Fred, my grandfather, spent the First World War in the Army Cyclist Corps but, in truth, he was – at heart – a ‘Suffolk’. Before getting on his bike he spent nearly eight years as a regular soldier in the First Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment, preceded by a short spell in the 4th (Militia) Battalion. So you will understand why the Suffolk Regiment – especially 1/Suffolk – is of particular interest to me.
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Back in print : Under the Devil’s Eye
I’m pleased to say that Under the Devil’s Eye – The British Military Experience in Macedonia 1915-1918 by Alan Wakefield (SCS Chairman) and Simon Moody (SCS founding Editor) is back in print. Continue reading “Back in print : Under the Devil’s Eye”
Salonika watercolours for sale
I keep a regular eye on items for sale on eBay with a Salonika connection. It’s usually just postcards and bits of Zeppelin but, every now and again, something unusual and exciting pops up. Continue reading “Salonika watercolours for sale”
Not to be missed : Voices of the First World War
This series of fifteen minute programmes on BBC Radio Four is not to be missed. Continue reading “Not to be missed : Voices of the First World War”
Celebrating ‘Canada 150’
As Canada celebrates 150 years since confederation, it seems appropriate to remember the role played by Canadian medical services in the Macedonian campaign. I believe these were Nos. 4 and 5 General Hospitals and No. 1 Stationary Hospital, but please correct me if I am wrong. Continue reading “Celebrating ‘Canada 150’”
9th (Service) Battalion East Lancashire Regiment in Macedonia
My thanks go to SCS member Harry Fecitt who provided an article about 1/12th Battalion (Pioneers) The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Macedonia, which recently appeared here as part of our online commemorations of the First Battle of Doiran:
Continue reading “9th (Service) Battalion East Lancashire Regiment in Macedonia”
1/12th Battalion (Pioneers) The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Macedonia : Part 3
By Harry Fecitt MBE TD
We were fortunate also in getting during April the 1/12th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which came to us as our Pioneer Battalion, under a most capable officer, Lieutenant Colonel Beckett. They were a hard-bitten, thirsty lot of Lancashire miners, but what they could do with a spade was a perfect revelation. The Division owed a great deal to this fine Battalion for the splendid work they did on the Vimy Ridge, and I attribute our comparatively low casualty returns to the rapidity with which these pioneers, assisted by the various battalions, managed to lower the depth of the trenches eighteen inches in record time.
Major General E.S. Bulfin CB, Commander 60th Division, France 1916.
Embarkation for Egypt
1/12th Battalion (Pioneers) The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Macedonia : Part 2
By Harry Fecitt MBE TD
We were fortunate also in getting during April the 1/12th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which came to us as our Pioneer Battalion, under a most capable officer, Lieutenant Colonel Beckett. They were a hard-bitten, thirsty lot of Lancashire miners, but what they could do with a spade was a perfect revelation. The Division owed a great deal to this fine Battalion for the splendid work they did on the Vimy Ridge, and I attribute our comparatively low casualty returns to the rapidity with which these pioneers, assisted by the various battalions, managed to lower the depth of the trenches eighteen inches in record time.
Major General E.S. Bulfin CB, Commander 60th Division, France 1916.
Salonika
1/12th Battalion (Pioneers) The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in Macedonia : Part 1
By Harry Fecitt MBE TD
We were fortunate also in getting during April the 1/12th Battalion The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, which came to us as our Pioneer Battalion, under a most capable officer, Lieutenant Colonel Beckett. They were a hard-bitten, thirsty lot of Lancashire miners, but what they could do with a spade was a perfect revelation. The Division owed a great deal to this fine Battalion for the splendid work they did on the Vimy Ridge, and I attribute our comparatively low casualty returns to the rapidity with which these pioneers, assisted by the various battalions, managed to lower the depth of the trenches eighteen inches in record time.
Major General E.S. Bulfin CB, Commander 60th Division, France 1916.
1/12th (Territorial) Battalion (Pioneers) The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment
Salonika Battlefield Tour : 19-25 September 2017
The SCS Tour Team is pleased to announce details of the Society’s September 2017 battlefield tour. This will include visits to key sites associated with British Salonika Force operations: The ‘Birdcage’ defence line, Doiran, Kosturino, the Struma Valley, as well as attendance at official ceremonies of commemoration in Greece. Continue reading “Salonika Battlefield Tour : 19-25 September 2017”
Salonika Campaign Society, 1915-1918 