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Remembered Today:

Seaforth at "Bedford"?


hazelclark

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I have noticed in a few documents I have come across that mention is made of Seaforth Highlanders leaving Bedford. I understood that they were based around Cromarty,Dingwall, Fort George etc. What would they have been doing at Bedford? Anyone any idea?

Thanks,

Hazel C.

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From the LLT

1/5th (The Sutherland and Caithness) Battalion

August 1914 : at Golspie. Part of Seaforth & Cameron Brigade in the Highland Division. Moved to Bedford.

2 May 1915 : landed in France.

12 May 1915 : formation retitled to 152nd Brigade in 51st (Highland) Division.

Mike

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From the LLT

1/5th (The Sutherland and Caithness) Battalion

August 1914 : at Golspie. Part of Seaforth & Cameron Brigade in the Highland Division. Moved to Bedford.

2 May 1915 : landed in France.

12 May 1915 : formation retitled to 152nd Brigade in 51st (Highland) Division.

Mike

Yes, but do you know why they would have been there, and if they had any connection toBedford pre 1914?

thanks,

Hazel

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They frightened the natives to death, by all accounts.

Isn't that what they were supposed to do?

h.c.

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They frightened the natives to death, by all accounts.

:)

...but soon all was sweetness and light.

" On 5th August 1914 its mobilization, under Col. E. G. Buik, V.D., took place, the various companies concentrating at Nigg on the northern shore of the Cromarty Firth, whence, after a week spent in digging trenches for the defence of the Admiralty Forts on the North Sutor, it proceeded to Inverness. Thence, in a few days, it entrained for Bedford, which became the training centre for the Highland Territorial Division, afterwards so well known as the 5Ist. For eight months the Division was billeted in this town, and was treated with the utmost cordiality and kindness by the townspeople, who did all they could to make their kilted invaders comfortable and happy. "

War diary of the Fifth Seaforth Highlanders, 51st (Highland) Division

Mike

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Thanks Mike! Just goes to show that you can't take as gospel, information supplied by historians without authentication making scurrilous (sp.?) accusations!

H.C.

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Just read a small part of the article but it is a wonderful source of information and the pictures are great. Will finish reading it later. Thankyou so much for sharing it.

Hazel C.

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Hello Hazel

Bedford was the war station of the Highland Division TF, later the 51st Division, and they moved there in August 1914. There is an interesting account of their time there in Behind the Lines by Col G W Nicholson, who was on the Divisional staff at the time.

Ron

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Hello Hazel

Bedford was the war station of the Highland Division TF, later the 51st Division, and they moved there in August 1914. There is an interesting account of their time there in Behind the Lines by Col G W Nicholson, who was on the Divisional staff at the time.

Ron

Thanks Ron. Mention is made of Col. Nicholson in the article for which Terry has provided the link, with quotes from his account. It certainly does look like it would be good to read in its entirety.

Hazel

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Hazel

It was reprinted a few years ago by Tom Donovan Publishing so you should be able to find a copy fairly easily. It makes a good read.

Ron

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Hazel

You may be interested in this thread.....http://1914-1918.inv...d raster&st=0

Steve

thanks Steve!

H.

Hazel

It was reprinted a few years ago by Tom Donovan Publishing so you should be able to find a copy fairly easily. It makes a good read.

Ron

thanks ron.

H.

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