Founded by John Giles. Inaugurated 11^th November 1980.
Registered as Charity No 298365

Branch News

UNVEILING OF THE REINSTATED 51st (HIGHLAND) DIVISON FLAGSTAFF

Branch Chairman Derek Bird Launches his book
'The Spirit of the Troops is Excellent'

Welcome to the Homepage of the Scotland (North) Branch of The Western Front Association.

Our members are drawn from the Scottish mainland and islands north of Perth. We hold regular meetings where our guest speakers tell us of different aspects of the Great War. The meetings are held on Saturday afternoons in 'The Gallery' at the Elgin Public Library. All are welcome, entrance is free, but there is a collection for branch funds. Refreshments are also available.

From our part of Scotland came some of the most famous Scottish Regiments to serve in the Great War, such as the Cameron Highlanders, Gordon Higlanders and Seaforth Highlanders - they all fought valiantly, and suffered very high casualty rates, as is witnessed by the long lists of names on every local War Memorial.

As members of The Western Front Association our aim is to further the cause of remembrance of all those who fought in the Great War, and to ensure that they and their deeds are not forgotten.

The Scots have a long tradition of military service, and in 1914 many were serving in the regular battalions of the various Highland regiments. Large numbers also served locally with the Territorials, a large majority of whom subsequently volunteered to serve overseas. The Territorial Highland Division was renamed the 51^st (Highland) Division after its arrival in France in May 1915, and went on to gain a reputation as one of the best divisions in the BEF. Many early wartime volunteers also flocked to join the newly formed 'Kitchener' battalions, and served in the 9^th (Scottish) and 15^th (Scottish) Divisions - and both of these divisions earned the highest praise for their service on the Western Front. Although a high percentage of Scots from the Highlands served in these infantry units, many other men from the area joined and served with great distinction in the different arms of the Army, the Royal Navy and the RFC/RAF.