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.
The new plaque unveiled in memory of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles at Clary
Last week I had the privilege of representing the museum service at a moving ceremony in the French town of Clary. Tuesday 9th October 2018 was the hundredth anniversary of the action in which the 5/6th Scottish Rifles liberated Clary from German occupation, bringing to an end years of hardship and oppression. Shortly after the Armistice, the residents of Clary had paid tribute to the 5/6th Scottish Rifles and renamed the town square Place des Ecossais in honour of the Scottish troops who had won them their freedom.
French veterans and standard bearers act as guard of honour to the unveiling party
One hundred years on, the residents of Clary once again commemorated the soldiers who had fought and died to liberate their town in a poignant ceremony held in the town square. A handsome marble plaque was unveiled on the wall of the Town Hall and commemorative crosses were laid by local children in memory of the soldiers who died in the actions leading to the town’s liberation.
Local school children laying memorial crosses for those of The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) who died on 9th October 1918
In a touching gesture of comradeship between Allies, the community of Clary presented me with a copy of the new plaque to display in Low Parks Museum. I’ll post more details about this over the next few weeks.
The standards dip as the crowd observe a moment’s silence in memory of those who gave their lives in the First World War
The genuine gratitude and sincerity expressed by the people of Clary in remembering The Cameronians was incredibly humbling and very moving to witness. What made the occasion even more special was the presence of the families of two members of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles who had fought at Clary in 1918. Several descendants of Colonel H. B. Spens D.S.O., who commanded the Battalion during the attack, were in attendance, including his grandson who was invited to assist in the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.
The newly unveiled plaque on the Town Hall of Clary. Under the plaque was placed a photograph of Colonel H. B. Spens, commanding officer of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles
Three relatives of Private Peter O’Hare, of Coatbridge, had traveled from Scotland to see their relative honoured. Peter O’Hare was one of the men who died in the action that led to the liberation of Clary. A number of other relatives of Private O’Hare held their own remembrance service at Coatbridge War Memorial in Scotland at the same time as the service was taking place in Clary.
The wreath laid by the Mayor of Clary, the family of Private O’Hare, and Mr Adrian Smith on behalf of The Cameronians (SR) and Families Organisation. The wreath was made by the local school children
I have made several visits to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium over the past twenty years, but seldom have I witnessed such a moving service and it is something I will never forget. Having seen firsthand how dedicated the people of Clary are in honouring the men of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles, it is safe to say that the memory of these men is in safe hands.
Without question one of the most important topics which differentiates The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) from other regiments is their association with the Church of Scotland and their many Presbyterian traditions. References in diaries and letters allude to the traditional posting of sentries which harks back to the regiment’s Covenanter roots. Nevertheless, to think of the regiment’s members as distinctly ‘hardcore’ Presbyterians would be to overlook the wide variety of recruits which came into the regiment during the First World War. While back in Scotland one newspaper remarked that a service for the Scottish dead from Gallipoli contained “grossly unscriptural and Popish prayer”[3], the men at the front covered a wide range of denominations. The religious denominations of the regiment do not seem to have been streamlined into one, modelling the regimental character as much as one which resembled the overall religious background of Scotland in the early twentieth century. Many Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Atheists, and at least 85 Jewish soldiers are listed as having served in the regiment, with more not listing their true religion on enlistment forms.[4]
Lieutenant Charles ‘Frankie’ Rooke, a Jesuit, was the only Catholic officer of the 1st Battalion in 1914. He was killed on 19 June 1915 on a patrol near Bois Grenier.
At least one chaplain, Reverend James McShane attached to 19 Brigade (Including the 1st and 5/6th Battalions), was a Catholic Priest and would go on to be known through the pseudonym ‘Father McCabe’ in Robert Graves’ Goodbye to all that.[5] Company Sergeant-Major P. Docherty of the 5/6th Battalion described McShane as “idolised by men of every denomination who would have laid down their lives for him.”[6] Indeed Colonel Graham Chaplin, commander of the 1st Cameronians for much of the war found it extremely beneficial to have a Roman Catholic padre attached to a unit serving in a Catholic country such as France. While others had trouble bartering with the locals, McShane always managed to obtain chicken and eggs for the officer’s mess.[7]
Whatever their religious background however, it was starkly evident that during everyday moments out of danger very few of the men preferred to identify with religion at all. Reverend John White, who, although assigned as a chaplain to the 5th Battalion, provided services to numerous others in 1915-16 perhaps had the best vantage point to decipher the religious devotion of the men. Callum Brown identifies this through the feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness felt by the average soldier, which chaplains interpreted as a growing connection to God.[8] However, this did not make them saints as White pointed out that;
The men enjoy a service that links them to their homes and firms up their ideals of life. I do not wish you to regard these men as stern puritans – they themselves would smile at the description – and if you think they are, you are sadly mistaken, and will, if you follow them from [church] parade, have a rude stick at some jest, or at some striking picturesque language, or it may be, you will suddenly lose sight of them as they drop into an estaminet.[9]
The church parades which the regiment attended when possible, were similar to those which had been conducted by chaplains throughout the history of the regiment, yet the reasoning behind many men’s attendance (at least those who willingly went) were mixed. One enlisted man in the 2nd battalion insisted that religious beliefs helped all ranks, and that a sermon received the day before entering the Battle of Festubert raised the morale of the whole battalion.[10] Another insisted solace found in religion was solely based on the individual upbringing of the soldier. In some cases the middle-class men would find solace in the religious traditions of the regiments, but many others claimed it was of no importance to them.[11] Callum Brown identifies that Scottish men as a population were declining in Church attendance, and that as part of a survey given to chaplains, only 20% of men in Scottish regiments had a “vital relationship” with the church.[12] The men who did choose to be religiously active outside of the mandated religious services found that there was a much more powerful spiritual experience to religion during the war. Sergeant Docherty watched as Padre McShane went around the entirety of 19 Brigade before their attack on High Wood on the Somme and called upon all Roman Catholics to attend a service:[13]
I am roman catholic myself, and it was the shortest and most impressive little service that I’ll ever attend. It is unforgettable and ever present in my mind. The shell-torn ground, Death Valley down below, the German shells landing intermittently on the road through the valley, and the whole Brigade looking on at about 300 men kneeling down to receive absolution before going into the battle from which the majority were fated never to return.[14]
Member of the 5th Scottish Rifles in graveyard, Spring of 1915. (Low Parks Museum CAM 2013.129)
[3] James Lachlan Macleod, “‘Greater Love Hath No Man Than This’: Scotland’s Conflicting Religious Responses to Death in the Great War,” Scottish Historical Review 81, no. 1 (April 2002): 95, doi:10.3366/shr.2002.81.1.70.
[4] Michael Adler and Max R. G. Freeman, British Jewry Book of Honour (Surrey St.: Caxton, 1922), 316-317.
[5] Robert Graves, Good-bye to all that (Anchor, 1929).
[6] Docherty, P., CSM. “5th Battalion Reminiscences Part II.” The Covenantor, Regimental Magazine of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), January 1936.
[7] Andrew Davidson, The Invisible Cross (London: Quercus, 2016), 288.
[8] Callum G. Brown, “Piety, Gender and War in Scotland in the 1910s,” in Scotland and the Great War, ed. Catriona Macdonald and E. W. McFarland (Edinburgh: John Donald, 1999), 180.
[9] John White, Rev., With the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in France: leaves from a chaplain’s diary (Glasgow: J. Smith, 1917), 57.
