Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations and maps. See 45934-h.htm or 45934-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/45934/45934-h/45934-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/45934/45934-h.zip) Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive/American Libraries. See https://archive.org/details/historyof51sthig00bews Transcriber's note: Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). A carat character is used to denote superscription. A single character following the carat is superscripted (example: 11^e). Multiple superscripted characters are enclosed by curly brackets (example: XII^{me}). THE HISTORY OF THE 51ST (HIGHLAND) DIVISION [Illustration: LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR G. M. HARPER, K.C.B., D.S.O.] THE HISTORY OF THE 51ST (HIGHLAND) DIVISION 1914-1918 by MAJOR F. W. BEWSHER D.S.O., M.C. Formerly Brigade Major, 152nd Infantry Brigade, and General Staff Officer, 2nd Grade, 51st (Highland) Division William Blackwood and Sons Edinburgh and London 1921 Dedicated _TO THE YOUTH OF SCOTLAND_. _In the hope that this record of the courage, skill, and endurance of a Highland Division may strengthen their purpose, when their time comes, to uphold in no lesser degree the great traditions of their forebears._ FOREWORD. If it were possible for the General who for three years commanded all the British Divisions in France, and was served with equal gallantry, devotion, and success by each, to admit a predilection for any of them, my affection would naturally turn to the Division that drew so many of its recruits from the same part of Scotland where my boyhood was spent and my own people lived. Those who read the pages of this book will find therein a tale of patient endeavour and glorious achievement of which I claim a good right to be as proud as any of my fellow-countrymen. The 51st Division does not need to boast of its prowess or its record. It can point to the story of its deeds, plainly and simply told, and leave the world to judge. HAIG OF BEMERSYDE, F.M. _8th August 1920._ PREFACE. In compiling the 'History of the 51st (Highland) Division' I have been beset by various difficulties, which have contributed towards the long delay in its publication.