Remembering Neuve Chapelle

Today marks the anniversary of the start of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, in which the 2nd Scottish Rifles suffered heavy casualties taking and holding their objectives. This is a copy of a speech by the then Commander in Chief of the British Expeditionary Force, Sir John French, to the 2nd Battalion at an inspection on 12th April 1915. A copy of the speech was recorded in the 2nd Battalion’s War Diary, and also in the Digest of Service kept by the Regimental Depot in Hamilton.

Copy of speech given to 2nd Scottish Rifles by Sir John French following the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

It reads:

“Second Battalion Scottish Rifles – I come here as Commander-in-Chief of the force to express to you my heartiest gratitude for the splendid part which you took in the Battle of NEUVE CHAPELLE in the middle of last month. I know what a terrible time you had – I know what awful losses you suffered.  I know the gallantry you displayed on that occasion has never been surpassed by a British soldier.  You came up against the enemy’s wire, and although the artillery was unable to get at it you showed the utmost bravery and gallantry.

I deeply regret the terrible losses you suffered on that occasion, 22 officers being killed or wounded.  The officer commanding your splendid Battalion, Colonel Bliss, being amongst the losses.  Everyone in the regiment will deeply regret this loss.  I am sure your officers will always lead you on, it may be to die, but follow them right gallantly; as I know you will. I am sure at the same time you will all feel what your officers have done for you, leading you as they have done, but still at the same time the officers on their part felt they had splendid and gallant men who would follow them anywhere, and had every confidence in them.

That is the one great thing – the mutual confidence which exists between leaders and men.

I cannot say more.  I feel deeply what you have done for us by your courage and your gallantry. I am certain one of your old officers, Field Marshal Sir Evelyn Wood, will be proud of the work you have done. You have many noble honours on your Colours: none are finer than NEUVE CHAPELLE which will soon be added to them.”

Between 10th and 14th March, the 2nd Scottish Rifles had 13 officers killed or died of wounds, with a further nine wounded. Only one officer emerged from the battle unscathed, Second Lieutenant W. F. Somervail, who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions during the Battle. Having survived Neuve Chapelle, Somervail was killed only a month before the War ended. From among the rank and file 112 men are recorded in the War Diary as being killed in action, with a further 21 men missing, and 314 men wounded. Included in the rank and file casualties were 29 sergeants or lance sergeants killed or wounded.

The Le Touret Memorial to the missing c.1934, where many of the men who were killed at Neuve Chapelle are commemorated.

10th March would later become known as Neuve Chapelle day in the Regiment, and was usually marked by a service or parade. In 1928 one of the training platoons of recruits formed at the Regimental Depot at Hamilton Barracks was named Neuve Chapelle Platoon in honour of the part played by the 2nd Scottish Rifles in the Battle.

As Sir John French predicted, NEUVE CHAPELLE would become one of the 10 main battle honours chosen by The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) to commemorate the Regiments involvement in the First World War.

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