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,