Formation of Machine Gun Brigades

[GlenBanna]

On the 21st of February 1916 the 88th MG Company was formed in Suez. Some men from the 5th Royal Scots transferred and did not leave with the Royal Scots when they left the 29th division in April 1916. Men were also drawn from other regiments of the 29th. Does anyone have any knowledge as to whether these men were already machine gunners in their regiments or were they simply volunteers?

Glen

[Ron Clifton]

Hello Glenbanna

I think that you are referring to Brigade MG Companies, rather than MG Brigades. 88th Infantry Brigade, and its Bde MG Company, were part of 29th Division.

These companies were mostly formed in Feb 1915 by taking out the battalion MG Sections (by then each of four guns) from infantry battalions and grouping them as Bde MG Companies of sixteen guns. The men were then transferred, later in 1915, to the newly-created MG Corps. So, yes, the men so transferred would already have been trained in the MG role.

Ron

[GlenBanna]

Thanks Ron,

I stand corrected and you seem to have answered my question

Glen