The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion)This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion)Record of War Service, 1914-1918Editor: John W. ArthurIon S. MunroRelease date: December 19, 2006 [eBook #20136]Most recently updated: June 21, 2015Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Jeannie Howse and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Thisfile was produced from images generously made availableby The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SEVENTEENTH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY (GLASGOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BATTALION) ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: The Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion)Record of War Service, 1914-1918Editor: John W. ArthurIon S. MunroRelease date: December 19, 2006 [eBook #20136]Most recently updated: June 21, 2015Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Jeannie Howse and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Thisfile was produced from images generously made availableby The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
Title: The Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion)
Record of War Service, 1914-1918
Editor: John W. ArthurIon S. Munro
Editor: John W. Arthur
Ion S. Munro
Release date: December 19, 2006 [eBook #20136]Most recently updated: June 21, 2015
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Jeannie Howse and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Thisfile was produced from images generously made availableby The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SEVENTEENTH HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY (GLASGOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BATTALION) ***
Transcriber's Note:Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved.Illustration list entries often have more than one link.Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this text.For a complete list, please see theend of this document.
Transcriber's Note:
Inconsistent hyphenation in the original document has been preserved.
Illustration list entries often have more than one link.
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this text.For a complete list, please see theend of this document.
17th H.L.I. Flags17th H.L.I.THE GIFT OF THE MEMBERS OFTHE GLASGOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.ToList
17th H.L.I.THE GIFT OF THE MEMBERS OFTHE GLASGOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.ToList
Crest
In compiling and editing this history of the Chamber of Commerce Battalion, the aim of the editors has been to present such a narrative as will provide a detailed but not overburdened account of the Battalion's movements and operations throughout the years of its existence, and at the same time give a representative impression of the various outstanding events which have built up the character and the traditions of the unit.
In accordance with the wishes of the History Committee, the narrative dealing with Field service has been kept within the limits of the Battalion's share in the campaign, and accordingly no attempt has been made to give any picture of the relative positions of the various other units operating with the 17th, or of the general strategic import of the actions described.
The chapters dealing with the beginnings and home training, and those general items in Part III. are founded mainly upon matter supplied by officers of the unit and members ofThe Outpoststaff. The Roll of original members in Part IV. has been gathered together by Lieut. and Quarter-Master Kelly. The material in the section dealing with the service of the Battalion overseas has been gathered from the following sources:—
For data—the Official War Diaries of the 17th Battalion H.L.I. preserved in the "Records" Office, Hamilton; supplementary notes supplied by Lieut.-Cols. Morton and Paul and Major Paterson, D.S.O., M.C.; Brigade and Battalion Operation Orders; Battalion Operation Reports.
For impressions, opinions, and descriptions—numerous and exceedingly helpful literary vignettes from members ofThe Outpoststaff and others, and from interviews.
The Editors desire to record their appreciation of material contributed and help given by:—Lieut.-Col. Morton, Lieut.-Col. Paul, Lieut.-Col. Inglis, Major Paterson, the Rev. A. Herbert Gray, C.F., Capt. G.H.R. Laird, Capt. M. MacRobert, Capt. T.P. Locking, Mr. Cameron of the Chamber of Commerce, Lieut. and Quarter-Master Kelly, Mr. Meadows of Saltcoats (for allowing illustrations and excerpts to be taken from the diary of his son, the late Lieut. B. Meadows), the relatives of the late Lieut. D.W. Hourston (for a selection of photographs from his collection), and the following gentlemen identified with the publication ofThe Outpost:—Messrs. A.M. Cohen, W.S. Corbett, Mark Drummond, W.M. Dixon, A.G. Deans, W. Glennie, A.G. Houstoun, J.L. Hardie, C. MacCallum, J. M'Kechnie, N. M'Intyre, W.K. M'Taggart, D. Murray, J.L.L. Niven, F.K. Pickles, H.F. Scott, D.M. Thomson, R. Tilley.
JOHN W. ARTHUR.ION S. MUNRO.
Glasgow,May, 1920.
Editors' Preface.I.—FORMATION AND HOME TRAINING.PAGEThe Nation's Call to Arms,13Declaration of War—Strain on the resources of the Regular and Territorial Forces—Kitchener's Call to Arms—Civic response—Glasgow Corporation Battalions—Meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and Resolution—Committee formed—The Technical College.A Battalion in Being,15Attestation and enrolment—"A" Company from Technical College—"B" Company from Schools—"C" and "D" from the City—C.O., Second in Command, Adjutant, Company Commanders, and Staff appointed—Leaving the City—Government acceptance—Farewell visit to City.Esprit de Corps,19Traditions of the H.L.I.—the 71st and 74th Foot—Uniform—pre-War Establishment—Regular and Territorial Battalions—War Service Battalions raised—the allocation of the 17th Battalion.Home Stations and Training,21Gailes—Troon—Prees Heath—Wensleydale—Totley—Codford Camp—Overseas Orders—Message from the King—Embarkation.II.—ON ACTIVE SERVICE.On Trek,27Arrival at Havre—March to the forward area—Bouzincourt and Millencourt—instructional tour of front line trenches—condition of trenches—first casualties—Molliens.Trench Routine,30In the line—Xmas '15 and the New Year—the new trench—"Standing to"—routine and patrols.The Raid,33The "Red" Division—in the line at Authuille—Colonel Morton wounded on March 21st—A raid postponed—carried out on 22nd—success of Lieut. Begg's party—congratulatory messages and awards.A Lull before the Storm,37Preparations commenced for the Somme offensive—a complimentary shoot with "P" Battery—Divisional, Brigade and Battalion identification marks—happy days at Rubempré.The Battle of the Somme,39Spirit of the Battalion prior to the battle—zero and "over the top"—Leipzig Trench carried—flanks exposed—precarious position of the unit—great casualties—protective bombing posts—consolidation— Battalion relieved—Victoria Cross gained by Sergeant Turnbull—Roll Call.A Diary Account of the Battle,42Extract from the personal diary of the late Lieut. B. Meadows giving a wonderfully realistic picture of the July 1st Battle.Hulluch and Thereabouts,48Senlis—last parade under Col. Morton—Bombing raid north of Ovillers—Move to Bethune—1st Army Area—inspection by General Munro—depleted ranks—trench warfare about Hulluch—Cambrin Sector.Beaumont-Hamel,51The attack—weather conditions—failure of artillery support—forlorn hope—break-down of assault—gallantry and sacrifice—casualties—Mailly-Maillet—Franqueville and Rubempré—Xmas 1916 and New Year—football and high spirits.The New Year, 1917,53Bad weather—Courcelles—trench labours—varied moves—beginning of Spring Offensive—attack by the French—the advance—Nesle—condition of inhabitants—great digging work at Germaine.On the Heels of the Enemy,55The taking of Savy—casualties—patrolling—capture of Fayet—congratulatory messages—strenuous days—Canizy—competitions with the French—work and sport—Hangard—leaving the Fourth Army—Farewell message from General Rawlinson.In Flanders,60En route to Steenbecque—R.T.O.—the 14th Corps—reconnaissance of Messines Sector—heavy marches—Coxyde and Kuhn—amenities of Nieuport area.Operations on the Coast,62Enemy hurricane bombardment—enemy attempt frustrated—attack abandoned—visit to H.L.I.— sports—visit of Dr. Kelman—patrol work by Corpl. Wilson—listening post raided—departure for Adinkerke.The Ypres Salient,66Passchendaele—gallantry of attack—casualties— Hilltop Farm—move to Landethun and Yeuse—Serre Sector—close of 1917.The Disbandment,71Hogmanay—with the II. Corps—the blow—new army establishment—Hospital Camp—disbandment—the passing of the "17th."III.—AN ODD MUSTER.The Spirit of the Battalion,76The Padre's tribute.Co-operation,78The 17th and the Gunners."The Outpost,"81The Battalion Magazine.Sport of the Battalion,83Football—running—boxing.The R.S.M.,84Tribute by Lieut.-Col. D.S. Morton.A Remembrance,84An echo.The Comforts Committee,85The Ladies' Committee and Office-bearers—their helpful work.Memorial Service in Glasgow,86The Somme—Rev. A. Herbert Gray's text.The Club,87The object—Battalion Benevolent Fund—Committee formed—Hope of the future."E" Company,8917th H.L.I. Reserve—19th Battalion—drafts— activities—Lieut. Col. Anderson, V.C.—78th T.R.B.IV.—HONOURS AND AWARDS.Battalion Honour,91The Victoria Cross,91Honours gained by Officers and others while serving with the Battalion,93Honours gained by original Members of the Battalion after being transferred to other units,96List of Officers who were granted Commissions in the Battalion on its formation,100"Other Ranks" of the Battalion who were granted Commissions in the Battalion,101Roll of Warrant Officers, N.C.O.s and men who joined the Battalion prior to 22nd November, 1915,102
Facing PageFrontispiece.The Late Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird and Mr. James W. Murray, Presidents of the Chamber,14Original Officers in Command of Companies—MajorsW.J. Paul,J.R. Young, W. Auld, V.D., andE. Hutchison,16Farewell Meeting at the Technical College,17Early Days—A Rest by the Way,18H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, Colonel-in-Chief of the H.L.I., andColonel J. Stanley Paterson,19Lieut.-Colonel David S. Morton, V.D., C.M.G.,20,35On the Sea Front at Troon—Leaving Troon,20Mess Orderlies (Prees Heath Camp)—"Guard, Turn Out" (Wensley Camp),21A Peaceful Bivouac (Salisbury Plain)—Recruiting March at Codford,22Officers of the Battalion at Mar Lodge, Troon, 1915,24Visit of the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Troon, 1915,25The Battalion on Parade,26Havre—Ruins of Bethune,28The Cathedral, Albert—BeforeandAfter Bombardment,34Map Illustrating Operations of 1st July, 1916,40View from Bouzincourt Looking Towards the Line,44Cookhouse at Becourt—Observation Post, Hulluch Sector—War's Destruction,50Lieut.-Colonel W.J. Paul,51Lieut.-Colonel J. Inglis, C.M.G., D.S.O.,60Types of Support Line Dug-outs and First Aid Post,68Major the Rev. A. Herbert Gray—Church Parade (Prees Heath),76Phases of Battalion Training,77"The Outpost" Staff on Active Service—Original Editorial Staff,81The Late Steven D. Reith, D.C.M.—Lce.-Corpl. F.K. Pickles,82Margus, The Mascot—One of the Battalion Rugby Football Teams,83Lieut. and Q.-M. (formerly Regimental-Sergeant-Major) James Kelly,84Mrs. David S. Morton, Convener of the Comforts Committee,85Lieut.-Colonel W. Auld, V.D.,90The Late Lieut.-Colonel William Herbert Anderson, V.C., andSergeant J.Y. Turnbull, V.C.,91
Great Britain declared war on Germany on August 4th, 1914, and almost immediately the combatant strength of its Regular Army was on service and the great bulk of that gallant force engaged in those fierce actions against odds which marked the early fighting.
The War Office was quickly alive to the fact that the Regular Army could not cope in point of numbers with the Germanic hordes. On the day following the declaration of war the Territorial Forces of Great Britain were mobilized, and with a marvellous and inspiring unanimity their members volunteered for Overseas Service. But even the addition of these many thousands to our striking force was realised to provide no more than a relief for the rapidly exhausting strength of the "old contemptibles," and Lord Kitchener issued his great manifesto calling the people to the Empire's help, and laid the foundations of a New Army—Kitchener's Army—the finest and most disinterested body of soldier patriots that ever stepped in a sound and worthy cause. At once the patriotism of the country declared itself and the Nation sprang to arms. The City of Glasgow proved itself second to none among the cities and districts of the Kingdom in its answer to the call. The Town Council recruited two fine battalions, the 1st Glasgow, which was mainly drawn from the Tramwayemployees of the city; and the 2nd Glasgow, which was recruited from former members of the Boys' Brigade. Other institutions in the city were bestirring themselves in the national cause, and at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Directors, held on 3rd September, 1914, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Bailie W.F. Russell, to form a Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion. Enthusiasm for the scheme was quickly evident, and no time was lost in getting the matter put upon a practical basis. At the same meeting of Directors the following gentlemen were appointed as the Committee in charge:—Messrs. M.M.W. Baird, James W. Murray, F.C. Gardiner, G.A. Mitchell, H. Moncrieff, W.F. Russell, A.A. Smith, with Sir Archd. M'Innes Shaw as Convener, and Mr. John W. Arthur as Vice-Convener, the former making Military matters his chief concern, the latter caring for Clothing and Equipment. Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird, the President, and Mr. James W. Murray, the Vice-President, did much to foster the movement.
The Chamber of Commerce sustained the loss of Mr. Baird, who died on October 14, 1915. Mr. J.W. Murray succeeded him as President and applied that deep interest in all the work and welfare of the Battalion which marked his services throughout the history of the unit. Mr. Thomas Cameron, the Secretary of the Chamber, also in countless ways contributed to its success.
At this stage the Council of the Royal Glasgow Technical College approached the Chamber of Commerce Committee, and it was arranged that students of the College would find special opportunities of forming a detachment within the Battalion. This arrangement was found acceptable in every way, and many students entered for the service of their country under the colours of what was at that early stage known as "The Chamber of Commerce Battalion, 3rd Glasgow."
The late Mr. Montagu M.W. BairdThe late Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird,President of the Chamber, 1914-1915.
The late Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird,President of the Chamber, 1914-1915.
Mr. James W. MurrayMr. James W. Murray,President of the Chamber, 1916-1917-1918.ToList
Mr. James W. Murray,President of the Chamber, 1916-1917-1918.ToList
To face page 14.
No time was lost in bridging the gap between "Resolution" and "Action." By September 12th, 1914, the work of enrolling recruits had begun, and Medical Examination and Attestation were commenced under the supervision of Colonel J. Stanley Paterson, Officer in Charge, No. 2 District, Scottish Command. Colonel Paterson did much for the Battalion in many directions, and in a recent letter says:—"I have never lost, and never will lose, the deep interest I took in the 17th H.L.I. from the moment of its initiation, and the full story of its doings will give me the greatest pleasure to read."
The Lesser Hall of the Merchants' House was for many days the Headquarters of busy recruiting, and those associated with these stirring times will long remember the enthusiasm with which the enrolment was conducted. With the help of Dr. Beilby and Mr. Stockdale of the Royal Technical College, "A" Company was speedily recruited, and was composed mainly of the College Students. Colonel R.C. Mackenzie, C.B., did much for "B" Company, enlisting in its ranks former pupils of the City Schools, the High School, Glasgow Academy and others. "C" and "D" Companies were composed principally of men from the business houses and different trades in the city and district. For a few weeks the men, living in their own homes, were instructed and drilled in four of the Territorial Force Association Halls. During the recruiting and the early weeks of the training, Major Rounsfell Brown acted as Adjutant, and rendered excellent service.
Kit was issued to the four original Companies, "A," "B," "C," and "D," on 19th and 20th September.
It was at first expected that Colonel Fred. J. Smith, late of the 8th Scottish Rifles, might be chosen as Officer in Command, but for reasons of health he was unable to undertake the duty. The choice eventually fell upon Lieut.-Colonel David S. Morton, V.D., who had seen much service, and was well fitted to fill the post. His volunteer experience included service in the 1stL.R.V., the Engineers, and various Commissioned ranks in the 5th H.L.I., ending, on his retiral, with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. In 1900 he served with the 71st in South Africa as Captain of the H.L.I. Service Company. He was mentioned in despatches, and received the "South Africa" Medal with three clasps.
Major W.J. Paul was appointed second in Command. His service had been with the Scottish Rifles (the 4th V.B.S.R.), in which unit he rose to the rank of Major, second in Command. He retired in 1907 with the Honorary rank of Major.
The original Officers in Command of Companies were:—
"A" Major W.J. Paul."B" Major J.R. Young."C" Major W. Auld, V.D."D" Major E. Hutchison.
The Regimental Staff included Captain D.R. Kilpatrick, R.A.M.C., as Surgeon attached; Lieut. and Quarter-Master Slade; Regimental Sergt.-Major Kelly; Regimental Quarter-Master Sergt. T. Keith; and Orderly Room Quarter-Master-Sergt. J. Copland.
Up to this point the drill and training were being well pushed on. It will be remembered that the extraordinary demands made on khaki cloth, by the sudden institution of a national army, made it practically unobtainable in these early months. A navy blue serge cloth was substituted for making tunics, trousers and greatcoats, and these made a neat and serviceable uniform. This uniform was issued at Gailes and was exchanged for khaki in the following summer at Troon. The Battalion was now ready to set out for its war training station, and on 23rd September assembled in the Examination Hall of the Royal Technical College, and had a good send-off by the Directors and Members of the Chamber of Commerce, Colonel Stanley Paterson, and other friends. At this meeting, Colours for the Regiment were promised by Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird, the President of the Chamber; Bugles, by Dr. and Mrs. Beilby, of the Technical College; and Pipes and Drums as a joint gift by the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Merchants' House. After the Meeting, the Battalion entrained for the Camp at Gailes.
Major W.J. Paul.MajorW.J. Paul.ToList
MajorW.J. Paul.ToList
Major John R. Young.MajorJohn R. Young.
MajorJohn R. Young.
Major W. Auld, V.D.MajorW. Auld, V.D.ToList
MajorW. Auld, V.D.ToList