Tearful salute to the heroes who forged a nation
Royals lead tributes to the Battle of Arras war dead
‘Sacrificed the hope of a future’
IT was one of the bloodiest battles on the Western Front, with the highest number of Scottish casualties in a single engagement of the entire First World War.
Yesterday, at ceremonies in France and Scotland, descendants of soldiers who lost their lives attended memorials to mark the centenary of the Battle of Arras.
An estimated 18,000 Scots were killed in the battle that ended with the British suffering 160,000 casualties overall and the Germans around 125,000.
Of the 120 battalions that took part at Arras, 44 were Scottish and the average daily casualty rate was 4,076, higher than at the Somme or the Third Battle of Ypres.
Relatives of those who died were joined by young people and dignitaries for the WW100 Scotland service, led by the Right Rev Dr Russell Barr, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, at Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery in Arras.
Among those gathered was cadet Melissa Rodger, 14, from Motherwell, Lanarkshire, whose great-great uncle Private Samuel Rodger of the Cameron Highlanders died in the fighting on May 3, 1917.
Also in attendance was Alastair Ogilvie, whose great-uncle Corporal Ian Gowan died at the age of 19.
Mr Ogilvie said: ‘When you think of the thousands of Scots who were killed, it is shocking. You think of the conditions, digging the trenches and living with basics during the winter months. It’s hard to imagine people at the age of 17, 18 and 19 doing that – they were far tougher than teenagers are today.’
Pupils from Scotland and France jointly laid a wreath on behalf of the UK, French, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and South African nations which fought in the battle, which took place from April 9 to May 16, 1917.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, in France for the commemorations, said: ‘Fortyfour Scottish battalions and seven Scottish-named Canadian battalions took part in the Battle of Arras – the highest concentration of Scottish troops fighting in a single battle during World War I.
‘Pupils representing every local authority in Scotland are in Arras this weekend to learn more about its impact. These young people are not much younger than many of those who fought in the battle.
‘Education is an important part of our commemorative programme, ensuring pupils understand the impact of the battle, and share what they have learned.’
The ceremony in France also marked the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which began 100 years ago to the day and was part of the larger Battle of Arras.
Attending the memorial, The Prince of Wales described the efforts of Canadian troops who fought at Vimy Ridge as ‘an extraordinary example of selflessness for our future generations,’ while Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau said: ‘The burden, they bore. And, the country they made because this, too, is why we’re here. Why we remember.’
The Prince told thousands of Canadians, along with French president Francois Hollande: ‘The long shadows of the thousands who fell here still touch us today.’
The battle is crucial in the history of Canada as four military divisions from the nation attacked together for the first time as the Canadian Corps.
The guests included princes William and Harry, who laid the final pair of boots to symbolise the 3,598 Canadians killed in the operation.
The WW100 Scotland events have been organised by the Scottish Commemorations Panel with Legion Scotland, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the armed forces in Scotland.
Last night descendants of soldiers who died joined dignitaries, military personnel and veterans in a service at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
Jacques Sigston, 53, from Derby, and his cousin Catherine Johnston, 58, from Bo’ness, West Lothian, were among those at the ceremony.
Their great-uncle Private John Bird died on April 10, 1917, the day after he was injured on the opening day of the battle. Mr Sigston said: ‘These things happened 100 years ago but they affected how we live our lives now and without them we would not have the freedom we do.’
The cousins brought with them a Black Penny coin engraved with Pte Bird’s name, given by the King to those killed in the conflict.
The service was led by Legion Scotland padre the Rev Dr Karen Campbell, who said: ‘We give thanks to those who sacrificed the hope of a future that they might end a war.’