Act of Remembrance to commemorate the 454 men of The Royal Scots who were killed at Contalmaison on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 108 years ago today.
Earlier this morning, Monday 01 July 2024, an Act of Remembrance took place in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle to commemorate the 454 men of The Royal Scots who were killed at Contalmaison in Northern France, on the first day of the Battle of the Somme 1916, 108 years ago today.
At the same time today, a service was held at the memorial cairn in Contalmaison, France, by a party from McCrae’s Battalion Trust, accompanied by The Royal Scots Association’s Standard Party and a piper.
Colonel George McCrae raised the 16th Battalion of The Royal Scots (16 RS), which became known as McCrae’s Battalion, in Edinburgh in November 1914. Many rallied to the call, enlisting to fight for King and Country, including players and supporters of Heart of Midlothian FC (the first players to sign up from all UK football clubs) as well as a number from Hibernian FC and many other Scottish football clubs.
The 15th Edinburgh Battalion of The Royal Scots, also raised in Edinburgh, by the Lord Provost, fought gallantly alongside McCrae’s Battalion at Contalmaison.
Elaine Hutton, granddaughter of Private Herbert Nisbet, who was brought up in Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh, served in 16 RS at Contalmaison on 01 July 1916, and who survived the War, attended the service.
Elaine Hutton said: “It was so important to be at the Scottish National War Memorial to remember my grandfather Herbert who served as a private soldier in McCrae’s Battalion on the First Day of The Somme 108 years ago today, along with my great uncle Cecil, who was killed on that day. We admire their courage and extreme loyalty.”
Private Herbert Nisbet’s brother Cecil, who had enlisted into 16 RS on 28th November 1914, was killed at Contalmaison on 01 July. Herbert’s four brothers all served in The Royal Scots; three of them were killed in WW1.
At the end of the Remembrance Service wreaths were laid by representatives of The Royal Scots, Heart of Midlothian FC, Hibernian FC and McCrae’s Battalion Trust.
Scottish National War Memorial Chief Executive Susan Flintoff said: “So many families in Scotland were touched in some way by the Great War and it is very fitting that The Royal Scots were remembering those in their famous Regiment who gave their lives fighting for freedom on the Western Front on the 1st of July 1916”.
Brigadier George Lowder, President of The Royal Scots Regimental Association commented: “We must never forget those young men of The Royal Scots who died on The First Day of the Somme and in the months that followed”.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
WW1 casualties
11,213 Royal Scots were killed and over 40,000 wounded. The dead would fill the Edinburgh Military Tattoo stands with an overflow of 2000 on the Castle Esplanade. Those wounded would fill the Stands at both Tynecastle and Easter Road.
At The Battle of the Somme 508 Royal Scots were killed and 2358 wounded in July alone. 810 men of 16RS crossed the Start Line on 01 July; only 338 answered the roll call on 03 July.
WW2 casualties
1,057 Royal Scots were killed and 2,396 wounded.
Forthcoming event:
The Royal Scots at Tynecastle – Friday 05 to Wednesday 10 July 2024
Hosted by Heart of Midlothian FC as part of the Club’s 150th Celebrations, The Royal Scots Regimental Museum will be reaching out to engage and connect with the Edinburgh community of all ages to highlight the very close enduring connection between the Regiment and the club which began at outbreak of WW1 in 1914.
This will be told through soldiers’ personal stories in campaigns from 1914 onwards and with a particular focus on the importance of teamworking and sport in the military.
There will be a Research area for families to find out more about their own family. Hearts FC’s own Museum will also be open throughout.
The Royal Scots exhibition will be held in the European Suite at Tynecastle Stadium between 10:00 and 16:30 daily from Friday 05 to Wednesday 10 of July 2024. Admission is free.
There will be a media preview at 9.15 am on Friday 05 July 2024.
Since 2006 the traditions of The Royal Scots have been carried forward by Scotland’s infantry, the Royal Regiment of Scotland who remain’ Right of the Line’, a privileged position which The Royal Scots held for 373 years.
Links:
Home Page: www.theroyalscots.co.uk
Regiment’s History: www.theroyalscots.co.uk/history
Hearts FC website: www.heartsfc.co.uk
McCrae’s Battalion Trust website: www.mccraesbattaliontrust.org.uk
