Ch6:E47: Blood Bath of London Scots, by Pte Herbert de Hamel, 31 October - 1 November 1914

The first London Territorial battalion to engage the enemy were the London Scottish,
who came into action near Messines during the first battle of Ypres. They bore the
brunt of the fiercest German attacks with the utmost gallantry. Surrounded on three
sides they fought to the bitter end, losing 345 men but accounting for hundreds of
Germans. The wonderful story of pluck and endurance which follows was written
by a survivor who, though wounded, succeeded with his officer and eight other ranks in
eluding capture. The London Scottish were warmly congratulated for their gallantry.
Herbert de Hamel, author of this brilliant
account of the first action in which the
London Scottish were engaged, reverted
from the rank of sergeant to private so
that he might be sent to France with the
first battalion. He was severely wounded
in this battle. He wrote the famous play
"War Mates" in 1915.
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[@14rnr]

Thank you for your time and effort, these personal accounts are second to none.

[@scroggins100]

Thanks for another super story. I have to say, I was a bit taken aback concerning the SMLEs they were issued with. I have some experience with them and have found them very good in all respects.. The author describes many rifles failing to load properly and locking up! One can get rim lock with the 303 cartridge but it is not often with properly loaded 5 round clips. Head space may be a cause, but on new rifles? Would appreciate your opinion. It was noted also that the author made comment about bayonets failing to disengage and that they all had new rifles issued subsequently.