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The
declaration of war against Germany on 4 August 1914 saw the Territorials
of the 6th (Morayshire) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, mobilised
for the first time in their history. After crossing to France
in May 1915 the battalion fought with great distinction as part
of the famous 51st (Highland) Division in the major battles of
1916, 1917 and 1918. Of the 4,888 men who served with the Morayshire
battalion during the Great War 1,163 were killed or died of wounds
or illness; their names are found today on headstones or memorials
to the missing at more than 130 sites in France and Belgium and
on war memorials at home. That the survivors of the earlier battles
overcame all the difficulties and heavy losses to lead the young
reinforcements to victory in November 1918 makes their story all
the more remarkable.
The result of many years research, this book is compiled from official and unofficial documents, newspaper and privately held accounts, and is illustrated with more than 175 photographs, drawings and maps. It tells the story of ordinary men who performed extraordinary deeds fighting a skilful and determined enemy in the trenches of the Western Front.
Since first visiting the battlefields in 1981 Derek Bird has researched many aspects of the Great War, and after moving to Moray in 1985 the story of the 6th Seaforth Highlanders soon attracted his attention. Since 1998 he has been Chairman of the Scotland (North) Branch of The Western Front Association.
Copies can be ordered direct from Derek Bird at Eastholme, By Garmouth, Moray, Scotland, IV32 7LF, at a cost of £14.99 + £5 Post and Packing (Total £19.99). Please make cheques payable to D. Bird and allow 21 days for delivery. |
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| To accompany the book Derek Bird has compiled a Roll of Honour that can be found here | ||||