Scotland remembers our bloodiest day
The Battle of the Somme will be commemorated with an overnight vigil in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle and further remembrance events at Contalmaison, the area where the battle took place. Continue reading The Somme: one hundred years on
From the diary of Captain Charles May, 22nd Manchesters (7th Manchester Pals):
1st July 1916: 5.45am
We marched up last night. The most exciting march imaginable. Guns all around us crashed and roared ’til sometimes it was quite impossible to hear oneself speak. It was however a fine sight and one realised from it what gun power really means. Fritz, of course, strafed back in reply causing us some uneasiness and a few casualties before ever we reached the line.
The night passed noisily and with a few more casualties. The Hun puts a barrage on us every now and then and generally claims one or two victims.
It is a glorious morning and is now broad daylight. We go over in two hours time. It seems a long time to wait and I think, whatever happens, we shall all feel relieved once the line is launched.
No Man’s Land is a tangled desert. Unless one could see it one cannot imagine what a terrible state of disorder it is in. Our gunnery has wrecked that and his front-line trenches all right.
But we do not yet seemed to have stopped his machine guns. These are pooping off all along our parapet as I write. I trust they will not claim too many of our lads before the day is over.
Captain Charles May, 22nd Manchesters (7th Manchester Pals). Died 1st July 1916.
Events planned to commemorate 1916 events
World War One commemorations in Scotland will continue in 2016 with events to mark the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of the Somme. Continue reading We will remember them
‘You were so dazed that you just didn’t realise that you could stand up straight and not be shot’ – Corporal Reg Haine, November 1918
The Armistice came, the day we had dreamed of. The guns stopped, the fighting stopped. Four years of noise and bangs ended in silence. The killings had stopped.
We were stunned. I had been out since 1914, I should have been happy: I was sad. I thought of the slaughter, the hardships, the waste and the friends I had lost.
Sgt Major Richard Tobin, Hood Battalion, Royal Naval Division Continue reading Armistice Day: remembering the fallen
‘To remember and to celebrate is not to glorify militarism but to show the united will of the people for a peaceful world’ – Tony Delahoy
Local man Tony Delahoy returned to Normandy last month. Below he recalls his personal experience as a young soldier at the key turning point of the Second World War: D Day and it’s aftermath when allied forces at last turned the Nazi tide …
I was a dispatch rider for the 219th battery of the regiment – my motor cycle was a BSA 500cc, a really good machine. My personal armament was a pistol and a sten machine gun.
On the night of 4/5 June 1944 my Unit, the 55th Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery, moved from Great Yarmouth to London docks to embark for France. After sailing down the Thames we joined other ships in the Channel and moved towards France.
After a couple of hours there was a submarine alert but nothing developed; however during the night the ship was later by enemy planes. Their bombs missed the ship but a second attack was made and the ship was hit by a huge electrically-guided bomb. Fortunately this failed to explode – a fantastic escape for everyone! I like to think it was the resistance workers who sabotaged the bomb! The ship stopped for a time, of course, and destroyers stood by to help if necessary.
When we finally reached the coast of France the ship was attacked again, but not hit. I wondered if it was possible the enemy knew our ship was carrying important anti-tank guns?
On scrambling down the nets into the landing craft I found that the pilot of the landing craft was my next door neighbour from home – what a place to meet!
As a dispatch rider my job from day one – and throughout the campaign – was to keep contact with the guns. Finding them in different locations meant many hours of lone travelling on the bike, making a reconnaissance of areas to make sure we knew where the enemy were and at the same time making a mental note of the route taken.
The front line is not a straight line, so it is easy to get into enemy-held areas and coming under fire for doing so! When we were just to the south of Caen I had to reach a gun position – to do this I had to cross a large field, but on leaving the site I was usually targeted by enemy mortar shells. Fortunately these always fell behind me: on subsequent visits to Normandy the gun crew told me they used to bet on which shell would hit the target!
The role of my regiment, which was part of the 49th Infantry Division, was to protect the infantry and to destroy the enemy Panzer tank divisions, preventing them breaking through to the landing beaches and so splitting the front in half. This they tried very hard to do: in the area roughly halfway between the cities of Caen and Bayeux bitter fighting took place around Tilly sur Suelles, Cristot, Fontenay le Pesnel, Rauray and Villers Bocage. Our Division suffered great casualties: a monument to the 49th Division, whose insignia is the polar bear, is to be seen just outside the town of Fontenay le Pesnel (below).
Many escapades on my motor cycle took place in those areas. The enemy left snipers behind to do as much damage as possible and to act as observers; observation of movements brought down concentrated mortar shelling.
Two things cannot be described in writing: the sheer volume of noise of a battle and the terrible stench of dead cattle all around.
The city of Caen, with it’s road network south of the city, was vitally important for both sides. Many Panzer divisions were concentrated in the area, so after the battles mentioned above our anti-tank regiment moved to the Caen area by way of Pegasus Bridge.
The weather, which had been wet for a few days, turning the ground into deep mud, turned hot, drying the ground out quickly. This meant that any movement raised a cloud of dust, resultng in heavy shelling from the enemy.
My job continued, finding the location of guns; a lonely and sometimes frightening hours-long experience. Night time journeys were more so, but mental notes of a route made during daylight were of great benefit in keeping out of trouble.
The Demouville, Cagny, Freemental Mesnil and Frenouville areas were heavily fought over. During one night time reconnaissance I came upon a chateau near Frenouville which I hoped was deserted. After carefully looking and listening, I decided to stop there in the kitchen and get some sleep. During the night I heard voices – I couldn’t tell whether ours or theirs – but thankfully they went on their way. It was a patrol, but whose I will never know – and thankfully they didn’t spot my motorbike hidden in the hedge!
Throughout July and August we fought our way south of Caen (above) and with the Americans moving from west to east the enemy was practically trapped. My division then attacked east to reach the River Seine to attack and capture the port of Le Havre: it was vital for supplies and the enemy knew it …
These experiences, mine and hundreds of others – from Normandy and Belgium and Holland too – have led to many of us old comrades returning year after year. Most veterans have returned to Normandy to take part in official ceremonies, particularly at the 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th and now 70th anniversaries of D Day 1944, remembering those who died fighting fascism. Also to visit graves of comrades in beautifully kept cemeteries throughout Normandy. And to see and feel how much the restoration of freedom has meant and means to each succeeding generation; to get an understanding of the sacrifice and courage of the peoples of France, Belgium and Holland during their four years of occupation – and their elation on being liberated.
The most important result of the veterans returning for 71 years, I feel, has been the bringing together of hundreds of thousands of people from countries everywhere, not to glorify war but to celebrate the necessity of peace.
As a focal point the ability of veterans to continue visiting Europe is diminishing, so each generation must be that focal point and guard their future by understanding the events and mistakes that led to World War.
I was invited to write the foreward to Rene Vos’ ‘Sporen uit het Verleden 1940 1945’, a book about the occupation of Holland as I was involved in the liberation of that area too. I’ve reproduced it below:
Citizens of Cranendonck Community,
To remember and to celebrate is not to glorify militarism but to show the united will of the people for a peaceful world.
It is important that events of the 1930s and 1940s are told to each generation so they can avoid the ‘mistakes; made during that period: the ‘mistake’ of tolerating racism, the ‘mistake’ of ignoring the fascist states’ determination to expand their control over others, all of which led to world war.
It was the ordinary people of all lands who finally defeated that evil; it is the ordinary people of all lands, armed with the knowledge of the past, that will safeguard the future.
Tony Delahoy
Scotland’s biking community joined forces yesterday to take part in the third annual Ride of Respect, a parade and service of Remembrance organised by Poppyscotland support group, War Torn Troops Remembered (WTTR).
A bike emblazoned with poppies led the convoy of 200 motorbikes, scooters, trikes and quad bikes from Straiton Park & Ride to Princes Street Gardens West in Edinburgh where a service was held at the Scots American War Memorial. Laying the wreath was Sean Wiseman, who serves with The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS). Sean lost his right leg below the knee as a result of being injured in Afghanistan.
The annual Ride of Respect was introduced in 2012 to enable Scotland’s biking community to commemorate the Fallen and to show support for those affected by the consequences of war today. The event is the brainchild of bikers Karen Holmes and Colour Sergeant Jim Thomson (2 SCOTS) who created WTTR to raise funds for veterans’ charity Poppyscotland. Since January 2013 the group has raised £7,000 for Poppyscotland and an additional collection for the charity was held at yesterday’s event.
Co-founder Karen Holmes said: “We created this event to give bikers in Scotland an opportunity to honour Servicemen and women, past and present, in their own unique way. It was fantastic to see such a big representation today and it clearly demonstrates that support for the Armed Forces is as strong as ever.”
Poppyscotland Community Fundraiser for the East of Scotland Kirstie R-Mitchell said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has taken part in this very special tribute today and to the members of WTTR who have been raising funds for Poppyscotland throughout the year. The support from the biking community really will make a difference to those who have served, those still serving and their families.”
Scots pause to mark centenary of the Great War
Thousands of people joined together in Edinburgh yesterday to take part in a Drumhead Service, procession and memorial to mark the outbreak of the First World War a hundred years ago.
Members of the public from across Scotland and representatives of the armed forces, veterans and cadets braved the rain to remember the sacrifice made by so many.
A congregation of more than five thousand attended the multi-faith service on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, which replicated those held on the front line 100 years ago when, in a long-held military tradition, neatly piled drums with draped Colours were used in place of an altar.
Thousands more lined the Royal Mile to watch a procession led by military bands, veterans and cadets, and followed the parade to a war memorial surrounded by over 1,000 replica Commonwealth War Graves in Holyrood Park.
It’s believed the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial was the first commemoration event of its scale to have ever been held in Scotland.
It was the first event in the five-year Scottish Commemorations programme which will remember eight events from World War One that had a significant impact on Scotland. They include the start and end of the war, major battles including Loos, Arras, Jutland and Gallipoli and domestic incidents such as the Quintinshill rail disaster and the loss of HMY Iolaire.
First Minister Alex Salmond (pictured below) said: “People from all walks of life and from across Scotland stood side by side today with representatives of the armed forces, veterans and cadets to remember the sacrifice made by so many in Scotland, across the Commonwealth and around the world.
“Today’s events were a fitting commemoration of the appalling loss of life in the conflict which began a century ago. Over the next five years we will ask the people of Scotland to join us in remembering a further seven events from the First World War that had a particularly significant impact on Scotland.
“I would encourage the people of Scotland and those with connections to this country to recognise the significant and broad impact the Great War had on our nation, and to reflect on its lasting social and civic legacy. We must never forget.”
Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and chief organiser of the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial, said: “Today’s event was designed to stimulate the public’s imagination on what it might have been like to leave home and workplaces – with their structure and familiarity – to enlist in the Armed Forces in 1914 and, in a few short weeks, adapt to a martial way of life; being thrown together with strangers, learning foot drill, wearing uniform, dealing with strange equipment, adopting a new lexicon and learning skill at arms.
“The procession provided the opportunity to ‘walk in step’ – to march – to the sound of the pipes and drums through Edinburgh streets, towards new experiences and challenges – in 1914 this would have been the march to the railhead or the port for deployment to Europe.
“In Holyrood Park, we set out to transit and arrange the public in a manner reminiscent of military assembly areas, where the needs and wishes of the individual are subordinate to that of the group, before moving into ‘The Line’ to wait for the whistles – a ‘call to action’.
“Finally, in the Memorial, we offered an opportunity for communities and individuals to mark the national sacrifice and reflect on how the First World War has shaped our world and the here and now. I hope, with the conversation begun, we might all think a little more deeply about the 1914 – 1919 tragedy and perhaps draw more from it.”
Norman Drummond, Chair of the Scottish Commemorations Panel, said: “The WW100 Scotland Drumhead Service and Opening Commemorative Events have marked an important step on the journey of education and genealogy and legacy.
“Cultivating memory as a tool for the living, the service and procession and memorial evoked a real sense of reflection upon “the war that was meant to end all wars” and from which people throughout Scotland and beyond may ask “What do we learn from all this?”
‘Sunday will be a very special, very memorable occasion that will unite the people of Scotland’
Final preparations are underway for Scotland’s Drumhead Service, procession and memorial on Sunday in Edinburgh that will mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
Musicians from the Band of the Royal Marines were at the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle yesterday to practice constructing and deconstructing the altar that will form the centrepiece for the multi-faith service, which is expected to be attended by a congregation of more than 8,000 people representing all parts of Scotland.
Hundreds of representatives of the armed forces will be at Redford Barracks today for a full rehearsal of the major commemoration event, believed to be the first of its scale in Scotland’s history.
The City of Edinburgh Council is planning to implement several road closures and restrictions to facilitate the event. They include the complete closure of Johnston Terrace, High Street, Canongate, Lawnmarket, Queen’s Drive, Chambers Street and a number of nearby roads at various times between 7.15am and 2pm on Sunday.
Loading restrictions will also affect a number of streets from 6pm on Saturday. Full details of road closures and restrictions are available from the City of Edinburgh Council’s website at: www.edinburgh.gov.uk
Lothian Buses’ services 6, 9 and 35 will also be affected. Information about how this will affect local journeys is available from the Lothian Buses website at: www.lothianbuses.com
Drumhead Service organisers have also released a final batch of free tickets to those who are able to collect them in person from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s office on Market Street up until 2230 on Saturday evening, or from The Hub at Castlehill on the Royal Mile on the morning of the event.
Signalling the start of the five-year Scottish Commemorations Programme, the Drumhead Service will replicate those held on the front line 100 years ago when, in a long-held military tradition, neatly piled drums with draped Colours were used in place of an altar.
The service will feature troops from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and will be accompanied by music from three military bands, two cadet bands, three choirs and around 200 massed pipes and drums. The service, procession and memorial will be attended by guest of honour, Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson.
At the end of the Drumhead Service, the military bands and tri-service guards will parade down the Royal Mile accompanied by around 100 marching veterans and 100 cadets. The congregation will then be invited to follow in a procession down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park, where over 1,000 replica Commonwealth War Gravestones will form a temporary memorial, at which people will be invited to leave poppies, wreaths or markers.
Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and chief organiser of the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial, said: “Sunday will be a very special, very memorable occasion that will unite the people of Scotland – people of all ages and from all parts of the country – in a shared act of commemoration, remembrance and reflection.
“The event will give a sense of what it might have been like to enlist during the first few weeks and months of the war. The multi-faith service on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle represents the moment before deployment; the procession down the Royal Mile will symbolise a ‘March as to War’ and the gathering in Holyrood Park, the approach to the front and assembly for military action. The memorial of over 1000 headstones will provide a vital sense of scale and a focus for acts of individual and collective commemoration.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said: “The Drumhead Service, procession and memorial on August 10 will signal the start of Scotland’s commitment to commemorating the centenary of the First World War.
“The event will bring the people of Scotland together to consider the impact of that brutal conflict, which claimed the lives of more than 100,000 Scots and left many more injured or disabled, forcing families and loved ones across the country to come to terms with the terrible consequences.
“From this Sunday until January 2019 we will encourage the people of Scotland and those with connections to Scotland to recognise the significant and broad impact the First World War had on our nation, and to reflect on its lasting social and civic legacy.”
Norman Drummond, Chair of the Scottish Commemorations Panel, said: “Many thousands of people have shown an overwhelmingly strong willingness to take their place at the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial on Sunday.
“We have worked with local authorities, the armed forces, the veterans community and charities to ensure that people of all ages and from every part of Scotland will be there to participate in this important commemoration.
“With final preparations now underway, the further release of a number of tickets represents the last opportunity for the people who have thus far been unable to obtain tickets to take their place at an event upon which we and our children and our grandchildren will in years to come reflect that ‘we were there and we remembered’.”
The Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh Donald Wilson, said: “Every August, visitors flock to the Royal Mile to experience the buzz of the festival season. This Sunday, the street will pause for a very special event. The Drumhead Service and procession will offer Scotland the opportunity to come together for a moment of quiet reflection to remember the thousands of Scots who fell during the First World War.
“It is very fitting that as the Capital city we should play our key part in these commemorations and show our support and gratitude for the enormous sacrifices made by courageous men and women in service of this country.”
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has created a special place of reflection …
At the heart of the Edinburgh Garden this month, a wild poppy meadow stands as a poignant and transitory memorial to those who fought and died in World War One. Marking the centenary of Britain’s entry into the conflict, RBGE has created the display as a place of reflection, where visitors can pause and remember those from around the world who fell then and in subsequent wars. The colourful memorial planting is a direct act of public commemoration to the Garden’s 73 men who signed-up after war was declared in August 1914, 20 of whom lost their lives.
Heroes of the Garden
Workers at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh who lost their lives in the Great War:
James Christopher Adam • Thomas Adam • Thomas Aird • William Frederick Bennett • George Blackmore • John Mathieson Brown • Andrew Ewing Calder • Duncan Coutts • William Gordon Dickson • James Maxwell Hampson • John Hatley • David Hume • Arthur Henry Jones • Henry McBeath • Alan Menzies • Walter Henry Morland • Duncan Smith • John Stewart • Samuel Stewart • George Hugh Stuart
RBGE’s own First World War story
The plaque at the RBGE Library serves as a lasting memorial to the staff who gave their lives in the Great War. While the Library holds a War Service Roll, published in 1921 to ‘preserve for all time the story of the loyalty of our Garden Staff’, we are appealing to people around Britain who believe members of their families could have been among our staff who went to war or who came here to work in their place. Any further details we can collect would be a welcome addition to our Archives and would provide us with a deeper understanding of the Garden’s own First World War story.
RBGE’s War Service Roll can be viewed online and any members of the public who believe they may have a family or friend connection can send their contributions to commemorate@rbge.org.uk
One thousand free places to attend Scotland’s Drumhead Service
A thousand free places will be made available from today for those who wish to attend Scotland’s national commemoration marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War next month.
Signalling the start of the five-year Scottish Commemorations Programme, a Drumhead Service will be held at Edinburgh Castle on August 10 before a congregation of almost 9,000 people from all parts of Scotland.
The multi-faith service on the castle esplanade will replicate those held on the front line 100 years ago when, in a long-held military tradition, neatly piled drums with draped Colours were used in place of an altar.
Thousands of seats have already been allocated by Scotland’s 32 local authorities to people in all parts of Scotland. Representatives of the armed services, veterans groups, charities and civic leaders across Scotland have also been invited.
From 0900 today (Tuesday) the Scottish Commemorations Panel will make a thousand places available to those who have not already secured tickets through their local authority or been invited by other means.
The August 10 event will mark the start of the Scottish Commemorations Programme which will remember eight particular events from World War One that had a significant impact on Scotland. They include the start and end of the war, major battles including Gallipoli, Loos, Jutland and Arras and domestic incidents such as the Quintinshill rail disaster and the loss of HMY Iolaire.
Following the ticket-only Drumhead Service, military bands and guards from the three services will parade down the Royal Mile. The congregation will be invited to follow in a procession to Holyrood Park, where they will find a replica Commonwealth War Graves cemetery. Those gathered in the park will have the opportunity to leave poppies and other markers.
The day’s events have been designed to give a sense of what it might have been like to enlist during the first few weeks and months of the war. The Drumhead Service represents the moment before deployment; the procession, a ‘March as to War’ and the gathering in Holyrood Park, the approach to the front and assembly for military action. The memorial of over 100 headstones will provide a vital sense of scale and a focus for acts of individual and collective commemoration.
Those who wish to attend the event but don’t have a ticket for the Drumhead Service are encouraged to line the Royal Mile and attend the memorial at Holyrood Park. The Drumhead Service will also be broadcast on a large screen at the base of Arthur’s Seat.
The Drumhead Service, procession and memorial will follow events happening in Glasgow as part of the UK Commemorations Programme on August 4 – the 100th anniversary of the date Britain entered the war. A Commonwealth-themed service at Glasgow Cathedral and a commemoration at the Cenotaph will be held in the city on that date.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “The Drumhead Service, procession and memorial event on August 10 will be the first in a series of commemorative events between now and 2019 through which we will encourage people of all ages across Scotland to recognise the significant and broad impact the First World War had on our nation, and to reflect on its lasting social and civic legacy.
“This will be an opportunity for those from all parts of Scotland to come together to remember more than 100,000 Scots who lost their lives during the First World War, those who were left injured or disabled by the terrible conflict, and the families and communities in every city, town and village who were forced to come to terms with the terrible consequences.”
Chair of the Scottish Commemorations Panel, Norman Drummond, said: “The Scottish Commemorative Programme has three main aims: education, genealogy and legacy. We want to invite the whole of Scotland – people of all ages and in all corners of the country – to join us in remembering those who served during the First World War, to consider the significant impact the war had on Scotland and Scots around the world and to ask the question ‘What do we learn from all this?’
“Thanks to the support of local authorities, every part of Scotland will be represented at the Drumhead Service in addition to those from the military, veterans communities, charities and civic Scotland.
“By making a thousand places available to the general public we can be certain that as many people as possible, from all parts of Scotland, have an opportunity to come and commemorate this important anniversary, upon which we and our children and our grandchildren may in years to come reflect that ‘we were there and we remembered’.”
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are organising the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial event at the request of Scottish Ministers.
Brigadier David Allfrey, Producer of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “A Drumhead Service is a hugely fitting start to the Scottish Commemorations Programme. It provides a proper focus for us all in our reflections on the First World War: its context, its realities, its impact and its relevance both today and into the future. On the eve of battle, each and every combatant and those that support them, tend to find time for reflection, each in their own way. In the same way, we hope the Drumhead Service, procession and memorial might help stimulate a rich conversation that, using the War as its frame, can cover a broad ground – a look forward as well as a reflection on things past.
“The day’s events have been designed to give a sense of what it must have been like to enlist for the First World War, to leave familiar surroundings of town and country, to join up with others in the austere surroundings of the barracks, to wear uniform and be expected to act and live as a group – to stylised words of command – to march, learn skill at arms, face the uncertainty of travel overseas and the brutality of war.
“Scotland’s local authorities have secured the attendance of thousands of people from across the country but we recognise there will be many more who haven’t been allocated a place and would like to join us at the Drumhead Service to reflect on the part played by their forebears, to pay tribute to the many whose lives were lost and to contemplate what we might learn for the future.
“That is why we’re making 1000 free places available from today.”
The Drumhead Service will start at 10.30 on August 10 and will last approximately half an hour. Doors open at 9.00 and the congregation should be seated by 10.00. The whole event – including the procession down the Royal Mile and memorial at Holyrood Park – is expected to last until 14.00, although the public can remain in the park until 18.00 when the memorial will be closed.
Tickets for the Drumhead Service can be requested online at www.WW100Scotland.com.
Those requiring wheelchair access or with other accessibility requirements should ring 0131 225 1188. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis and up to ten can be requested by each applicant.
All applications must be received by 4 August 2014.
