Royal Scots, Dardanelles

[malch]

A footnote in the Official History for Gallipoli (Vol II, p 105) states "4th/7th Royal Scots of 156th Brigade".

I can find no reference to 4th/7th R Scots on LLT or elsewhere, only 1/7th.

Anyone any clues ?

M

[Lost in Tilloy]

M

After the Gretna Disaster and huge losses at Gallipoli the 4th and 7th RS joined for a while into one unit. After leaving Gallipoli they became separate units again.

I don't have the exact dates to hand.

Regards

LIT

[malch]

M

After the Gretna Disaster and huge losses at Gallipoli the 4th and 7th RS joined for a while into one unit. After leaving Gallipoli they became separate units again.

I don't have the exact dates to hand.

Regards

LIT

That make sense. The action I'm looking into was 12th July 1915 and the "4th/7th" R Scots were in reserve supporting 155th Bgde. Presumably there simply weren't enough men to go around following the loss of so many of A & D Coys of the 7th at Quintishill.

Thanks !

[michaeldr]

From Westlake's 'British Regiments at Gallipoli' [Leo Cooper, 1996, ISBN 0 85052 511 X]

1/4th Battalion (Queen's Edinburgh Rifles) (TF)

July 1915

To rest camp (2nd). Employed on fatigue duties. Formed composite battalion with 1/7th Royal Scots – 1/4th Battalion providing X and Y Companies [1/7th Battalion supplied Z Company]

Relieved Indian troops at Gurkha Bluff during evening. Relieved by 1/7th Scottish Rifles (9th) and to reserve trench in Bruce's Ravine. To rest camp (10th), Divisional Reserve at Backhouse Post (12th). Moved forward in support of 1/4th Royal Scots Fusiliers 12 non. In action at trench E1. Gains held. Casualties – 17 other ranks killed, 45 wounded, 8 missing. Relieved 5.15 pm (14th) and to reserve trenches at brown House…..

for the 1/7th Battalion (TF) Mr. Westlake gives

Relieved and to Eski Line (9th), rest camp (10th). Orders for attack received (11th). War Diary notes; 'These orders were destroyed inconformity with an order that no orders and maps were to be taken to firing line.' Moved to Backhouse Post and Eski Line in reserve to 15th and 157th Brigades early morning (12th). Later advanced in support of attack by 1/4th Royal Scots Fusiliers on trench E11. Objective rushed and cleared. Lieutenant-Colonel Peebles in his report of the action mentions the work of the machine gun team, all six men being mentioned by name and recommended for special awards. Relieved from firing line and to Eski Line (14th). To rest camp(16th). Casualties (12th-15th) - 1 officer, 13 other ranks killed, 1 officer, 29 other ranks wounded, 9 missing

By the way, there are no obvious contradictions in the two accounts

regards

Michael

[malch]

It also agrees with the an account from Col. Morrison of 5/HLI and the 1/4 RSF dirary.

Thanks.

M

[Guest]

They merged on 28th June 1915. Page 98 of the Official History -Gallipoli there is a footnote (2) that mentions the Battalions of 156th Bde were merged into 2 Battalions after " the 156th Brigade had suffered abnormal casualties on 28th June..."

156th Bde comprised;

1/4th Royal Scots

1/7th Royal Scots

1/7th Scottish Rifles

1/8th Scottish Rifles

So it is easy to guess who merged with who if 4 Bns became 2 Bns...

Regards

MG