for
every battle involved an enormous amount of toil on the part of the
Pioneers and the Sappers, and a slight idea of it may be gathered
from the summary of their preparations prior to the 9th April 1917
given in Appendix VI.
The Ninth was exceptionally fortunate in its “Q” Branch; no
division could have had more efficient or painstaking officers than
Lieut.-Colonel McHardy and Lieut.-Colonel Jeffcoat. Details were
worked out with a precision and care that ensured success, and
a promise of “Q” was equivalent to a fulfilment. Even when the
Division was encamped in the most desolate regions “Q” was able in
a surprisingly short space of time to furnish baths, laundries,
changes of clothing, and all the other comforts that helped to make
the war endurable, and its arrangements for the transference of the
troops from one spot to another were such as to cause the minimum
of discomfort and inconvenience to the men. Ever since the time of
Lieut.-Colonel McHardy, “Q” showed the same concern for the welfare
of units attached to the Ninth as for its own troops. This system
was carried on and expanded by Lieut.-Colonel Jeffcoat, and the most
convincing testimony of its value was that A.F.A. Brigades liked to
be attached to the Division.
The unit that had perhaps most reason to complain that the worth
of its labours was never fully appreciated by the infantry was the
Ordnance Department, which, consisting of an officer and 13 men,
had to satisfy the needs of 16,000 men, 3750 horses and mules, and
numerous vehicles and bicycles, in everything except food, light,
and fuel. The excellence of the work performed by this Branch was
largely the explanation why it was so much taken for granted; if it
had proved less competent in furnishing and repairing munitions it
would have been better though less favourably known to the infantry.
The Ordnance people averred that they toiled harder than any other
section in the Division; when units were in the line they were busy
meeting their fighting needs and when they were out they were busier
still re-equipping them. Undoubtedly a vast amount of very useful
work was done by the Ordnance and some idea of it may be gleaned from
the list quoted in Appendix VII.
In a more subtle and impalpable fashion the Padres contributed
to the efficiency of the Division by keeping before the men the
lofty principles for which they were fighting, and by emphasising
the moral basis of the war. Those attached to battalions were of
enormous assistance to C.Os. in organising services, concerts and
entertainments for the men, and never did they withhold comfort and
advice from those who sought their help. Many men who took part
in the Longueval fighting had cause to bless Padre Johnston and
his coffee stall.[139] Padre Oddie was one of the personalities
of the Division and he was noted for the assiduity with which he
cultivated his “parish” both in and out of the trenches. All rendered
yeoman service in the sad task of burying the dead, and Padre Smith
MacIntosh treasures as one of his most cherished possessions a letter
he received from Brig.-General Maxwell thanking him for his labours
in this respect near the Chemical Works.
The popular Padre Brown was best known from his connection with “The
Thistles” concert troupe, whose entertainments were as beneficial as
a tonic to men just drawn from battle. The members of this troupe
performed these duties in addition to their ordinary army work. But
death made sad havoc among their ranks; the loss of Sergeant Peart
of the 28th Field Ambulance at Passchendaele in 1917 was a great
blow; he was the most charming lady impersonator that the Ninth ever
possessed, and his death was mourned by the whole Division.
The battle record of the Ninth in the war is one to be proud of. It
was engaged at Loos, at the Somme twice, four times at Arras, and
twice at Passchendaele; it played a conspicuous part in breaking up
the German offensives in March and April, and after two minor actions
at Meteren took part in the final operations from the 28th September
to the 27th October. On the few occasions on which it failed, as at
the Butte de Warlencourt on the 12th October 1916 and at St Julien in
1917, the power to win success was beyond human means.
A soldier prizes no praise more highly than that of another soldier,
and such praise is most practically shown when a division is
frequently employed in important engagements. During its service in
France the Ninth missed only two major actions—Messines and Cambrai.
Although on neither occasion was it fit for action, there was a
murmur of regret amongst all ranks because it had no share in these
conflicts. For while individually officers and men realised the awful
tragedy and pain of battle, their intense pride in their Division
made them fiercely jealous lest the omission to employ it sprang from
a poor appraisement of its worth.
The Division had the great fortune to be commanded by a succession
of leaders outstanding for character as well as knowledge, who
with their fingers ever on its pulse, knew well how to direct and
control it to the best advantage. But the true value of the Ninth
depended not upon the pre-eminence of a few individuals, but upon
the co-operative ability shown by all ranks and departments to work
together. Each officer and each man contributed to a common stock,
and while he might pass away his spirit was absorbed by the Division.
The group is always stronger than the individual. While
“’Tis that repeated shocks, again, again,
Exhaust the energy of strongest souls,
And numb the elastic powers,”
after each devastating battle the Ninth rose Phœnix-like from its
ashes, and at the end of the long struggle exhibited the same
keenness and purposeful vigour it had ever shown since its formation.
[Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL H. H. TUDOR, C.B., C.M.G.
[_London Portrait Co._]
The splendid arrogance of the Division, its well-founded faith in its
own prowess, rested on the sure foundation of the fervent belief of
each man in the righteousness of the cause for which he was fighting.
To die for it if need be was the simple duty that animated all. The
qualities that created the Empire are equally necessary to maintain
it, and the security of a heritage depends essentially on the sense
of duty of those who hold it. War still remains the supreme test of a
nation’s efficiency, and it is the glory of democracy that it did not
shirk that test when challenged. In keeping with the national spirit
the Ninth Division had ever before it the injunction received from
H.M. King George V. on the 10th May 1915, and its greatest honour is
that from beginning to end it faithfully and loyally carried it out.
“_Officii fructus sit ipsum officium._”
As the war recedes into the past and as the emotions roused by it
subside, the tendency is to linger on the splendid and spectacular
advances of the latter part of 1918, and to exalt them at the expense
of the previous battles. If the war is to be viewed from the proper
angle, it should never be forgotten that after August 1918 the
Germans were men without hope, and to deduce our lessons of the war
from the last four months of fighting would be the height of folly.
None knew better than those who fought at Loos, the Somme, Arras,
and Passchendaele, and who also took part in the victorious advance,
that in the last months we were able with confidence to take risks
which it would have been rash to take in 1915, 1916, and 1917. Those
whose active service was confined to the fighting after August 1918
never experienced the same deadly nerve-rack and the fierce acuities
of emotion that sprang from the pitiless shelling and desperate
strife of the previous campaigns. The wearing-out battles, when
the foe was encountered at the zenith of his strength, with all
their disappointments and mistakes alone made possible the gigantic
advances at the end. A glance at the Division’s casualty list[140]
shows clearly that the heat and burden of the day fell principally
upon those who faced the enemy during the campaigns fought between
September 1915 and the close of 1917. And the dead of the Ninth in
the long chain of battles from Loos to the Lys had by their valour
and sacrifice paved the way for the triumphal onset that carried the
Division from Ypres to the Scheldt. The countless graves that strew
the battle-line of France and Flanders contain the flower of the
British race, and furnish silent but eloquent evidence of the robust
qualities and manly faith without which the British Empire and all
that it stands for must have passed away.
“_Qui procul hinc_—the legend’s writ,
The frontier grave is far away;
_Qui ante diem periit,
Sed miles, sed pro patriâ_.”
APPENDIX I
TABLE SHOWING ORDER OF BATTLE OF THE NINTH (SCOTTISH) DIVISION
CAVALRY
“B” Squadron, Queen’s Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry.
Transferred to Corps, May 1916.
CYCLISTS
9th Division Company. Transferred to Corps, May 1916.
ROYAL ARTILLERY
R.F.A. BRIGADES
|
+-- L.
|
+-- LI.
|
+-- LII.
| Became A.F.A. Bde. 8/1/17.
|
| In April 1916 D/L., D/LI.,
| and D/LII. were taken away
| from their own Bdes. and
| formed into the LIII. Bde.
| R.F.A. The first three Bdes.
| had thus one Howitzer and
| three 18-pounder batteries.
|
| All batteries were then on
| a 4-gun basis.
|
+-- LIII. (Howitzer).
|
| One battery sent
| to the 7th Div.
| 9/6/15. Reconstituted
| April 1916,
| the three batteries
| exchanging with
| D/L., D/LI., and
| D/LII. Bde. broken
| up 11/9/16 to complete
| L. and LI.
| to 6-gun batteries.
9th HEAVY BATTERY.
Transferred to Corps, June 1915.
ROYAL ENGINEERS
63rd, 64th, and 90th Field Companies. 9th Signal Company.
INFANTRY
26TH HIGHLAND BRIGADE
8th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).
7th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany’s).
8th Bn. The Gordon Highlanders. Transferred to 15th Div. 7/5/16.
5th Bn. The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.
10th Bn. Princess Louise’s (Argyll and Sutherland) Highlanders.
From 27th Bde. 3/5/16. Transferred to 32nd Div. 15/2/18.
27TH (LOWLAND) BRIGADE
11th Bn. The Royal Scots. 12th Bn. The Royal Scots.
6th Bn. The Royal Scots Fusiliers. Transferred to 15th Div. 8/5/16.
10th Bn. Princess Louise’s (Argyll and Sutherland) Highlanders.
To 26th Bde. 3/5/16.
6th Bn. King’s Own Scottish Borderers. From 28th Bde. 6/5/16.
9th Bn. The Scottish Rifles (Cameronians). From 28th Bde. 6/5/16.
Transferred to 14th Div. 5/2/18.
28TH BRIGADE
6th Bn. The King’s Own Scottish Borderers. } Transferred to 27th
9th Bn. The Scottish Rifles (Cameronians). } Bde. 6/5/16.
10th Bn. Highland Light Infantry. } Transferred to 15th Div.
11th Bn. Highland Light Infantry. } 14/5/16.
The 28th Bde. was broken up 6/5/16, and replaced by the
SOUTH AFRICAN BRIGADE
1st Regt. 2nd Regt. 3rd Regt. 4th Regt. South African Infantry.
Disbanded (South African Scottish).
3/2/18.
On 24/4/18 the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Regiments were amalgamated, and
formed the South African Composite Battalion; and the brigade,
composed of this battalion, the 2nd Bn. The Royal Scots Fusiliers
from the 30th Div. 25/4/18, and the 9th Scottish Rifles from the 14th
Div. 13/4/18, was known as the 28th (South African) Brigade. The
South African Brigade left the 9th Division in September 1918 and its
place was taken by the
28TH BRIGADE (reorganised September 1918)
2nd Bn. The Royal Scots Fusiliers.
9th Bn. The Scottish Rifles.
1st Bn. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment. From L. of C. 13/9/18.
Previously with the 29th Division.
PIONEERS
9th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, the Duke of Albany’s).
MACHINE-GUN CORPS
26th Company, 27th Company, 28th Company, 197th Company,
formed 1/1/16. formed 22/12/15. formed 1/1/16. joined from
England 13/12/16.
9th Battalion, formed 1/3/18.
ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS[141]
104th, 105th, 106th, and 107th Companies.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
27th 28th 29th Field Ambulances.
Replaced April 1916 by the South African
Field Ambulance, which in September 1918
was replaced, first by the 76th (25th Div.),
and then by the 2/1st (East Lancs.) Field
Ambulance.
APPENDIX II
TABLE SHOWING THE PERIODS SPENT IN THE LINE FROM THE 9TH MAY 1915
TILL THE 11TH NOVEMBER 1918
1915
May. Landed in France (9th to 13th).
June. Out.
July. In line at Festubert.
Aug. ” ” (till 18th).
Sept. ” N.E. of Vermelles.
Oct. ” S. of Zillebeke (from the 5th).
Nov. In line E. of Zillebeke.
Dec. ” ” (till the 20th).
1916
Jan. Out till the 26th.
Feb. In line at Ploegsteert.
Mar. ” ”
Apr. ” ”
May. ” ”
June. Out.
July. Attacked on 3rd at Bernafay;
then in line at Montauban.
Attacked on 14th (Longueval
and Delville Wood); engaged
till 20th; then out.
Aug. In line at Vimy Ridge (from the 15th).
Sept. In line at Vimy Ridge (till the 26th).
Oct. In line near Butte de Warlencourt
(from the 9th). Attacked on 12th,
18th, and 19th; out from 26th.
Nov. Out.
Dec. In line E. and N.E. of Arras (from 4th).
1917
Jan. In line E. and N.E. of Arras.
Feb. ” ” ”
Mar. ” ” ”
Apr. ” ” ”
Attacked on 9th and 12th, reaching
Fampoux and Roeux; out from 16th
to 28th.
May. In line E. of Arras. Attacked on 3rd;
out from 12th.
June. In line near Roeux. Attacked on 5th;
out from 14th.
July. Out till 25th.
Aug. In line, Trescault-Havrincourt-Hermies
(till 30th).
Sept. Out till 15th. In line N.W. of Zonnebeke.
Attacked on 20th; out from 26th.
Oct. In line near St Julien from 10th;
attacked on 12th; out 25th to 28th.
Nov. In line at Coast till 17th; then out.
Dec. In line at Gouzeaucourt (from 6th).
1918
Jan. In line at Gouzeaucourt.
Feb. Out from 3rd.
Mar. In line at Gouzeaucourt (from 12th);
engaged in Somme Retreat 21st to 27th.
Apr. In line near Hollebeke (from 4th);
fighting 10th and 11th, 16th and 25th;
out from 26th.
May. Out till 24th.
June. In line at Meteren.
July. ” ”
Meteren captured 19th.
Aug. In line at Meteren.
Attacked on 18th; out from 26th.
Sept. In line E. of Ypres (from 20th).
Attacked 28th to 30th.
Oct. Attacked 1st, 14th, 20th, 22nd, and 25th;
then out.
APPENDIX III
LIST SHOWING (_A_) Commanders and Staff of the Ninth (Scottish)
Division; (_B_) Battalion Commanders; (_C_) Artillery Brigade
Commanders; (_D_) Field Company Commanders; (_E_) Field Ambulance
Commanders from Formation in September 1914 to the Armistice,
11th November 1918.
_Notes._—(1) The dates given in these lists indicate the periods
during which Commanders were serving with the Division.
(2) Decorations mentioned are those held or awarded during
service with the Division.
(_A_) COMMANDERS AND STAFF
DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS
Maj.-Gen. C. J. Mackenzie, C.B. to Oct. 1914
” Sir C. Fergusson, C.B., D.S.O., M.V.O. ” March 1915
” H. J. S. Landon, C.B. ” Sept. 1915
” G. H. Thesiger, C.B., C.M.G. ” Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” Sir W. T. Furse, K.C.B., D.S.O. ” Dec. 1916
” Sir H. T. Lukin, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. ” 13th March 1918
” C. A. Blacklock, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” 28th March 1918
” H. H. Tudor, C.B., C.M.G. ” Armistice
G.S.Os.I.
Lt.-Col. C. H. de Rougemont, D.S.O., M.V.O. to July 1915
” F. A. Buzzard ” Sept. 1915
” S. E. Hollond, D.S.O. ” March 1916
” P. A. V. Stewart, D.S.O. ” Dec. 1917
” T. C. Mudie, D.S.O. ” Armistice
A.A. & Q.M.Gs.
Col. A. V. Payne to Feb. 1915
Lt.-Col. R. F. Uniacke ” May 1915
” A. A. McHardy, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Aug. 1916
” A. C. Jeffcoat, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Armistice
C.R.As.
Brig.-Gen. E. H. Armitage, C.B. to Feb. 1916
” H. H. Tudor, C.B., C.M.G. ” March 1918
” H. R. Wainwright, D.S.O. ” Armistice
C.R.Es.
Lt.-Col. H. A. A. Livingstone, C.M.G. to Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” C. M. Carpenter, D.S.O. ” Jan. 1916
” E. Barnardiston ” July 1916 (Somme)
” G. R. Hearn, D.S.O. ” Feb. 1918
” H. C. B. Hickling, D.S.O., M.C. ” Armistice
INFANTRY BRIGADE COMMANDERS
_26th Brigade._—
Brig.-Gen. H. R. Kelham, C.B. to Nov. 1914
” E. St G. Grogan, C.B. ” May 1915
” A. B. Ritchie, C.M.G. ” Dec. 1916
” J. Kennedy, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” July 1918
” The Hon. A. G. A. Hore Ruthven,
V.C., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Armistice
_27th Brigade._—
Brig.-Gen. W. Scott Moncrieff to Jan. 1915
” C. D. Bruce ” Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” W. H. Walshe ” March 1916
” G. F. Trotter, C.M.G., D.S.O., M.V.O. ” May 1916
” S. W. Scrase-Dickins, C.B. ” Oct. 1916
” F. A. Maxwell, V.C., C.S.I., D.S.O. ” Sept. 1917
(Passchendaele)
” W. D. Croft, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Armistice
_28th Brigade._—
Brig.-Gen. S. W. Scrase-Dickins to May 1916
_South African Brigade._—
Brig.-Gen. H. T. Lukin, C.M.G., D.S.O. Apr. 1916 to Dec. 1916
” F. S. Dawson, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Mar. 1918
” W. E. C. Tanner, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Sept. 1918
_28th Brigade._—
Brig.-Gen. J. L. Jack, D.S.O. Sept. 1918 to Armistice
9TH DIVISIONAL TRAIN
Lt.-Col. R. P. Crawley, D.S.O., M.V.O. to Nov. 1917
” R. MacLear, D.S.O. ” Armistice
A.D.M.S.
Col. G. Cree, C.M.G. Apr. 1915 to Nov. 1915
” F. A. Symons, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Apr. 1917 (Arras)
” O. W. A. Elsner, C.B.E., D.S.O. ” Armistice
(_B_) BATTALION COMMANDERS
26TH BRIGADE
_8th Black Watch_—
Lt.-Col. John Lord Sempill to Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” G. B. Duff Dec. 1915 ” Mar. 1916
” G. W. E. Gordon, D.S.O. ” Sept. 1916
” Sir G. Abercromby, D.S.O. ” Sept. 1917
” R. W. Hadow, D.S.O. ” Aug. 1918
” W. French, D.S.O., M.C. ” Armistice
_7th Seaforth Highlanders_—
Lt.-Col. W. T. Gaisford to Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” F. J. Marshall Dec. 1915 ” Apr. 1916
” J. Kennedy, D.S.O. May 1916 ” Aug. 1916
” R. Horn, D.S.O., M.C. ” Mar. 1918
” Hon. D. Bruce Apr. 1918 ” Armistice
_8th Gordon Highlanders_—
Lt.-Col. G. Staunton to Feb. 1915
” H. Wright, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” A. D. Greenhill-Gardyne ” Mar. 1916
” H. Pelham Burn, D.S.O. Apr. 1916 to May 1916
_5th Cameron Highlanders_—
Lt.-Col. D. W. Cameron of Lochiel, C.M.G. to March 1916
” G. B. Duff, D.S.O. to July 1916 (Somme)
” H. R. Brown, D.S.O. ” May 1917
” St C. M. G. MacEwen ” Oct. 1917
” A. G. M. M. Crichton, D.S.O., M.C. to March 1918
” J. Inglis, C.M.G., D.S.O., March 1918 to Sept. 1918
” A. W. Angus, D.S.O. to Armistice
_10th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders_—
Lt.-Col. W. J. B. Tweedie, C.M.G. May 1916 to July 1916 (Somme)
” J. Kennedy, D.S.O. to Dec. 1916
” H. G. Sotheby, D.S.O., M.V.O. ” Feb. 1918
27TH BRIGADE
_11th Royal Scots_—
Lt.-Col. H. H. B. Dyson to Oct. 1914
” R. C. Dundas ” Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” W. D. Croft, D.S.O. Dec. 1915 ” Sept. 1917
” Sir J. B. S. Campbell, D.S.O. ” Oct. 1918
” E. Boyd, M.C. ” Armistice
_12th Royal Scots_—
Lt.-Col. G. G. Loch, C.M.G. to Feb. 1916
” H. L. Budge ” July 1916 (Somme)
” N. H. S. Fargus, D.S.O. ” March 1917
” H. U. H. Thorne ” Apr. 1917 (Arras)
” J. A. S. Ritson, D.S.O., M.C. ” June 1918
” J. Murray, D.S.O. ” Armistice
_6th Royal Scots Fusiliers_—
Lt.-Col. H. H. Northey, C.M.G. to Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, Jan. 1916 to May 1916
_10th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders_—
Lt.-Col. A. F. Mackenzie, C.M.G., M.V.O. to Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” H. Pelham Burn, D.S.O. Dec. 1915 to Apr. 1916
” W. J. B. Tweedie, C.M.G. to May 1916
_6th King’s Own Scottish Borderers_—
Lt.-Col. J. C. W. Connell, D.S.O. May 1916 to Oct. 1916
” G. B. F. Smyth, D.S.O. to May 1917
” H. D. N. Maclean, D.S.O. Aug. 1917 to Oct. 1917
” G. B. F. Smyth, D.S.O. March 1918 and May 1918
to Oct. 1918
” R. F. Ker, D.S.O., M.C. to Armistice
_9th Scottish Rifles_—
Lt.-Col. H. A. Fulton, D.S.O. May 1916 to July 1917
” W. Lumsden, D.S.O., M.C. ” Feb. 1918
_10th Highland Light Infantry_—
Lt.-Col. J. C. Grahame, D.S.O. to Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” H. C. Stuart, D.S.O. ” Jan. 1916
” J. C. Grahame, D.S.O. ” May 1916
_11th Highland Light Infantry_—
Lt.-Col. H. C. Fergusson, C.M.G. to Jan. 1916
” R. F. Forbes ” May 1916
SOUTH AFRICAN BRIGADE
_1st South African Infantry_—
Lt.-Col. F. S. Dawson, C.M.G. Apr. 1916 to Dec. 1916
” F. H. Heal, D.S.O. to March 1918
_2nd South African Infantry_—
Lt.-Col. W. E. C. Tanner, C.M.G., D.S.O. Apr. 1916 to Oct. 1917
” E. Christian, D.S.O. to March 1918
_3rd South African Infantry_—
Lt.-Col. E. F. Thackeray, C.M.G., D.S.O. Apr. 1916 to Feb. 1918
_4th South African Infantry_—
Lt.-Col. F. A. Jones, C.M.G., D.S.O. May 1916 to July 1916 (Somme)
” D. R. Hunt to Dec. 1916
” E. Christian, D.S.O. ” Apr. 1917
” D. M. MacLeod, D.S.O. ” March 1918
_South African (Composite) Battalion_—
Lt.-Col. H. W. M. Bamford, O.B.E., M.C. Apr. 1918 to Sept. 1918
28TH BRIGADE
_2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers_—
Lt.-Col. J. Utterson-Kelso, D.S.O., M.C. Apr. 1918 to Oct. 1918
” R. Campbell, D.S.O. to Nov. 1918
” C. S. Nairne ” Armistice
_9th Scottish Rifles_—
Lt.-Col. W. Lumsden, D.S.O., M.C. Apr. 1918 to Armistice
_1st Bn. Royal Newfoundland Regiment_—
Lt.-Col. T. G. Matthias, D.S.O. Sept. 1918 to Armistice
PIONEERS
_9th Seaforth Highlanders_—
Lt.-Col. T. Fetherstonhaugh, D.S.O. to March 1917
” W. Petty, D.S.O. ” Aug. 1918
” S. F. Sharp, M.C. ” Armistice
_9th Machine-gun Battalion_—
Lt.-Col. F. G. Chalmers, M.C. March 1918 to June 1918
” H. J. W. Davis, D.S.O. ” Armistice
(_C_) ARTILLERY BRIGADE COMMANDERS
50TH BRIGADE
Lt.-Col. A. C. Bailward to Jan. 1915
” C. E. D. Budworth, M.V.O. ” March 1915
” C. C. Van Straubenzee ” Aug. 1915
” E. W. S. Brooke, D.S.O. ” Aug. 1917
” C. W. W. McLean, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” March 1918
” J. de B. Cowan, D.S.O. ” May 1918
” C. W. W. McLean, C.M.G., D.S.O. ” Armistice
51ST BRIGADE
Lt.-Col. A. H. Carter to Aug. 1916
” G. A. S. Cape, D.S.O. ” Oct. 1917
” M. Muirhead, D.S.O. ” Armistice
52ND BRIGADE
Lt.-Col. F. W. Boteler to March 1915
” A. M. Perreau, C.M.G. ” June 1916
” H. M. Ballingall ” June 1916
” H. T. Belcher, D.S.O. ” Jan. 1917
53RD BRIGADE
Lt.-Col. C. N. Simpson to Feb. 1915
” K. K. Knapp, C.M.G. ” Nov. 1915
” H. T. Belcher, D.S.O. ” Sept. 1916
(_D_) FIELD COMPANY COMMANDERS
63RD COMPANY
Capt. C. Doucet to Nov. 1914
Major L. W. S. Oldham ” July 1915
” A. W. Reid, M.C. ” Apr. 1917
” R. E. Bruce Fielding, D.S.O. ” Armistice
64TH COMPANY
Capt. W. E. Francis to Nov. 1914
Major G. R. Hearn, D.S.O. ” Aug. 1916
” C. G. Woolner, M.C. ” Oct. 1917
” N. Clavering, M.C. ” July 1918
Capt. T. F. Young, D.S.O., M.C. ” Oct. 1918
90TH COMPANY
Major C. S. Montefiore to May 1915
” C. D. Munro ” Sept. 1915 (Loos)
” G. B. F. Smyth, D.S.O. ” Oct. 1916
” S. W. S. Hamilton, D.S.O. ” Sept. 1917
” T. G. Bird, D.S.O. ” Armistice
(_E_) FIELD AMBULANCE COMMANDERS
27TH FIELD AMBULANCE
Lt.-Col. O. W. A. Elsner, D.S.O. to Apr. 1917
” J. M. A. Costello, M.C. ” Armistice
28TH FIELD AMBULANCE
Lt.-Col. W. E. Hardy to June 1915
” H. C. R. Hine ” Aug. 1915
Capt. G. P. Taylor ” Jan. 1916
” Darling, M.C. ” Aug. 1916
Lt.-Col. T. E. Harty, D.S.O. ” Armistice
29TH FIELD AMBULANCE
Lt.-Col. F. R. Buswell to Oct. 1915
Major R. P. Lewis ” May 1916
S. A. FIELD AMBULANCE
Lt.-Col. G. H. Usmar May 1916 to Aug. 1916
” R. N. Pringle, D.S.O., M.C. ” Sept. 1918
2ND/1ST (EAST LANCS.) FIELD AMBULANCE
Lt.-Col. J. Bruce Sept. 1918 to Armistice
APPENDIX IV
CASUALTIES OF THE NINTH DIVISION
(A). _Approximate Number of Casualties suffered by the Division
in Battle._
+-------------+-----------------+--------------------+--------------+
| | Officers. | Other Ranks. | Total. |
| +-----+-----+-----+------+------+------+------+-------+
| | K. | W. | M. | K. | W. | M. |Offic-| Other |
| | | | | | | | ers. | Ranks.|
+-------------+-----+-----+-----+------+------+------+------+-------+
|_Loos_—25th to 28th Sept. 1915 |
| | 63 | 100 | 27 | 798 | 3,037| 2,032| 190 | 5,867 |
| |
|_Somme_— Longueval and Delville Wood, 1st to 20th July 1916 |
| | 82 | 214 | 18 | 1,148| 5,091| 964 | 314 | 7,203 |
| |
|_Butte de Warlencourt_— 12th to 24th Oct. 1916 |
| | 28 | 74 | 16 | 460 | 2,131| 546 | 118 | 3,137 |
| |
|_Arras_—9th April 1917 |
| | 26 | 91 | .. | 382 | 1,481| 68 | 117 | 1,931 |
| 12th April | 7 | 55 | 3 | 122 | 987 | 189 | 65 | 1,298 |
| 3rd May | 13 | 52 | 23 | 161 | 1,150| 459 | 88 | 1,770 |
| 5th June | 4 | 8 | 1 | 36 | 141| 19 | 13 | 196 |
| |
|_Passchendaele_—20th Sept. 1917 |
| | 22 | 64 | .. | 411 | 1,754| 124 | 86 | 2,289 |
| 12th to 25th Oct. 1917 |
| | 28 | 69 | 5 | 387 | 1,932| 225 | 102 | 2,544 |
| |
|_Somme Retreat_—21st to 28th Mar. 1918 |
| | 26 | 113 | 105 | 304 | 1,799| 2,760| 244 | 4,863 |
| |
|_The Lys_—9th to 26th April 1918 |
| | 35 | 95 | 39 | 401 | 1,832| 1,646| 169 | 3,879 |
| |
|_Meteren_—19th July 1918 |
| | 13 | 20 | 2 | 186 | 537 | 45 | 35 | 768 |
| |
|_Hoegenacker_—18th August 1918 |
| | 4 | 16 | 1 | 65 | 324 | 23 | 21 | 412 |
| |
|_Final Advance_—28th Sept, to 27th Oct. 1918 |
| | 44 | 139 | 5 | 470 | 2,858| 276 | 188 | 3,604 |
| +-----+-----+-----+------+------+------+------+-------+
| | 395 |1,110| 245 | 5,331|25,054| 9,376| 1,750|39,761 |
+-------------+-----+-----+-----+------+------+------+------+-------+
| |
| (B). _Approximate Number of Casualties from May 1915 |
| to November 1918._ |
+-------------+-----+-----+-----+------+------+------+------+-------+
| | 474 | 1744| 275 | 7,425|34,559|10,138| 2,493| 52,122|
+-------------+-----+-----+-----+------+------+------+------+-------+
APPENDIX V
VICTORIA CROSSES WON BY OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE
NINTH DIVISION DURING THE WAR
CORPORAL JAMES DALGLEISH POLLOCK, 5th Bn. The Cameron Highlanders
For most conspicuous bravery near the Hohenzollern Redoubt on the
27th September 1915.
At about 12 noon when the enemy’s bombers in superior numbers were
working up “Little Willie” towards the Redoubt, Corporal Pollock,
after obtaining permission from his company officer, got out of the
trench alone, walked along the top edge with the utmost coolness
and disregard of danger and compelled the enemy’s bombers to retire
by bombing them from above. He was under heavy machine-gun fire the
whole time, but continued to hold up the progress of the Germans for
an hour, when he was at length wounded.
PRIVATE WILLIAM FREDERICK FAULDS, 1st Regiment, South African Infantry
At Delville Wood, on 18th July 1916. For most conspicuous bravery and
devotion to duty. A bombing party under Lieutenant Craig attempted to
rush across forty yards of ground which lay between the British and
enemy trenches. Coming under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire,
the officer and the majority of the party were killed or wounded.
Unable to move, Lieutenant Craig lay midway between the two lines
of trenches, the ground being quite open. In full daylight Private
Faulds, accompanied by two other men, climbed the parapet, ran out,
picked up the officer and carried him back, one man being severely
wounded in so doing.
Two days later Private Faulds again showed most conspicuous bravery
in going out alone to bring in a wounded man, and carrying him
nearly half a mile to a dressing-station, subsequently rejoining
his platoon. The artillery-fire was at the time so intense that
stretcher-bearers and others considered that any attempt to bring in
the wounded men meant certain death. This risk Private Faulds faced
unflinchingly, and his bravery was crowned with success.
CAPTAIN HENRY REYNOLDS, M.C., 12th Bn. The Royal Scots
For most conspicuous bravery. When his company, in attack and
approaching their final objective, suffered heavy casualties from
enemy machine-guns and from an enemy “Pill-box,” which had been
passed by the first wave, Captain Reynolds reorganised his men, who
were scattered, and then proceeded alone by rushes from shell-hole
to shell-hole, all the time being under heavy machine-gun fire. When
near the “Pill-box” he threw a grenade, intending that it should go
inside, but the enemy had blocked the entrance. He then crawled to
the entrance and forced a phosphorous grenade inside. This set the
place on fire and caused the death of three of the enemy, while the
remaining seven or eight surrendered with two machine-guns.
Afterwards, though wounded, he continued to lead his company against
another objective and captured it, taking seventy prisoners and two
more machine-guns.
During the whole attack the company was under heavy machine-gun fire
from the flanks, but despite this Captain Reynolds kept complete
control of his men.
LANCE-CORPORAL WILLIAM HENRY HEWITT, 2nd Regiment, South African
Infantry
At east of Ypres on 20th September 1917, for most conspicuous bravery
during operations. Lance-Corporal Hewitt attacked a “Pill-box” with
his section, and tried to rush the doorway. The garrison however
proved very stubborn, and in the attempt this N.C.O. received a
severe wound. Nevertheless, he proceeded to the loophole of the
“Pill-box” where, in his attempts to put a bomb into it, he was again
wounded in the arm. Undeterred, however, he eventually managed to get
a bomb inside which caused the occupants to dislodge, and they were
successfully and speedily dealt with by the remainder of the section.
LIEUTENANT ROBERT VAUGHAN GORLE, “A” Battery, 5th Brigade R.F.A.
For most conspicuous bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty during
the attack at Ledeghem on 1st October 1918, when in command of an
18-pounder gun working in close conjunction with the infantry. He
brought his gun into action in the most exposed positions on four
separate occasions, and disposed of enemy machine-guns by firing over
open sights under direct machine-gun fire at 500 to 600 yards’ range.
Later, seeing that the infantry were being driven back by intense
hostile fire, he without hesitation galloped his gun in front of the
leading infantry, and on two occasions knocked out enemy machine-guns
which were causing the trouble. His dash and disregard of personal
safety were a magnificent example to the wavering line, which rallied
and retook the northern end of the village.
PRIVATE THOMAS RICKETTS, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 14th
October 1918. During the advance from Ledeghem, when the attack was
temporarily held up by heavy hostile fire, and the platoon to which
he belonged suffered severe casualties from the fire of a battery
at point-blank range, Private Ricketts at once volunteered to go
forward with his section commander and a Lewis Gun to attempt to
outflank the battery. Advancing by short rushes under heavy fire
from machine-guns with the hostile battery, their ammunition was
exhausted when they were still 300 yards from the battery. The enemy,
seeing an opportunity to get their field-guns away, began to bring up
their gun teams. Private Ricketts, at once realising the situation,
doubled back 100 yards under the heaviest machine-gun fire, procured
further ammunition, and dashed back again to the Lewis Gun, and by
very accurate fire drove the enemy and the gun teams into a farm.
His platoon then advanced without casualties and captured four
field-guns, four machine-guns, and eight prisoners. A fifth field-gun
was subsequently intercepted by fire and captured. By his presence
of mind in anticipating the enemy intention and his utter disregard
of personal safety, Private Ricketts secured the further supply of
ammunition which directly resulted in these important captures and
undoubtedly saved many lives.
CORPORAL ROLAND EDWARD ELCOCK, M.M., 11th Bn. The Royal Scots
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative south-east of Cappelle St
Catherine on 15th October 1918, when in charge of a Lewis Gun team.
Entirely on his own initiative, Corporal Elcock rushed his gun up to
within ten yards of enemy guns, which were causing heavy casualties
and holding up the advance. He put both guns out of action, captured
five prisoners and undoubtedly saved the whole attack from being held
up. Later, near the river Lys, this N.C.O. again attacked an enemy
machine-gun and captured the crew. His behaviour throughout the day
was absolutely fearless.
APPENDIX VI
SUMMARY OF WORK DONE BY SAPPERS AND PIONEERS IN PREPARATION FOR THE
BATTLE OF ARRAS, 9TH APRIL 1917
1. 3500 yards of new communication trenches.
2. New artillery trench (1600 yards) dug for advanced positions
of three brigades.
3. 4300 yards of old communications cleared at least once; trench
boards raised in part on “A” frames, and berms cleared back.
4. 2800 yards of tramway cleared and track raised 18 feet in
places; a very successful job, enabling large quantities of
ammunition for trench mortars, etc., to be run up. 1000 yards of
new tramway laid, including tramways to gun positions.
5. 10 heavy trench mortar emplacements with at least 10 feet
overhead cover, and mined magazines holding 200 rounds; these
proved very successful and saved many casualties.
6. 38 medium emplacements proof against 4·2 H.E. shells.
7. 7 artillery observation posts in Arras and 7 trench
observation posts with mined dug-outs; also telephone exchange at
sewer exit in Arras.
8. 1500 yards of roads cleared and repaired, and 3 subways made
for passage under roads.
9. 4500 yards of infantry tracks made, with a small amount of
assistance from infantry of the Fourth Division. 3000 artillery
tracks made, including 35 bridges. Overland tracks made along
4500 yards of communication trenches. Pontoon bridge over the
Scarpe repaired for pack transport.
10. Additional water storage for 1500 gallons, and about 2000
yards of piped supply to battery positions.
11. 74 cellars and a cave in St. Nicholas strutted, and 15
dug-outs extended or improved. 3 brigade H.Q. made, one of which
was made sufficiently large for advanced D.H.Q.
12. 4013 bunks erected in Etrun, Laresset, and Haute Avesnes. 518
bunks repaired, 8 Nissen huts and 13 cookhouse shelters erected.
A billet for 44 officers made in a French Adrian hut. Brigade
H.Q. made in St. Catherine for the Thirty-fourth Division, also
dug-outs for the 50th Brigade R.F.A. and signals in St. Nicholas.
13. The large quantity of articles turned out by divisional
workshops included:—
70 camouflaged targets for marking of objectives when captured.
143 water-carriers for pack transport.
350 infantry track posts.
138 trench bridges.
260 printed notice boards.
30 direction posts.
100 artillery track posts.
20 stretchers.
In addition, the Sappers made entrances for the 27th Brigade to
the craters in its front line, and exploded craters (for assembly
purposes) in front of the South African sector.
All this work took about two months.
APPENDIX VII
LIST SHOWING MATERIAL ISSUED AND SALVED BY THE ORDNANCE
DEPARTMENT IN 1918
+----------------------------+-------------+----------+----------+
| | Original | Actually | Actually |
| | Issues on | issued | salved |
| |Mobilisation.| 1918. | 1918. |
+----------------------------+-------------+----------+----------+
| Boots, ankle, pairs | 32,000 | 24,160 | 23,520 |
| Greatcoats | 16,000 | 7,440 | 8,160 |
| Trousers | 13,000 | 21,840 | 18,160 |
| Jackets | 16,000 | 23,520 | 22,960 |
| Pantaloons, cord | 3,000 | 8,701 | 9,183 |
| Puttees, pairs | 16,000 | 24,120 | 23,200 |
| Ground sheets | 16,000 | 7,248 | 7,248 |
| Socks, pairs | 48,000 | 41,232 | 42,000 |
| Shoes, horse and mule | | 64,743 | *140 |
| Bottles, water | 16,000 | 5,782 | 5,000 |
| Haversacks | 16,000 | 1,184 | 1,100 |
| Vests | 16,000 | 25,056 | 25,056 |
| Caps | 16,000 | 14,560 | 14,000 |
| Drawers, woollen or cotton | 32,000 | 37,264 | 37,000 |
| Shirts | 32,000 | 10,800 | 10,800 |
| Tins, mess | 16,000 | 11,520 | 11,000 |
| Flannelette, yards | 8,500 | 111,672 | |
| Bags, nose | 4,000 | 29,244 | 29,000 |
| Ropeshead | 4,000 | 3,200 | 3,000 |
| Chains, collar | 2,000 | 5,892 | |
| Ropes, heel | 4,000 | 1,992 | 1,500 |
| Ropes, picketing | 70 | 1,800 | |
| Dubbin, lbs. | 500 | 9,600 | |
| Soap, soft, lbs. | 500 | 21,120 | |
| Soap, yellow, bars | 4,004 | 40,320 | |
| Grease, lubricating, lbs. | 500 | 10,188 | |
| Buckets, water | 5,000 | 7,332 | |
| Oil, lubricating, | | | |
| G. S., galls. | 100 | 3,216 | |
| Brushes, dandy | 2,000 | 9,096 | |
| Brushes, horse | 3,000 | 4,812 | |
| Blankets, saddle | 3,750 | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| Blankets, G. S. | 32,000 | 48,000 | 48,000 |
| Soda, crystals, lbs. | 336 | 34,560 | |
| Pullthroughs | 16,000 | 19,200 | |
| Machine-guns | 454 | 700 | 750 |
| Rifles | 16,000 | 35,000 | 50,000 |
| Vehicles (various) | 963 | 400 | 400 |
| Bicycles | 441 | 300 | 300 |
+----------------------------+-------------+----------+----------+
* Weight in tons.
APPENDIX VIII
DIVISIONAL INSTITUTES AND CANTEENS
Canteens were instituted in the Ninth Division during September 1915
because of the exorbitant prices charged to soldiers by the private
owners of cafés and estaminets. The difficult work of organisation
was carried out by Captain, now Major J. R. King, D.S.O., and he
was ably assisted by Padre J. Johnston, Presbyterian Chaplain. Two
caravans, kindly sent out by some friends at home, and named “Rob
Roy” and “Wee Macgregor,” were well known to all who served with
the Ninth; they traversed the front line many times from the sea to
the Somme, and “Jock” was always delighted to see them, for they
meant hot coffee and a packet of biscuits or cigarettes. When at the
beginning of 1918 Major King was transferred to the 46th Reserve
Park, the control of the Canteen arrangements devolved principally
upon Captain Carmichael. The duties of the O.C. Canteens were by no
means light, as the annual overturn amounted to more than a million
francs.
Another venture taken up by the Canteen department was the
establishment of a Soda-Water Factory. This factory not only swelled
the divisional funds but was an inestimable boon to the men, who were
provided with an excellent beverage at very small cost.
Some of the profits were devoted to the purchase of a divisional
cinema at the beginning of 1916, and all kinds of places behind the
lines—a pantechnicon waggon, barns, wall of houses in the open air,
sheets under trees by the roadside—were used for performances; it is
needless to mention that the film most in request from one end of the
line to the other was “Charlie Chaplin.”
During the German offensive in 1918 some of the divisional treasures
were lost. The cinema and “Wee Macgregor” had to be abandoned. The
soda-water plant was saved by Major King who, moving back with his
transport, remembered his old division in its trouble, seized the
plant at Péronne, and in spite of all obstacles got it safely away.
The Canteens carried on to the end, and after the Armistice were the
only places where the troops could procure supplies.
With the development of the Canteens there arose demands for all
sorts of specialists, such as cinema operators, grocers, law
assistants, etc., and “Q” often asked brigades to furnish them.
On one occasion a brigade which as a rule took no notice of these
requests, sent in the following reply: “We regret we have no grocer
specialist, soda-water specialist, or law specialist in our ranks,
but we have a contortionist, if his services could be made use of.”
But “Q” scored (whether consciously or not is a matter of doubt) by
wiring, “Please tell contortionist to report at H.Q. at once for
duty with the Concert Party.” This unexpected demand nonplussed the
brigade, which after deliberation concocted the following reply:
“Regret contortionist became a casualty last evening and is being
evacuated.”
INDEX
Abeele, 293
Abeelhoek, 365
Abercromby, Lieut.-Colonel Sir George, commanding 8th Black Watch,
63, 162 _note_, 404
Achiet le Grand, 223
Achiet le Petit, 226
Adamson, Captain J. E., commanding “C” Coy. 8th Gordons, 46
Adler Farm captured, 240
“Aerial darts,” trench mortars, 177
Aeroplanes, British, use of, 94;
German, 188, 208, 213;
bomb British troops, 268, 288
Air fights, 79
Aisne, the, 223, 354
Aizecourt le Haut, 280
Albert, 173, 286, 334
Albert, King of the Belgians, reviews the Ninth Division, 383
Allenby, General Sir E., commanding Third Army, 169;
presents decorations, 213;
Campaign in Egypt, 248, 335
Allied Forces, plan of attack, 20, 181-183
Allwright, C.S.M., heroism, 127
Alwyn Farm, 325, 326
American Army, attack in the Woeuvre, 335, 354
Amiens, 334;
failure of the Germans to capture, 292
Ancre, the, 181, 287, 289;
Valley, 153
Anderson, Major P. C., commanding 7th Seaforths, 256 _note_
Andrews, Captain, 377
Angus, Lieut.-Colonel A. W., commanding 5th Camerons, 338, 404
Annequin Fosse, 27
Anzac Redoubt, 227;
Ridge, 336;
captured, 340
Argonne, attack on, 335, 354
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the 10th, 6, 395, 405;
at the Battle of Loos, 44;
at Fosse Alley, 45;
retire to Dump Trench, 54;
casualties, 67, 208;
failure of a raiding scheme, 78;
at the Battle of Longueval, 109;
attack on the Butte de Warlencourt, 156;
at the Battle of Arras, 191, 197, 206;
raids, 222;
at the Battle of Passchendaele, 239-242;
in the Thirty-second Division, 251
Armagh Wood, 68
Armentières, 13;
evacuated, 299
Armin, General Sixt von, 130, 225
Armistice, 334, 383, 384
Armitage, Brig.-General E. H., C.R.A., 7, 80, 403;
letter from Maj.-General Bulfin, 56
Army, British, the First Hundred Thousand, 5;
use of gas, 21, 28;
strength, 91 _note_;
tactical expedients, 104;
moral, 183, 317;
relations with the French Army, 183;
“Backs to the Wall” Order, 313;
attack on Cambrai, 335
Army, the First, 144, 334;
at the Battle of Arras, 206
Army, the Second, 224, 293, 301;
Parade Service, 329
Army, the Third, 169, 181, 253, 264, 271, 275, 284, 334;
surrenders the Somme, 282
Army, the Fourth, 84 _note_, 150, 334
Army, the Fifth, 181, 225, 253, 271, 275, 284;
at the Battle of Arras, 206
Army, British, I. Corps, 20
II. Corps, 336, 370
III. Corps, 150, 249
IV. Corps, 20, 144;
at Bapaume, 220
V. Corps, 223, 253, 259, 264, 271, 284;
retreat, 272
VII. Corps, 250, 253, 284;
transferred to the Third Army, 285
VIII. Corps, 249
IX. Corps, 297, 301
X. Corps, 249
XIII. Corps, 84, 86;
attack on Longueval, 102
XV. Corps, 249, 336
XVII. Corps, 181;
plan of attack at Arras, 184
XVIII. Corps, 238;
Cyclist Battalion, 245
XIX. Corps, 284
XXII. Corps, 301, 308
Corps Cavalry, at the Battle of the Somme, 96
Army Service Corps, 9th Divisional Train, 7;
104th Company, 7, 399;
105th, 7, 399;
106th, 7, 399;
107th, 7, 399;
work of the, 71, 381, 391;
duties, 137, 290
Arneke, 238
Arras, 92, 172, 334;
Battles of, 22, 193-199, 203-205, 207-211, 214-218, 393;
condition, 173;
gas bombardment, 180;
bombing of, 213
Artillery Division, 281, 407
Athies, 184, 194
Auchy, 21 _note_, 41, 58
Australian Brigades, the 3rd, 293;
the 38th, 282;
the 43rd, 282
Australian Division, the 1st, 293;
captures Germans, 322;
the 2nd, attack on Passchendaele, 228;
the 4th, 289
Austria-Hungary, relations with Serbia, 3;
collapse, 382
Austria, Archduke Francis Ferdinand assassinated, 3
Austrian Army, attack in the Trentino, 88
Bagdad captured, 224
Bailleul, 12, 320;
captured, 306;
evacuated, 334
Bailward, Lieut.-Colonel A. C., commanding 50th Bde. R.F.A., 7, 407
Baizieux, 289
Balkan States, 334
Ballingall, Lieut.-Colonel H. M., commanding the 52nd Bde. R.F.A., 407
Bamford, Lieut.-Colonel H. W. M., commanding South African Composite
Battalion, 307, 406
Bangalore torpedoes, 78
Bapaume, 89, 220;
fall of, 152, 334
Barly, 150
Barnardiston, Lieut.-Colonel E., C.R.E., 403;
wounded, 137
Barrage, “box,” 178;
“creeping,” 107, 186
Bavarian Regiments, the 6th, 10th, and 16th, 102 _note_;
Reserve Divisions, the 1st and 24th, 192 _note_
Bavichove, 370, 375;
captured, 366
Bazentin, 283
Bazentin-le-Grand, 97, 102, 103, 285
Beaucamp Ridge, 254
Beaumetz, 264
Beaumont Hamel, 96
Becelaere, advance on, 341;
captured, 342
Beck House, 228, 234
Becourt Valley, 287
Beet Factory, 273
Belcher, Lieut.-Colonel H. T., commanding 52nd Bde. R.F.A., 407
Belgian Army, attack on Ghent, 336;
captures Moorslede, 345;
St Pieter, 351;
Bavichove, 366;
relieved, 371
Belgians, Queen of the, 383
Belgiek, 371, 374
Belgium, invasion of, 3;
rejoicings at peace, 384
Bellamy, 2nd Lieut., of the 11th Royal Scots, captures a patrol, 17
Bellewarde Ridge, 336;
captured, 340
Bennet, Captain H. E., 312
Benrath, 390
Berchem, 371
Bergwijk, 379
Bernafay Wood, 97, 281;
captured, 98;
bombarded, 99;
attack on, 285
Bertangles, 289
Berthonval, 145
Bethune, 32, 56
Bethune bombs, 14, 46
Beugin, 145
Beveren, 371, 374
Beviss, Lieut., 261
Big and Little Willie Trenches, attack on, 33
Billon Valley, 96, 100;
Wood, 283
Bird, Major T. G., commanding 90th Field Coy. R.E., 408
“Birdcage,” 76;
blown up, 70
Black Cot, 304, 305, 307
Blacklock, Maj.-General C. A., commanding Ninth Division, 253, 402;
on leave, 258;
return to the Front, 283
Black Watch, the 8th, 6, 63, 398;
at the Battle of Loos, 39, 41;
capture Germans, 42, 310;
check the German advance, 53;
casualties, 62 _note_;
at the Battle of Longueval, 109, 112;
attack on Snag Trench, 162;
raid, 179;
at the Battle of Arras, 191, 194, 206, 208;
of Passchendaele, 239-242;
retreat, 282;
at Grand Bois, 298;
attack on Meteren, 325;
at Ypres, 337;
capture Rolleghem Cappelle, 349;
attack on Mogg Farm, 359
Blaringhem, 319
Bluff, The, 64, 69
Boer War, results, 3
Bogaert Farm, 301, 304
Bomb, Bethune, 14;
Mills No. 5, 14;
depots, 30
Bombs, phosphorous, 229;
smoke, 27;
use of, 172
Bomy, 84
Bordon, 12
Borry Farm, 228, 234
Boteler, Lieut.-Colonel F. W., commanding 52nd Bde. R.F.A., 7, 407
Bouchavesnes, 273, 274
Bourlon Wood, 221
“Box” barrage, 178
Boyd, Lieut.-Colonel E., commanding 11th Royal Scots, 405
Brahmin Bridge, 326
Brake Camp, 238
Bray, 143, 252
Bremen Redoubt, 235
Briques, Les, 23;
shelled, 51
Briqueterie, 99, 101, 286
Britain, agreement with France and Russia, 3;
war with Germany, 4;
administration arrangements, 85
British Army, 5.
_See_ Army
Brock, Captain S. E., 364
Brogden, Major J. S., D.A.D.O.S., Ninth Division, 8
Broodseinde, 336, 337;
captured, 341
Brooke, Lieut.-Colonel E. W. S., commanding 50th Bde. R.F.A., 407
Brown, Lieut.-Colonel H. R., commanding 5th Camerons, 144, 404
Brown, Padre, 393
Browne, Major A. R. Innes, commanding 6th K.O.S.B., 217 _note_, 241;
killed, 308 _note_
Bruay, 144
Bruce, Brig.-General C. D., commanding 27th Infantry Brigade, 8, 403;
decides against attack on Haisnes, 45;
H.Q. in the Quarries, 47;
taken prisoner, 50
Bruce, Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. David, commanding 7th Seaforths, 299,
404
Bruce, Lieut.-Colonel J., commanding 2nd/1st East Lancs. Field
Ambulance, 408
Brussilov, General, successes, 88
Buchan, Captain, killed, 50
Buchanan Street, 112, 132, 134
Budge, Lieut.-Colonel H. L., commanding 12th Royal Scots, 80, 405;
killed, 111, 114
Budworth, Lieut.-Colonel C. E. D., commanding 50th Bde. R.F.A., 407
Bulfin, Maj.-General, letter from, 56
Bulgar Wood, 294
Bulgaria, treachery, 86;
sues for peace, 335
Burn, Major C. P. M., commanding 7th Seaforths, 63
Burn, Lieut.-Colonel Pelham, commanding 8th Gordons, 80, 404;
10th A. & S.H., 63, 405
Busnes, 15, 18
Buswell, Lieut.-Colonel F. R., commanding 29th Field Ambulance, 7, 408
Butte de Warlencourt, 153;
attack on, 154-157;
Battle of, 394
Buzzard, Lieut.-Colonel F. A., G.S.O.I., 402
Byng, General Sir Julian, 222, 254, 264
Cabaret Rouge, 146
Camblain L’Abbé, 145
Cambrai, 89, 182;
Battle of, 222;
military operations at, 246, 247
Cameron of Lochiel, Lieut.-Colonel D. W., commanding 5th Camerons, 6,
63, 404;
health breaks down, 80
Cameron, Lieut., captures Germans, 270
Cameron, Major, killed, 338
Cameron Highlanders, the 5th, 6, 398, 404;
at the Battle of Loos, 39-41;
casualties, 41, 62 _note_, 68;
check the German’s advance, 53;
attack on Waterlot Farm, 118;
on Snag Trench, 158;
at the Battle of Arras, 191, 197, 206, 208;
of Passchendaele, 239;
retreat, 281;
in reserve at Vierstraat, 298;
repulse the Germans at Dammstrasse, 304;
attack on Meteren, 325;
advance on Frezenberg Ridge, 340;
on Keiberg Spur, 344;
cross the Lys, 373
Campbell, Major A. C., commanding 11th Royal Scots, 256 _note_;
death, 288
Campbell, Lieut. C., 328
Campbell, Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. B. S., commanding 11th Royal Scots,
231 _note_, 405;
attack on Roeux, 204 _note_;
on leave, 256 _note_
Campbell, Lieut.-Colonel R., commanding 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers,
378 _note_, 406;
attack on Ingoyghem Ridge, 379
Canadian Division, the Third, at Arras, 181
Candle Factory, 191
Candles, smoke, 29
Canteens, institution of, 416
Cape, Lieut.-Colonel, G. A. S., commanding 51st Bde. R.F.A., 407
Cappelle St Catherine, 365
Caporetto, defeat of the Italians at, 247
Carency, 22, 145
Carmichael, Captain, in control of the Canteens, 416
Carnoy, 135
Carpenter, Lieut.-Colonel C. M., C.R.E., 64, 403
Carter, Lieut.-Colonel A. H., commanding 51st Bde. R.F.A., 7, 407
Carvin, 21
Caterpillar Valley, 109
Cavalry Trench, 262
Celestins Wood, 96
Cemetery Alley, 43;
shelled, 51, 53
Chalmers, Lieut.-Colonel F. G., commanding 9th Machine-gun Battn.,
252, 407
Chamberlain, Lieut.-Colonel, commanding 6th K.O.S.B., 308 _note_
Chapel Crossing, 249
Chapel Hill, 253, 254;
captured, 263, 266
Château Thierry, 319, 333
Chemin des Dames, 319, 321
Chérisy, 212, 288
Chimney Trench, 98
“Chinese Attack,” 154;
barrages, 193
Chipilly, 288
Christian, Lieut.-Colonel E., commanding 2nd South African Infantry,
144, 256 _note_, 406;
the 4th, 172, 406
Churchill, Lieut.-Colonel the Right Hon. W., commanding the 6th Royal
Scots Fusiliers, 63, 75, 405
Cité St Elie, 24, 32
Clarges Street, 103, 113, 117
Clavering, Major N., commanding 64th Field Coy. R.E., 408
Cléry captured, 276
Cochran, Major, in temporary command of the 2nd South African
Regiment, 228 _note_
Cockburn, Captain, rearguard action, 272
Cocks, Captain Somers, killed, 306
Cologne, 386
Combles, 89, 152, 277;
captured, 282
Comines Canal, 64, 296
Compiègne, 334
Congreve, General Sir W. H., commanding XIII. Corps, 85;
tribute to the Ninth Division, 111;
in command of VII. Corps, 250
Connell, Lieut.-Colonel J. C. W., commanding 6th K.O.S.B., 64, 99,
165, 405;
invalided to England, 171
Copse Valley, 96
Corbie, 93
Corons de Marons, 23
Corons de Pekin, 23
Costello, Lieut.-Colonel J. M. A., commanding 27th Field Ambulance,
408
Courtrai, 355
Cowan, Lieut.-Colonel J. de B., commanding 50th Bde. R.F.A., 407
Crawley, Lieut.-Colonel R. P., commanding 9th Divisional Train, 7, 404
Cree, Colonel G., A.D.M.S., 7, 404
“Creeping” barrage, 107, 186
Crichton, Lieut.-Colonel A. G. M. M., commanding 5th Camerons, 239,
404;
leaves, 256 _note_
Croft, Brig.-General W. D., commanding 11th Royal Scots, 63, 405;
at the Battle of Longueval, 113;
Director of the Divisional School at Givenchy, 174;
_Three Years with the Ninth Division_, 174 _note_;
attack on the Germans, 190;
in command of the 27th Infantry Brigade, 231 _note_, 238, 403;
at Sorel, 261;
reconnoitres the Corps line, 303;
advance on Becelaere, 341;
plans for crossing the Lys, 366;
tribute to, 381
Croisilles, 258
Crowden, Lieut. H. commanding “D” Coy. 12th Royal Scots, 99
Cuerne, 348, 365, 366, 380;
gas-shelled, 366
Cundle, Captain, 310
Cupid Trench, 214, 216
Curly Trench, 216
Cuthbert Trench, 209
“Cuthbert,” the prince of snipers, 148
Cyclist Battalion, at the Battle of the Somme, 96
Dadizeele, 344;
captured, 345
Dadizeelehoek, 350
Dammstrasse, 298, 302, 309;
attack on, 304, 311
Dardanelles expedition, failure, 86
Darling, Captain, commanding 28th Field Ambulance, 408
Daun, Marshal, tactics, 91
Davis, Lieut.-Colonel H. J. W., commanding 9th Machine-gun Battn., 407
Dawson, Brig.-General F. S., 117, 131, 134, 262;
commanding 1st South African Regiment, 82, 406;
attack on the “Nose,” 160;
commanding S.A. Brigade, 171, 403;
at Sorel, 266;
retires to Moislains, 268;
ordered to retreat to Bouchavesnes, 274;
taken prisoner, 280
Deerlyck captured, 374
Delbske Farm, 298
Delville Wood, 97, 102;
attack on, 120, 126, 132, 138;
captured, 121, 125, 140 _note_;
bombarded, 125, 127, 130
Demobilisation, system of, 389
Denys Wood, 298
Dernancourt, 286
Desinet Farm, 304
Dessart Wood, 256;
shelled, 260, 265
Detail, General, commanding Eighth Belgian Division, 348
Deule Canal, 22
“Devil’s Wood,” 134
Diaz, General, 382
Dickebusch, rest hut, 65, 66
Divisional Artillery, 80, 147;
Tactical School at Givenchy, 174
Doignies, loss of, 264
Dome House, 302, 307
Douai, 89, 173, 354;
plains, 182
Doucet, Captain C., commanding 63rd Field Coy. R.E., 7, 408
Doullens, Conference at, 293
Douvrin, 24
Drew, Major, 109;
adjutant, 5th Camerons, 66
Drocourt, attack on, 334
Duff, Lieut.-Colonel G. B., commanding 8th Black Watch, 63, 404;
5th Camerons, 80, 404;
at the attack on Delville Wood, 132;
wounded, 133
Dugmore, Major, commanding 9th Divisional Supply Column, M.T., 7
Duisans, 174
Duke, Captain, R.N., 303
Duke Street, 103, 114, 117, 123
Dump Trench, 33, 54;
attack on, 23;
captured, 48;
reoccupied, 51
Dundas, Lieut.-Colonel R.C., commanding 11th Royal Scots, 8, 405
Dunkirk bombed by the Germans, 249
Durham Light Infantry, the 19th, at the attack on Longueval, 135
Dutton, Major J. H., commanding 6th Royal Scots Fusiliers, 63
Dyson, Lieut.-Colonel H. H. B., commanding 11th Royal Scots, 6, 405
East Yorks Regiment, the 1st, 310
Eastern Question, 2
Eaucourt L’Abbaye, 150, 153;
trenches at, 164
Ecluses, Les, 79
Egypt, military operations in, 248
Eighteenth Division, 86;
at Bernafay Wood, 106;
capture Trones Wood, 119;
at the Battle of Passchendaele, 242
Eikhof Farm, 302, 306, 307
Elcock, Corporal Roland Edward, awarded the V.C., 364, 412
Elsner, Lieut.-Colonel O. W. A., commanding 27th Field Ambulance, 7,
408;
appointed A.D.M.S., 206, 404;
retreat, 289
Epernay, 333
Epine de Malassise, 274
Epinette Wood, 255, 272
Equancourt, 255, 271, 273
Espercy, General Franchet d’, 334
Esquelbec, 336
Essex Regiment, the 2nd, at the Battle of Arras, 208
Estaires occupied, 299
Etinehem, 93, 284
Etricourt, 269
Etrun, 205 _note_
European War, outbreak, 1
Falkenhayn, General Von, 152
Fampoux, 184, 202
Fanshawe, Lieut.-General Sir E. A., commanding V. Corps, 223 _note_
Fargus, Lieut.-Colonel H. N. S., commanding 12th Royal Scots, 144,
405;
return to England, 172
Faulds, Private William Frederick, awarded the V.C., 127, 410
Favière Wood, 284, 286
Ferguson, Captain K. P., Brigade-Major, R.F.A., 7
Fergusson, Major-General Sir Charles, commanding Ninth Division, 8,
402;
II. Corps, 8;
XVII. Corps, 181;
takes the salute, 386
Fergusson, Lieut.-Colonel H. C., commanding 11th H.L.I., 6, 63, 406
Festubert, engagement at, 15
Fetherstonhaugh, Lieut.-Colonel T., commanding 9th Seaforths, 7, 407
Feuchy, 184
_Field Service Regulations_, 9, 176
Fielding, Major R. E. Bruce, commanding 63rd Field Coy. R.E., 408
Fifteen Ravine, 254, 256
Fifteenth (Scottish) Division, 82, 154;
capture the Railway Triangle, 197, 199
Fifth Division, 135
Fiftieth Division, attack on the Butte, 167 _note_
Fifty-first Division at Arras, 181;
relieved, 213
Fifty-fifth Division, attack on Hill 37, 235
Fins, 255, 267, 269
“Fish-tails,” trench mortars, 177
Flammenwerfer, use of, 162
Flanders, condition, 65;
result of the military operations, 370
Flander I. Stellung, 344, 345
Fleming, Lieut., 113
Flers, 102, 153, 281
Flesquières, 223, 259
Flêtre-Roukloshille Ridge, 320
Flying Corps, 95
“Flying Pig” mortar, 81
Foch, Marshal, appointed Generalissimo, 293;
tribute to the Ninth Division, 314 _note_;
tactics, 333;
arranges four attacks, 335
Fontaine Hoek, 320
Football Matches, 75
Forbes, Lieut.-Colonel R. F., commanding 11th H.L.I., 64, 406
Forsyth, Major M. N., 178
Forty-first Division, 83, 377, 378;
relieved, 249
Forty-seventh Division, 153, 262, 264, 271, 282
Forty-eighth Division, 238
Forty-ninth Division, 312
Fosse 8, 32;
captured, 41;
Alley, 46, 47, 49;
Trench, 33;
attack on, 23
Fountain Alley, 44
Four Huns Farm, 300
Fourteenth Division, 251
Fourth Division, attack on Greenland Hill, 201;
at the Battle of Arras, 206
France, agreement with Britain and Russia, 3
Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria, 3
Francis, Captain W. E., commanding 64th Field Coy. R.E., 7, 408
Fraser, Captain, killed, 338
French, Field-Marshal Sir J. D. P., inspects the 27th and 28th
Brigades, 15
French, Lieut.-Colonel W., commanding 8th Black Watch, 337, 351, 404;
defensive flank, 351
French Army, advance on Valenciennes, 20;
relations with the British Army, 183;
attack on Spanbroekmolen, 305;
relieve the Nineteenth Division, 306;
recapture Soissons, 334;
attack on Argonne, 335, 354
French Cavalry Brigade, the 3rd, 350
French Corps, XXXVI., 249
Fresnoy, 212
Frevillers, 148
Freyburg, Brig.-General, 370
Frezenberg Ridge, 227, 336, 339 _note_;
captured, 340
Fricourt, 285;
Wood, 151
Fruges, 249
Fulton, Lieut.-Colonel H. A., commanding 9th Scottish Rifles, 113,
405;
at the Battle of Arras, 210
Furse, General Sir W. T., commanding Ninth Division, 62, 402;
“Retaliation Tariff,” 70;
efforts to develop the offensive spirit, 77;
tribute to the Division, 111 _note_;
at Montauban, 131;
plans for a counter-attack, 134;
appointed Master-General of the Ordnance, 170;
K.C.B. conferred, 170 _note_;
characteristics, 171
Gaisford, Lieut.-Colonel W. T., commanding 7th Seaforths, 6, 404;
killed, 42
Gas, use of, 21, 28;
discharged, 28;
result, 38, 59;
attacks of the Germans, 73, 180, 258, 260, 366, 376, 377
Gauche Wood, 249, 254;
attack on, 261
Gaverbeek, 375
Gavrelle, 210
Gaza, 224, 248;
Cross Roads, 326
Gemeenhof, 364
Genin Well Copse, 263
George V., King, exhortation to the Ninth Division, 11, 395;
at Frevillers, 148;
La Brearde, 329
German Army, at Festubert, 15;
“Minnies,” or Trench Mortars, 16;
gas attacks, 28 _note_, 73, 180, 258, 260, 366, 376, 377;
at the Battle of Loos, 33-56;
reinforcements, 46 _note_;
counter-attacks, 48, 60, 129, 139, 351;
capture the Quarries, 50;
losses, 57;
sniping, 78;
at the Battle of the Somme, 92;
occupy Montauban Alley, 97;
taken prisoners, 113, 318, 380, 383;
position at Delville Wood, 121;
bombardment of it, 130;
casualties, 142, 281, 287;
defeated at Snag Trench, 159;
assault on the “Nose,” 162;
use of flammenwerfer, 162;
defeated at Arras, 189, 197, 207, 217;
moral, 200;
the 16th Division, 240 _note_;
attack at Gouzeaucourt, 250;
training, 251;
18th Division, relieved, 257 _note_;
107th Division, at Villers, 257 _note_;
preparations for an attack on Gonnelieu, 257-259;
attack on Gauche Wood, 261;
capture Chapel Hill, 266;
advance on Heudecourt, 268;
attack on the South Africans, 277-280;
on Bernafay Wood, 285;
Trones Wood, 285;
capture Lamotte, 288;
at the Battle of Wytschaete, 297, 308-313;
beaten back, 300;
flight, 313;
defeated at Meteren, 324-327;
raids, 328;
defeated at Hoegenacker Ridge, 331;
retreat, 331, 334, 383;
characteristics, 338;
the “War-prolongers,” 349 _note_;
reverses, 353;
withdraw to the Selle, 354;
loss of moral, 359;
retreat from Laaga Cappelle Wood, 360;
evacuate Cuerne, 365
German Fleet, creation, 3;
blockade, 335
Germany, hostile policy, 3;
invasion of Belgium, 3;
military operations in Roumania, 152;
submarine warfare, 247
Gheluvelt captured, 341
Gheluwe, attack on, 343
Ghent, 370
Gibson, 2nd Lieut., 162
Ginchy, 102, 285
Gird Trench, 159
Givenchy captured, 21 _note_;
Divisional Tactical School at, 174
Glasfurd, Captain A. I. R., Brig.-Major, of the 27th Infantry
Brigade, 6
Glasgow Spur, 336
Glass, Captain J. S., commanding Royal Scots Fusiliers, 375 _note_
Gonnelieu, 247, 253, 256
Gordon, Lieut.-Colonel G. W. E., commanding 8th Black Watch, 63, 404;
personality, 132;
attack on Delville Wood, 132;
promotion, 162 _note_
Gordon Highlanders, the 8th, 6, 63, 398;
at the Battle of Loos, 39, 41, 46;
advance on Haisnes, 42;
retire to Fosse Alley, 46;
casualties, 62 _note_;
join the Fifteenth Division, 82
Gorle, Lieut. Robert Vaughan, heroism, 352;
awarded the V.C., 352, 411
Gough, General, Commander of I. Corps, tribute to the Ninth Division,
61, 245 _note_;
forces, 253;
criticisms on, 292
Gouzeaucourt, 247, 250, 254;
shelled, 269
Grahame, Lieut.-Colonel J. C., commanding 10th H.L.I., 6, 64, 406;
gassed at the Battle of Loos, 37
Grand Bois, 298, 310
Grant, Captain, 328
Green, Captain, commanding 2nd South African Regiment at Gauche Wood,
261
Greenhill-Gardyne, Lieut.-Colonel A. D., commanding 8th Gordons, 63,
404
Greenland Hill, 207;
attack on, 201
Grenadier Regiment, the 89th, 222
Grogan, Brig.-General E. St G., commanding 26th (Highland) Brigade,
8, 403;
return to England, 15
Grovetown, 93, 95
Guedezeune Farm, 298
Guillemont, 102, 103, 277
Guyencourt, 267
H.E. shell, use of, 106, 229, 237;
barrage, 139, 154
Haan, 386
Hadow, Lieut.-Colonel R. W., commanding 8th Black Watch, 239 _note_,
404;
force, 282
Haig, Sir Douglas, inspects the South African Brigade, 83;
Commander-in-Chief, 88;
result of his policy of attrition, 89-92;
message from, 179 _note_;
plan of a great offensive, 181;
plan of attack, 223;
tributes to the Ninth Division, 291, 314 _note_, 316;
“Backs to the Wall” Order, 313
Haisnes, 20, 21 _note_, 24;
attack on, 42, 44
Hamilton, Major S. W. S., commanding 90th Field Coy. R.E., 408;
at the Battle of Arras, 210
Hampshire Regiment, the 2nd, 368
Hanebeek, the, 227, 336, 340;
Wood, 227, 234
Happy Valley, 135
Hardecourt, 283, 285
Hardy, Lieut.-Colonel W. E., commanding 28th Field Ambulance, 7, 408
Harlebeke, 348, 380, 383;
attack, 367
“Harp, The,” 180
Harty, Lieut.-Colonel T. E., commanding 28th Field Ambulance, 408
Havrincourt, 221, 264;
Wood, 220
Hawthorn, Sergeant C., 210
Hay, Captain C. J. B., Brig.-Major, 28th Brigade, 6;
at the Battle of Arras, 194
Hay, Ian, 333;
_The First Hundred Thousand_, 8 _note_, 16 _note_
Hazebrouck, 320
Heal, Lieut.-Colonel F. H., commanding 1st South African Regiment,
172, 406
Heal, Major, in temporary command of the 2nd South African Regiment,
144
Hearn, Lieut.-Colonel G. R., commanding 64th Field Coy. R.E., 8, 137,
243, 403
Heetje, 365, 373
Hell Farm, 301
“Hell-fire” Corner, 336
Helmet, the steel, 79
Hennois Wood, 273
Henry, Captain, 77
Hermaville, 205
Hermies, 264
Heudecourt, 255, 256, 268;
shelled, 260
Heule Wood, 364;
captured, 366
Hewitt, Lance-Corporal W. H., awarded the V.C., 236, 411
Hickling, Lieut.-Colonel H. C. B., commanding Royal Engineers, 371,
403
High Wood, 102, 115, 163
Highland Brigade, the 26th, 6, 63, 398;
at Bailleul, 12;
Nieppe, 13;
Festubert, 15;
inspection of, 18;
objectives of attack, 23;
attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt, 26;
on Big and Little Willie Trenches, 33;
at the Battle of Loos, 37, 43, 47;
capture the Dump, 48;
relieved, 49;
reorganised, 49;
attack on Fosse 8, 55;
at Bethune, 56;
at the Battle of the Somme, 96;
attack on Longueval, 103;
at Caterpillar Valley, 109;
attack on Waterlot Farm, 120, 124;
capture it, 129;
attack on Delville Wood, 132-134, 139;
at Vimy Ridge, 145;
in the trenches at Arras, 174;
Battle of Arras, 195, 206-210;
capture Mount Pleasant, 202;
raids, 221;
Battle of Passchendaele, 239, 244;
at Nieuport, 249;
Gonnelieu, 256;
retreat, 267, 269, 273, 281;
attack on, 274;
at Saillisel, 276;
Montauban, 284;
march to Dernancourt, 286;
strength, 288;
defence of Dammstrasse, 311;
form a defensive flank, 315;
attack on Meteren, 324;
at Ypres, 336;
attack on Broodseinde, 337, 339-341;
assist the Belgians to capture Moorslede, 345;
withdraw to Menin, 351;
attack on Ooteghem, 378;
Colours presented to, 390
Highland Light Infantry, the 10th, 6, 64, 398;
at the Battle of Loos, 35, 36;
casualties, 37, 62 _note_;
join the Fifteenth Division, 82
the 11th, 6, 64, 398;
at the Battle of Loos, 38;
casualties, 62 _note_;
join the Fifteenth Division, 82
the 12th, at Hardecourt, 283, 285
the 18th, at Favière Wood, 284
Highland Division. _See_ Fifty-first Division
Hill 40, attack on, 363;
41, attack on, 347, 350, 352;
50, attack on, 376;
captured, 377; 60, 64;
battles at, 20
Hindenburg Line, 182
Hine, Lieut.-Colonel H. C. R., commanding 28th Field Ambulance, 408
Hinges, 18
Hoegenacker Ridge, 329;
attack on, 330;
captured, 331
Hoggart, Major, 362
Hohenzollern Redoubt, attack on, 21 _note_, 23, 26, 33, 40;
captured, 41
Hollebeke, 293, 295, 296
Hollond, Lieut.-Colonel S. E., G.S.O.I., of the Ninth Division, 31,
402
Hoogebrug, 370, 371;
Bridge, 367
Hooggraaf, 64
Hopoutre, 293, 308
Horn, Lieut.-Colonel R., commanding 7th Seaforths, 144, 404;
the Army Musketry Camp, 256 _note_;
killed, 305
Horses, artillery, number killed, 356
Hosley, Major, at Loos, 35;
wounded, 35
Hulluch, 21
Hulste captured, 366
Hunt, Lieut.-Colonel D. R., 283;
commanding 4th South African Regiment, 144, 406
Hutcheson, Captain C. de M., A.S.C., 7
Indirect Fire, practice of, 79
Infantry, relations with the Sappers, 69
Infantry Brigade, the 27th.
_See_ Lowland Brigade
Infantry Brigade, the 28th, 6, 64, 398;
at Outtersteene, 12;
objectives of attack, 23;
attack on Madagascar Trench, 26;
at the Battle of Loos, 37;
casualties, 38;
moral, 56;
at Bethune, 56;
broken up, 82;
attack on Broodseinde, 337, 339-341;
advance on Keiberg Spur, 344;
cross the Lys, 373;
attack on Ooteghem, 378;
Colours presented to, 390
Ingelmunster, 364, 365
Inglis, Lieut.-Colonel J., commanding 5th Camerons, 256 _note_, 404;
wounded, 338
Ingoyghem, 371;
attack on, 376
Inniskilling Fusiliers, the 1st, attack on Hill 41, 352
Ireland, conscription in, 318
Italian Army, defeated at Caporetto, 247;
cross the Piave, 382
Italy, entry into the War, 87;
military operations, 224
Jack, Brig.-General J. L., commanding 28th Brigade, 333, 344, 403;
attack on Ingoyghem Ridge, 379;
tribute to, 381
Jacobs, General C. W., tribute to the Ninth Division, 353 _note_;
presents Colours, 390
Jacobs, Captain, 2nd South African Regiment, 294 _note_
Jameson Raid, 3
Jeffcoat, Lieut.-Colonel A. C., A.A. & Q.M.G., 343, 380, 391, 402
Jeffries, Sergeant, captures Germans, 300, 305
Jerusalem, 248
Johnson, 2nd Lieut, 166
Johnston, Padre J., 393, 416
Jones, Lieut.-Colonel F. A., commanding 4th South African Regiment,
83, 406;
killed, 101
Joostens, General, commanding 3rd Belgian Division, 362
Judge Cross Roads, 342
Jutland, Battle of, 247
Keen, Lieut., 322
Keiberg Spur, advance on, 343;
captured, 344
Keith, Captain, killed, 35
Kelham, Brig.-General H. R., commanding 26th Brigade, 6, 403
Kelso, Lieut.-Colonel J. Utterson, commanding 2nd Royal Scots
Fusiliers, 406;
blown up, 346;
wounded, 355
Kemmel, Mount, 304, 308;
evacuated, 334
Kennedy, Brig.-General J., commanding 7th Seaforths, 63, 118, 404;
at the attack on Delville Wood, 132;
commanding 10th A. & S.H., 144, 405;
the 26th (Highland) Brigade, 170, 403;
policy, 197;
notes on the Battle of Arras, 212;
retreat, 273, 275;
horse shot under, 281;
return to England, 327
Ker, Lieut.-Colonel R. F., commanding 6th K.O.S.B., 367, 377, 405
King, Major A., commanding Royal Scots Fusiliers, 355;
wounded, 375 _note_
King, Captain J. R., 105th Coy. A.S.C., 7;
organisation of Canteens, 416
King’s Own Scottish Borderers, the 6th, 6, 64, 398;
at the Battle of Loos, 35;
casualties, 36, 62 _note_, 99, 101;
at the Battle of the Somme, 97;
capture Bernafay Wood, 98;
at the Battle of Longueval, 105;
march in the mud, 164;
raid, 180;
at the Battle of Arras, 191, 195, 209;
attack on Passchendaele, 228, 232, 241;
at Sorel, 256;
capture Germans, 310;
surrounded and captured, 310;
march past the King, 329;
attack on Hoegenacker Ridge, 330;
on Ledeghem, 349;
cross the Lys, 367;
attack on Hill 50, 376
Kitchener, Lord, personality, 4;
appeal for troops, 5;
inspects the 26th (Highland) Brigade, 18
Klein Ronsse Hill, 378
Klein Zillebeke, 296, 303
Kleinberg, attack on, 379
Klephoek, 348;
Cross Roads, 347
Klijtberg, 377
Klooster Hoek, 379
Knapp, Lieut.-Colonel K. K., commanding 53rd Bde. R.F.A., 8, 407
Knock, 374
Krote, 376
Kruisstraat Cabaret, 301
Kut, surrender of a British force at, 87
Laaga Cappelle Wood, 360, 362, 370
La Bassée, 32
La Brearde, 329
La Clytte, 297, 310
La Gache Farm, 305, 307, 309
La Motte, 280 _note_;
captured, 288
Landon, Maj.-General H. J. S., commanding Ninth Division, 8, 402;
conference, 23;
return to England, 31
Langestraat, 379
La Polka, 304
Lavièville, 151
“Leap Frog” system, 228
Le Cateau, 280 _note_
Le Chat, 365
Ledeghem, attack on, 348;
captured, 349
Legard, General, 283
Lekkerboterbeek stream, 239, 241
L’Enfer, 298, 300
Lens, 22, 89, 173, 182;
evacuated, 334
Le Sars, 154
Les Bœufs, 281;
captured, 282
Le Transloy, 276
Leuze Wood, 281
Lewis, Major R. P., commanding 29th Field Ambulance, 408
Lewis Guns, 72, 93, 113, 188, 252, 313;
carriage of, 150
Lieramont, 267
Lille, 354;
withdrawal of the Germans, 370
Livingstone, Lieut.-Colonel H. A. A., C.R.E., 7, 403;
wounded, 64
Loch, Lieut.-Colonel G. G., commanding 12th Royal Scots, 6, 63, 405;
commands 27th Brigade, 50;
Commandant of the School at Poperinghe, 66;
promotion, 80
Locon, 18
London Division, casualties, 161
Lone Farm, 43;
shelled, 53
Longueval, 97, 100, 102;
attack on, 125, 128, 130, 138, 140 _note_
Loos, Battle of, plan of attack, 20;
preparations, 20-31;
preliminary bombardment, 33;
Battle, 33-56, 393;
results, 59
Lowland Brigade, the 27th, 6, 63, 238, 398;
at Noote Boom, 12;
Festubert, 15;
in reserve, 24;
at the Battle of Loos, 43;
hold Fosse Alley, 48;
withdrawal, 50;
reoccupy Dump Trench, 51;
repulse attack on Fosse Alley, 54;
at Bethune, 56;
reputation, 57;
at the Battle of the Somme, 96;
at Montauban, 97;
Billon Valley, 100;
attack on Longueval, 103, 110, 120;
casualties, 138;
at Bruay, 144;
Vimy Ridge, 145;
march to Mametz, 151;
at High Wood, 163;
in the trenches at Arras, 174;
at the Battle of Arras, 195, 196, 208-210;
of Roeux, 202, 205;
attack on Passchendaele, 228, 275, 277;
at the Battle of Passchendaele, 239;
retreat, 277, 303;
relieved, 284;
strength, 288;
casualties, 288;
relieves the 26th at Hollebeke, 295;
at the Battle of Wytschaete, 298;
beat back the Germans, 300;
advance on Becelaere, 341;
attack on Ledeghem, 349;
at Keiberg Spur, 358;
Colours presented to, 390
Ludendorff, General, 201, 251, 309;
_Meine Kriegserinnerungen_, 258;
plans to secure the Channel Ports, 306;
operations against Rheims, 333;
resignation, 383
Lukin, General Sir H. T., commanding South African Brigade, 82, 403;
plan of attack, 154;
commanding Ninth Division, 171, 402;
appointed to a command in England, 252;
awarded the K.C.B., 252 _note_
Lumbres, 319
Lumm Farm, 300
Lumsden, Lieut.-Colonel W., commanding 9th Scottish Rifles, 228
_note_, 244, 337, 405, 406
Lys, the, 299, 355, 363, 365;
crossing, 367-371
MacDougal, Major H., 104th Coy., Army Service Corps, 7
MacEwen, Lieut.-Colonel St C. M. G., commanding 5th Camerons, 404
Machine-Gun Battalion, the 9th, 252, 315, 337, 368;
at Ridge Wood, 297;
attack on Ooteghem, 378
the 104th reorganised, 355;
attack on Ooteghem, 378