The Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasglow Chamber of Commerce Battalion)

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The

Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry.

[Illustration]

17th H.L.I.

THE GIFT OF THE MEMBERS OF
THE GLASGOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

[Illustration]

The Seventeenth
Highland Light Infantry
(Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion).

Record of War Service,
1914-1918.

GLASGOW:
DAVID J. CLARK, 23 ROYAL EXCHANGE SQUARE AND 92 UNION STREET.
1920.

EDITORS' PREFACE.

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 of _The Outpost_ staff. 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 of _The Outpost_ staff 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 of _The 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._

CONTENTS.

EDITORS' PREFACE.

I.--FORMATION AND HOME TRAINING. PAGE

THE NATION'S CALL TO ARMS, 13
Declaration 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, 15
Attestation 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, 19
Traditions 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, 21
Gailes--Troon--Prees Heath--Wensleydale--Totley--Codford
Camp--Overseas Orders--Message from the
King--Embarkation.

II.--ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

ON TREK, 27
Arrival at Havre--March to the forward area--Bouzincourt
and Millencourt--instructional tour of front line
trenches--condition of trenches--first casualties--
Molliens.

TRENCH ROUTINE, 30
In the line--Xmas '15 and the New Year--the new
trench--"Standing to"--routine and patrols.

THE RAID, 33
The "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, 37
Preparations commenced for the Somme offensive--a
complimentary shoot with "P" Battery--Divisional,
Brigade and Battalion identification marks--happy days
at Rubempre.

THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME, 39
Spirit 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, 42
Extract from the personal diary of the late Lieut. B.
Meadows giving a wonderfully realistic picture of the
July 1st Battle.

HULLUCH AND THEREABOUTS, 48
Senlis--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, 51
The attack--weather conditions--failure of artillery
support--forlorn hope--break-down of assault--gallantry
and sacrifice--casualties--Mailly-Maillet--Franqueville
and Rubempre--Xmas 1916 and New Year--football and high
spirits.

THE NEW YEAR, 1917, 53
Bad 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, 55
The 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, 60
En 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, 62
Enemy 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, 66
Passchendaele--gallantry of attack--casualties-- Hilltop
Farm--move to Landethun and Yeuse--Serre Sector--close
of 1917.

THE DISBANDMENT, 71
Hogmanay--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, 76
The Padre's tribute.

CO-OPERATION, 78
The 17th and the Gunners.

"THE OUTPOST," 81
The Battalion Magazine.

SPORT OF THE BATTALION, 83
Football--running--boxing.

THE R.S.M., 84
Tribute by Lieut.-Col. D.S. Morton.

A REMEMBRANCE, 84
An echo.

THE COMFORTS COMMITTEE, 85
The Ladies' Committee and Office-bearers--their helpful
work.

MEMORIAL SERVICE IN GLASGOW, 86
The Somme--Rev. A. Herbert Gray's text.

THE CLUB, 87
The object--Battalion Benevolent Fund--Committee
formed--Hope of the future.

"E" COMPANY, 89
17th H.L.I. Reserve--19th Battalion--drafts--
activities--Lieut. Col. Anderson, V.C.--78th T.R.B.

IV.--HONOURS AND AWARDS.

Battalion Honour, 91

The Victoria Cross, 91

Honours gained by Officers and others while serving
with the Battalion, 93

Honours gained by original Members of the Battalion
after being transferred to other units, 96

List 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, 101

Roll of Warrant Officers, N.C.O.s and men who joined
the Battalion prior to 22nd November, 1915, 102

ILLUSTRATIONS.

FRONTISPIECE. _Facing Page_

THE LATE MR. MONTAGU M.W. BAIRD AND MR. JAMES W. MURRAY,
PRESIDENTS OF THE CHAMBER, 14

FAREWELL MEETING AT THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, 17

EARLY DAYS--A REST BY THE WAY, 18

H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT, COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF THE
H.L.I., AND COLONEL J. STANLEY PATERSON, 19

LIEUT.-COLONEL DAVID S. MORTON, V.D., C.M.G., 20, 35

ON THE SEA FRONT AT TROON--LEAVING TROON, 20

MESS ORDERLIES (PREES HEATH CAMP)--"GUARD, TURN OUT"
(WENSLEY CAMP), 21

A PEACEFUL BIVOUAC (SALISBURY PLAIN)--RECRUITING MARCH
AT CODFORD, 22

OFFICERS OF THE BATTALION AT MAR LODGE, TROON, 1915, 24

VISIT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TROON,
1915 25

THE BATTALION ON PARADE, 26

HAVRE--RUINS OF BETHUNE, 28

THE CATHEDRAL, ALBERT--BEFORE AND AFTER BOMBARDMENT, 34

MAP ILLUSTRATING OPERATIONS OF 1ST JULY, 1916, 40

VIEW FROM BOUZINCOURT LOOKING TOWARDS THE LINE, 44

COOKHOUSE AT BECOURT--OBSERVATION POST, HULLUCH
SECTOR--WAR'S DESTRUCTION, 50

LIEUT.-COLONEL W.J. PAUL, 51

LIEUT.-COLONEL J. INGLIS, C.M.G., D.S.O., 60

TYPES OF SUPPORT LINE DUG-OUTS AND FIRST AID POST, 68

MAJOR THE REV. A. HERBERT GRAY--CHURCH PARADE (PREES HEATH), 76

PHASES OF BATTALION TRAINING, 77

"THE OUTPOST" STAFF ON ACTIVE SERVICE--ORIGINAL EDITORIAL
STAFF, 81

THE LATE STEVEN D. REITH, D.C.M.--LCE.-CORPL. F.K. PICKLES, 82

MARGUS, THE MASCOT--ONE OF THE BATTALION RUGBY FOOTBALL
TEAMS, 83

LIEUT. AND Q.-M. (FORMERLY REGIMENTAL-SERGEANT-MAJOR) JAMES
KELLY, 84

MRS. DAVID S. MORTON, CONVENER OF THE COMFORTS COMMITTEE, 85

LIEUT.-COLONEL W. AULD, V.D., 90

THE LATE LIEUT.-COLONEL WILLIAM HERBERT ANDERSON, V.C.,
AND SERGEANT J.Y. TURNBULL, V.C., 91

"_They ask a better Britain as their monument._"

I.--FORMATION AND HOME TRAINING.

THE NATION'S CALL TO ARMS.

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 Tramway employees 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."

[Illustration: THE LATE MR. MONTAGU M.W. BAIRD,
President of the Chamber, 1914-1915.]

[Illustration: MR. JAMES W. MURRAY,
President of the Chamber, 1916-1917-1918.
_To face page 14._]

A BATTALION IN BEING.

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 1st L.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.

[Illustration: MAJOR W.J. PAUL.]

[Illustration: MAJOR JOHN R. YOUNG.]

[Illustration: MAJOR W. AULD, V.D.]

[Illustration: MAJOR E. HUTCHISON.
_To face page 16._]

[Illustration: THE FAREWELL MEETING IN THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE.
_To face page 17._]

A member of the Battalion, giving a general impression of these
memorable "first days," writes:--

"We all assembled in our various drill halls. We watched and
whispered. Some asked, who is that man with the loud voice shouting at
us, giving us papers and getting us into what he called Companies. We
knew soon. Then they selected N.C.O.'s (acting) from amongst those who
had some previous training. After that we went away. The N.C.O.'s
stayed and took the bundles of papers, our pledged word to our king,
and wearily for hours sorted them and listed the names.

"Days followed when we marched and when we got to know our officers by
sight and to call ourselves by our Company name. Then came the day we
drew our kit and carried off strange bundles to our homes. We got the
magic words 'To camp at Gailes.' Then we were soldiers now. We paraded
by Companies and assembled in the Square and marched to the train. A
motley crowd carrying on our shoulders all manner of weird shaped
bundles. The crowd laughed and cheered us. Thus we left the City that
held us very peculiarly her own, her citizens and sons for the last
time. Henceforth her soldiers."

The Chamber of Commerce Battalion was now an accomplished fact, and
the following authoritative acceptance by the Government and the War
Office, linked it as an integral part of the Service Regiments of the
British Army.

"WAR OFFICE,
"LONDON, S.W., _2nd November, 1914._

"TO THE PRESIDENT,
"CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
"7 WEST GEORGE STREET,
"GLASGOW.

"Sir,

"I am commanded by the Army Council to offer you, and those
associated with you, their sincere thanks for having raised the
17th (Service) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (3rd Glasgow)
of which the administration has now been taken over by the
Military Authorities.

"The Council much appreciated the spirit which prompted your
offer of assistance, and they are gratified at the successful
results of the time and labour devoted to this object, which has
added to the armed forces of the Crown the services of a fine
body of men.

"The Council will watch the future career of the Battalion with
interest, and they feel assured that when sent to the front it
will maintain the high reputation of the distinguished Regiment
of which it forms part.

"I am to add that its success on active service will largely
depend on the result of your efforts to keep the depot Companies
constantly up to establishment with men in every way fit for
service in the field.

"I am, Sir,
"Your obedient Servant,
"(Signed) B.B. CUBITT."

On 7th November, the Battalion paid a return visit to the City of
Glasgow. The Battalion arrived and formed up on the station platform.
A word of command and away they marched into the streets, crowded to
the uttermost by friends and relatives. Hardly a cheer was heard. The
men marched between banks of faces, in a deep silence. What a strange
reception, surely the most impressive men ever had, proving what was
in the hearts of those that watched the men and how they felt for
them. Only when they entered the Square did cheers and the buzzing of
an awaking crowd break out. "We felt," says an officer, "rather
disappointed; but we knew what it meant." The unit was then inspected
in front of the Municipal Buildings by representatives of the Chamber
of Commerce.

[Illustration: EARLY DAYS.]

[Illustration: A REST BY THE WAY.
_To face page 18._]

[Illustration: H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT,
Colonel-in-Chief of the H.L.I.]

[Illustration: Colonel J. STANLEY PATERSON.
_To face page 19._]

ESPRIT DE CORPS.

It will be of value and interest to give here a brief survey of the
history of The Highland Light Infantry, which enshrines a record of
service and gallantry second to none in the annals of our Empire, and
to which the Chamber of Commerce Battalion was fated to add a page as
heroic and imperishable as any in its great traditions.

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