"Come On Highlanders": Glasgow Territorials in the Great War

In the annals of the Great War, the Glasgow Territorials stand as a shining example of courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Hailing from the vibrant metropolis of Glasgow, Scotland, these citizen-soldiers answered the call to arms with a patriotic fervor that would forever leave its mark on the course of the conflict.

From the Streets of Glasgow to the Trenches of Flanders

As the war clouds gathered over Europe in the summer of 1914, Glasgow, like cities across the British Empire, became a hive of war-time activity. Thousands of young men, eager to prove their loyalty and defend their country, flocked to recruitment centers, forming the nucleus of what would become the Glasgow Territorial Force.

Come On Highlanders! Glasgow's Territorials in the Great War

by Alec Weir

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10974 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	172 pages

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The Territorials were a volunteer force, composed of men from all walks of life, united by their desire to serve. They included factory workers, shopkeepers, clerks, and students, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the battlefield.

Training and Camaraderie

After a brief period of basic training, the Glasgow Territorials were assigned to the 15th Scottish Division, a formation that would later gain renown for its valor in some of the most brutal battles of the war.

At training camps across Scotland, the Territorials underwent rigorous drills and exercises, honing their skills in marksmanship, bayonet fighting, and trench warfare tactics. Amidst the hard work and discipline, a strong sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps developed among the men.

Baptism of Fire

In April 1915, the Glasgow Territorials were deployed to the Western Front, where they faced the grim realities of trench warfare. They endured months of shelling, sniping, and disease, while also engaging in daring raids and counter-attacks.

The Territorials quickly earned a reputation for their bravery and tenacity. In the Battle of Loos in September 1915, they played a key role in capturing and holding the enemy's second line of trenches, despite suffering heavy casualties.

The Somme and Beyond

The summer of 1916 witnessed the horrors of the Battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest conflicts of the entire war. The Glasgow Territorials were among the units tasked with attacking the German lines on the first day of the battle.

Facing a relentless barrage of enemy fire, the Territorials fought with unwavering determination. They advanced through shell craters and barbed wire, suffering appalling losses but refusing to be broken.

In the aftermath of the Somme, the Glasgow Territorials continued to fight in some of the war's most critical battles, including the Battle of Arras, the Third Battle of Ypres, and the final Allied offensive in 1918.

Throughout their service, the Glasgow Territorials displayed extraordinary courage, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. They exemplified the fighting spirit of the British Army and played a vital role in securing victory for the Allied cause.

Legacy and Remembrance

The sacrifice made by the Glasgow Territorials is commemorated in memorials and plaques throughout the city of Glasgow and beyond. Their names are inscribed on the Roll of Honour at the Glasgow City Chambers, ensuring that their memory will live on for generations to come.

The Glasgow Territorials left an enduring legacy of bravery and service. Their story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and rise to the challenges of war.

Come On Highlanders! Glasgow's Territorials in the Great War

by Alec Weir

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10974 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	172 pages

FREE