This Cameronian is an example of a soldier that served in the First World War with 1st Battalion, but continued as regular beyond 1918 and is an example of a senior soldier, who remained in the Regiment, in this case with 2nd Battalion, in which he rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. His long career came to an abrupt end when he died of encephalitis when with the Battalion in Quetta.
Arthur enlisted on 14th June 1905 and above are the two pages of his record; hand -written, not only showing his times home and abroad, but attestation location and personal details, such as occupation at enlistment, family members, address etc. In other words, a synopsis of a career., You will see his line fifth down on both pages. Unlike other soldiers’ records, there are blank columns in the ‘discharge’ section which would prove a mystery, if we didn’t know that Arthur died while serving abroad, and we can look at that later.
This record shows that McMullins was 18 years and two months old when he signed up. This he did in Stratford in London, and in occupation as a labourer. An interesting point to note is that the Cameronians recruited from far afield and not always locally, as some may think.
This valuable document also records he was married to a Martha Elizabeth Darnell and had three children, living in Shoreditch. The date of the marriage was 2nd August 1914 and it is safe to surmise that they decided to wed before Arthur was sent abroad. We can read that he embarked for France on 14th.
Finally, there are details campaigns, awards and any wounds received. We can list McMullins’ campaigns and times at home:
Home 14/6/05 to 18/9/07
India 19/09/07 to 14/12/09
S Africa 15/12/09 to 11/3/12
Home 12/3/12 to 13/8/14
France 14/8/14 to 10/9/16
Home 11/9/16 to 30/7/18
India 10/19 to 1922
Quetta 1922
Kurdistan/ Bagdad Iraq 1923
Quetta 1924
Arthur John McMullins served with the 1st Battalion in WW1, and published in the London Gazette on 10th October 1916 is the announcement of his award of a Military Medal. Usually, the Gazette entries were published two or three months after the relative action. (It took time for the process of recommendation and signatures). We can safely say that his act of gallantry occurred around July/August 1916. Without being too presumptuous, his brave deed could have been during the 1st Battalion involvement in the battle at High Wood. (Citations for bravery are on record for WW2 awards, but most of the citations relating to WW1 actions were destroyed by fire in the 1940s).
What about MucMullins’ previous career pre-WW1?
We know that he joined up in June 1905 and we know that the 1st Battalion was in India at that time and Arthur must have been sent out in 1907 to spend some time before the battalion left India for South Africa in late 1909. The 1st returned to Scotland in March 1912 ( In the1911 census he shows up travelling back with what would be his brother -in -law Edward Darnell, himself in the 1st) and left for war in France in August 1914. What we can’t explain is why Arthur McMullins was home in September 1916. We know that the 1st Battalion moved into trenches at Foncquevilliers on 11th and was deployed with the attacks on the enemy in October. It may be surmised that McMullins had been wounded in the summer and was sent home to recover. There is no evidence for this, but it seems he had little to contribute to the Battalion for the rest of the war.
Looking at the award for Military Medal, it seems that by that time Arthur was a corporal, with 10-11 years’ service. Compared with many of the men he was serving with, he would have been an experienced member of the battalion.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Oakley was asked to reform the 2nd Battalion in 1919 as they were wanted for service in India then into Quetta 1922.
In 1923 a rebellion took place against Iraq by Kurdish Sheikh Mahmoud with help from Turkey and, as Britain felt responsible for the independence of Iraq a force was mobilised, and the 2nd Battalion joined an expedition to Kurdistan . An extensive account of this appears in The Covenanter in September 1923. They marched 475 miles to Bagdad by 15th May. Soldiers on this campaign received a KURDISTAN clasp to their General Service Medal.
The Battalion returned to Quetta where they spent the next years. There are quite a few references in the Covenanter to sports and shooting matches. A photograph of the ‘C’ Company 1923 boxing team in Bagdad with what is now Company Sergeant Major A. J. McMullins at the front in uniform. Arthur is regularly mentioned in the Covenanter through the 1920s and had become a popular and important figure in the Battalion.
We have in the collection a selection of caricatures of figures of NCO’s and other ranks from 2nd Battalion in 1927. McMullins is shown top right corner.
Arthur John McMullins died in Quetta of encephalitis, a rare condition of the brain, on 18th October 1927 aged just 40. He is buried in Baleli Road Cemetery, Quetta
In The Covenanter of January 1928
‘We regret to announce the death on the 18th October of C.S.M A, ], M’Mullins, from encephalitis, after serving since 1906 with the Regiment and always being exceptionally fit he was noted cross-country runner in his younger days in South Africa. It is sad that he should have succumbed so soon before his time to go home had come. All ‘ B’ Company mourns a most gallant Sergeant Major, and the sympathy of the whole Battalion is extended to his widow and three children in their loss.’
‘2nd Battalion Notes’ and ‘Sergeant Mess Notes’ the following was written
‘ It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of our very old friend C.S.M McMullins, who was one of our oldest members. Badly as we may feel his loss, there are others who feel it more so, and it is to them, Mrs. McMullins and her children and relatives to whom we extend our deep sympathy in their bereavement and trust their future burden will be in some way lightened’
(C.S.M McMullins is seated second from the left)
Interestingly –from the Covenanter Sept.1928… as a post-script:
C.M.S. McMullins’ eldest son was a pupil of the Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, a school which had, and still does have, links with the Cameronians.
QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL. List of boys in above School whose fathers served, or are serving in the Regiment. Bain, J., son of Sergt. A. Bain, 3rd Battalion. Barnes, G., son of C.S.M. G. Barnes. Black, A., son of Pte. A. Black, killed in action, 23/10/16. Brown, J., son of Corpl. J. Brown, 2nd Battalion. Burke, W., son of Sergt. Burke, 1st Battalion., Carroll, W., Carroll, V., sons of Sgt . W. Carroll.. Dunn, V., son of Capt. R. Dunn. . Fyfe, A., son of Pte. A. Fyfe, 2/5th Battalion, died while serving, 3/4/ 1 7. Heron, A., son of Pte. J. Heron, killed in action, 25/9/15. Kitson, W., son of Corpl. A. Kitson. M’Mullins, A., son of C.S.M. A. M’Mullins, 2nd Battalion. Pike, H., Pike R., sons of R.Q.M.S. H. Pike, late 2nd Battalion, Thomson, J., son of Srgt. R. Thomson, 2nd Battalion.
Thomas Scott was a fast rising soldier in the 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), who received the Military Cross for his gallantry in June 1916 near Highwood on the Somme.
In this battle Scott saved two people from a mine explosion, when both men were half buried in dirt and under fire.
The shock of the explosion from the mine itself did not deter Scott, instead he ran to the aid of an officer and civilian, he then dragged both to safety.
During this heroic act Scott was injured but later on returned to service. Scott then went on to become Adjutant for almost a full year, earning an extra 5 shillings a day at the age of 22, a very young age for such responsibility which was given to him by Lt. Col.. Chaplin showing the faith that he had in him as well as his great skill.
In battle on the 20th May at 4pm Scott was seriously wounded by a shell in a Small valley in Croisilles while he was in a group of six at the back of the party.
Soon after Scott was wounded, he was put onto a stretcher and was transported to Dressing where he sadly died later on.
Before his death, on the drive over to get medical treatment, he gave his gold pocket watch to his soldier servant saying “Mansfield, take this.” and apologised for not being able to join in on the fight clearly indicating his bravery and loyalty to his regiment.
After Scott’s passing his soldier servant wrote a letter to his family where he expressed how great of a master and friend Scott was, going on to say how dedicated Scott was to his Country.
Lt. Col. Chaplin also wrote a letter to the parents of Scott expressing his remorse. Chaplin detailed in the letter that the watch had been sent to them with the story of Scott giving the watch to Mansfield, Chaplin also details that Scott did not suffer too much as a result of his fatal injuries, Chaplin expresses the trust he had in Scott, indicating he was well liked in his regiment.
Transcript: Letter from Commander in Chief of 1st Cameronians Lt Col. J G Chaplin to Mr. Scott father of 2nd Lt Thomas Scott
June 2nd 1917
Dear Mr Scott
You will have heard from the War Office the sad news of your son’s death from wounds received in action. The regiment moved up to attack on May 20th under very heavy shelling and your son was wounded by a shell. He was dressed by a doctor but died the same day, on his way to the Casualty Station His wounds were not so severe to make him suffer much but his death was probably due to his heart not being strong.
Your son was a most brave and conscientious officer. He was adjutant of the Battalion for almost a year. I had the highest opinion of him and feel his loss greatly. He was popular with all his brother officers and all had a great admiration of him. On his way to hospital your boy took off his gold watch and gave it to his servant saying “Mansfield, take this.” I had the watch sent to you with your son’s things and you can judge whether it should be sent to Mansfield.
Please accept the sincere sympathy of all ranks of the Cameronians in your great loss.
If there is any other information I can give you I will be most happy to do so.
Yours Sincerely
J G Chaplin
Lt. Col. Commanding 1st Bn The Cameronians.
Scott’s achievements in Edinburgh Academy and St Mary’s School, Melrose, are instrumental factors in how Scott went on to become a great solider and leader as he excelled in gymnastics, cricket , football and running.
Scott also went on to win many trophies for his school such as the Bradbury Shield and Burma Cup as well as a silver medal for gymnastics. Scott excelled in all aspects of school as he was also singled out for outstanding essays on Napoleon.
Scott also went on to become an ephor which is an old Latin word for spartan, an ephor was a prefect for the School showing that even from a young age Scott was entrusted with responsibility.
After Scott’s departure from Edinburgh academy in 1913 his brother John followed in his footsteps, becoming an athlete himself, playing in the School XV.
UPDATE: Images of Mansfield’s medals as well as a letter from Chaplin to Mansfield and a newspaper roll of honour for Thomas Scott have been kindly sent over to us by Steven Brown.
Mansfield’s medals consists of a 1914 star, war medal, victory medal, general service medal, defence medal and long service and good conduct medal. Chaplin’s letter to Mansfield can now be seen above. In this letter, Chaplin asks Mansfield to write some words to the family of Scott, The letter that Mansfield wrote subsequently as a result of Chaplin’s letter is located in this blog where Mansfield mentions who Scott was, as a person and soldier. The other image we received was a newspaper cut-out that includes Thomas Scott in its roll of honour.
A heavyweight both in the film industry and the historical world is 1917 directed by Sam Mendes and starring George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman. Without giving away too much of the plot, the film is set in April 1917 during Operation Alberich, the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line following the heavy fighting during the Battle of the Somme. Two young soldiers are sent with a message, ordering the 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment to halt further attacks.
George MacKay as Schofield in 1917. Note the battalion flashes of the 2nd Devons.
British officers early in the film discuss trying to figure out if the Germans had completely abandoned their positions. While the question ‘where have the Germans gone?’ is explored through these two fictional individuals, it was a real situation facing the BEF in the Spring of 1917. A way which the BEF attempted to answer this question was through the liberal use of raids. One of the most famous photographs not only of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) but of the entire First World War was captured during one of these raids to gather more information on the enemy withdrawal. On 24 March 1917, B and D Companies of the 10th Scottish Rifles were captured by photographer John Warwick Brooke as they advanced to raid the enemy positions in their front.
Raids were commonplace up and down the British lines that Spring, but the one made by the 10th will remain one of the most famous in the history of the British Army solely through the series of photographs taken that day. The Battalion lost 3 Officers and 33 Other Ranks killed, wounded, or missing, most from British shells falling short.
Other battalions of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) experienced this confusing absence of Germans as well. The 2nd Scottish Rifles even served alongside the real 2nd Devons in 23 Brigade, 8th Division. On 15 March 1917, (several weeks earlier than the film is set), their story commenced with the 2nd Devons and 2nd West Yorks advancing upon reports of the enemy retiring in front. The 2nd SR themselves sent out a patrol under Second Lieutenant A.H. Ronan on the 18th finding the village of Moislains completely abandoned. When informed of this the Battalion Commander, Major Colin Robert Hoste Stirling sent forward C Company to take the position. The Scottish Rifles then advanced through Epinette Wood and Aizecourt-le-Bas, which was defended against counterattack on the 25th. That night the 2nd Scottish Rifles was to support the 2nd Devons during a night attack, however, this was called off. Perhaps part of the background for the film?
(L) Benedict Cumberbatch in 1917 wearing the flash of the 2nd Devonshire Regiment. (R) The Flash of the 2nd Scottish Rifles also of 23 Brigade, 8th Division
The 2nd Scottish Rifles continued alongside the 2nd Devons to attack Dessart Wood on 30 March, Gouzeaucourt on 12 April, Villers-Guislains, on 14 April, Gonnelieu, on 21 April, and La Vacquerie on 5 May. It was here that the Hindenburg Line was reached and the clear open warfare of the past few weeks, also seen in the film, was ended. The 2nd Scottish Rifles, while not explicitly depicted in 1917 were certainly nearby. The places in the film while not the factual locations of the 2nd Scottish Rifles, 2nd Devons, and the rest of 23 Brigade, are real and had a Cameronian presence during the Great War.
Écoust-Saint-Mein and Croiselles were both depicted in the film. The latter was being fought over by the 1st and 5/6th Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) during the same month in which 1917 takes place. Both attacked towards the village of Fontaine-lès-Croisilles (to the north-east of Croisilles itself) on 14 April. The objective of the Croiselles-Cherisy Road was not reached and both battalions suffered heavy casualties. Notable figures of the Regiment including Captain D. G. Moncrieff Wright, commanding A Company of the 1st were wounded. Acting CSM of D Company, John MacLaren Erskine, v.c. was killed alongside 4 Officers and 39 Other Ranks of the 5/6th. The two battalions of the Regiment would attack again on 16, 23, and 24 April before finally being relieved.
John MacLaren Erskine, V.C. Killed in Action 14 April 1917.
While the story of the film itself is a mix of fact and fiction, exploring the real units and places help connect the story of the regiment to the big screen. The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) were present on the Western Front during the timeframe of the film and took part in many of the actions related to the story. While viewing historical fiction is a form of entertainment, it remains a great tool to encourage the exploration of the actual events which took place!
In this blog post, we take a look at one of the more unusual medal groups within the regimental collection, and try to catch a glimpse of the man behind the medals.
Miniature medals awarded to Edward Albert Westall Left to right – Air Force Cross (AFC), Military Medal (MM), 1914 Star with date clasp, British War Medal, Victory Medal
The medals were awarded to Edward Albert Westall, and represent decorated service in both the Army and the Royal Air Force. Westall was born on 17 July 1887 at St Pancras, Middlesex. He enlisted in The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in late 1905. Westall was still serving with The Cameronians when the First World War broke out, by which time he held the rank of Lance Sergeant. He arrived in France with the 1st Battalion on 15 August 1914, thus qualifying for the 1914 Star. On 5 January 1917, Sergeant Westall was awarded the Military Medal, an award issued to British soldiers for gallantry. An experienced soldier who had been decorated for bravery, Westall was granted a commission with the rank of Second Lieutenant on 17 September 1917. He was attached to the Royal Flying Corps (later the Royal Air Force) and would remain with them for the rest of the War. The photograph below shows Westall as a Second Lieutenant; he wears the medal ribbon of the Military Medal on his chest. He retains the Glengarry and badge of his parent regiment, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). The thin stripe on his lower left sleeve is a Wound Stripe, indicating he had been wounded in action.
Second Lieutenant E. A. Westall MM, probably taken in late 1917, shortly after his commission
A photograph album belonging to Lieutenant Westall provides a fascinating glimpse of his service with the RFC/RAF. A common scene in the album is that of crashed aircraft, reminding us of just how dangerous those early years of flight were.
The memorial on Salisbury Plain commemorating Captain Loraine and Staff-Sergeant Wilson, who died in a crash on 5 July 1912, the first fatalities of the Royal Flying Corps
Westall continued to serve in the RAF after the Armistice of November 1918. In April 1919, he was part of the seven man crew of a Handley Page 0/400 aircraft scheduled for a circular flight around Great Britain, setting off from Weyhill aerodrome near Andover.
In the early hours of 22 April 1919 the plane, in which Westall was acting as Observer, clipped an aerodrome building during take-off and crashed. The 400 gallons of petrol in the fuel tanks ignited and the aircraft burst into flames. Tragically, five of the crew were trapped and killed. Westall and Flight Sergeant Smith were the only crew members who were able to escape the burning wreck; Westall receiving extensive burns to his neck and hands. Evidence given at the subsequent inquest described the scene:
I heard two slight crashes at short intervals, followed by a very loud crash. From the time of the first crash to the final one the engines were still running, and had not changed in note. I proceeded to the scene, and found the machine piled and blazing furiously against the north wall of No. 9 hut.
The fire bell was rung, and the station fire-fighters were there almost at once. The navigator, Lieutenant Westall, was discovered on the grass 20 or 30 yards away from the hut with his clothing blazing. Sergeant Smith was also discovered about the same spot, but his clothing was only smouldering. There was no hope of getting anything at all from the machine.
A photograph reproduced in the Daily Sketch shortly after the accident, showing the burnt-out wreckage of the aircraft
Sergeant Smith, one of the wireless operators, was the only other survivor of the crash. After the initial impact, Sergeant Smith was thrown on top of Lieutenant Westall. Smith was still hooked up to the wireless equipment and Westall helped clear him of the wires to allow both men to escape the burning wreckage.
Sergeant H Smith
Westall’s injuries were extensive and he spent several weeks in hospital in a critical condition. Although he survived his injuries, he would bear the scars of the accident for the rest of his life. While recuperating from his injuries, Westall faced further tragedy in the loss of his wife, Florence, who died in August 1919.
Lieutenant Westall (in bed) recuperating from his wounds in hospital
In March 1920 Westall was placed on the half-pay list on the grounds of ill-health, and ultimately retired from military service in June of that year. The London Gazette of 10 October 1919 announced the award of the Air Force Cross to Observer Officer Edward Albert Westall. No citation accompanied the award, although it is stated that it was issued for gallantry in service during the First World War. It is also possible that the award was made in recognition of Westall’s actions in assisting Sergeant Smith escaping the burning aircraft.
Westall’s Air Force Cross is the only one of its kind in the regimental collection. Very few men would have received both the Air Force Cross and Military Medal; it is almost certain that Edward Westall was the only Cameronian to receive such awards.
The Air Force Cross (AFC) awarded to Lieutenant Westall, still in the case in which it was presented
Edward Albert Westall remarried in 1920. He died on 29 June 1972 at Kennington, London, aged 84.
We are very grateful to the Westall family for gifting the medals, photographs and other items belonging to Lieutenant Edward Albert Westall to the regimental museum collection.
A new exhibition has recently opened at Low Parks Museum to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, signed on 11th November 1918.
The exhibition uses unique photographs from the museum collection to highlight the contribution and sacrifices of The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in the First World War.
A short film presentation on The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in the First World War compliments the exhibition. This 10 minute feature was specially produced to commemorate The Cameronians involvement in the War, and utilises historical material from the museum collection along with modern images and film footage of sites, cemeteries and memorials on the Western Front.
A fantastic collection of artwork and sculpture by local artist, Allison Smith, completes the exhibition. Allison, whose grandfather served with The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) during the First World War, collaborated with primary and secondary schools across South Lanarkshire to produce this moving and evocative display at Low Parks Museum.
The exhibition and artwork installations are open now until Sunday 18th November, so please don’t miss out on the chance to come and visit. Entry to both the museum and exhibition is free of charge.
