The Shetland Losses at , April-May 1917

(This is part of the epic history written by Jon Sandison about the part Shetlanders played on the Western Front during World War One)

War would end if the dead could return. Stanley Baldwin

The endless cemeteries on the flat land surrounding the line of the Western Front is a reminder when in of the loss endured at Arras. It is when we daily walk past the buildings in our Lerwick streets where some of these men stayed, walked and lived that we remember the recurrent local impact of this conflict. These lads deserve to be in our thoughts.

It is very easy today to think about The Great War as being all doom and gloom. As revisionist historian Gordon Corrigan has stated:

It was true that everyone knew someone who was killed, and in certain parts of the country, this was true due to how we recruited. But there were large swathes of the nation from where no one was killed.

Statistically, it is estimated that one family in 14 across the country lost a son, brother or father. Many did make it home, and come out of it physically – if perhaps not mentally – unscathed. But, one family in 14 is a sobering statistic. Then there were also those who were left limbless and scarred for life. Today we concentrate much upon remembrance, the loss of life, the sacrifice and impact the war had. The loss upon our community resonates so strongly even now. In Shetland, like other communities throughout Scotland, the human sacrifice is still unfathomable.

Eighteen Shetlanders did not come home from Arras. Ten Gordons, four Seaforths and one Royal Scots Fusilier, and one from the Machine Gun Corps were lost. Also, two Shetlanders serving in the Canadian Divisions to the north of Arras at Ridge; both, astonishingly, coming from Tingwall. Our journey was focussed on the Gordons, but we could not forget the others. Given the scale of the battle, it was hardly surprising that there would be Shetlanders amongst other regiments who also did not see their home shores again. How many Shetlanders took part in the we will probably never know, Arras became another place name synonymous to the Shetland Territorials, and men in the Scottish Battalions. For the Gordons, some lost had been on the troopship Cambria when it left an emotional Lerwick on a Sunday summer’s evening back in June 1915. Others joined them later.

As guns fell silent on the fight in and around Arras with the onset of summer, the brutal reality was that the dust had hardly settled upon the heartache after the Ancre. The names of Shetlanders filtered home in 1917, just as they had done months previously before Christmas 1916. Between the Ancre and Arras, within a matter of months, the Old Rock was to lose almost 40 young men. This time folk at home knew what to expect. Immense foreboding permeated the community. The island now braced itself for the inevitable. The local press could only reflect this sentiment with the journalistic craft available and so muster what remnants of inner strength were remaining. Words, after all, can only go so far. The Shetland News did its very best. The deep anxiety that has been felt in Lerwick since the new British offensive began on April 9th culminated last Wednesday night when official intimation came to hand that a number of local lads had been killed on the battlefield of Arras.

Private letters from France shortly after the offensive began indicated that Lerwick soldiers were in that sector and that a number had fallen. In some cases the names of the latter were given, and in the absence of another mail this caused deepening anxiety to their relatives, if indeed they had not accepted as final such news as came to hand

We are sure that the sincere and deep sympathy of the whole community will be extended to the sorrowing parents and relatives of those soldiers who have endured so much and who, in the end, have so nobly laid down their lives. In a time of severe fighting like the present, there are sure to be casualties, sometimes heavy casualties, and a time of prolonged anxiety lies ahead for many; but we believe that Shetlanders as a whole will show that fortitude and strength which are characteristics of the race and bear up under the shock of such losses as there may be with the same courage that their sons and brothers are displaying in the battle zones.

Within much of the local and national press during World War One there was a desperate need to balance the irreplaceable and unfathomable loss with the positive vibes of patriotism. At the same time, and in equal measure, the continued local hurt that had never abated since the previous November was emotionally displayed by the reporting of the Shetland News and Times. The dedications to some of these young men were powerful and poignant.

All doubt and all hope, however, ended when the official news reached the town on Wednesday night last; and we now publish short biographies of those half a dozen lads who have made the supreme sacrifice, although the most eloquent of all obituaries is the simple statement that each fought and died for his country. Lerwick will remember these heroes of the Battle of Arras as it remember those who sleep on the banks of the Ancre.

The Gordon assault at Arras on 9 April 1917 was broken into four movements. The 4th, 5th and 6th Gordons were to the North of Arras at Roclincourt whilst the 1st and 8/10th Gordons just east of Arras, and advanced out of the tunnels. The Shetlanders were spread across these battalions.

To the far north of Arras were the 4th Gordons. Within them, Andrew Halcrow, was also killed on the 9 April. Andrew is listed in the Roll of Honour as being in the 7th Gordons. His name is on the Arras Memorial. He was from Swinister Sandwick, was 26 years old and was survived by a widow and one child.

Many of those who fell took part on the southern flank on 9 April. One who made it home first was Private John Sim of Quendale Lane, Lerwick. His parents had received a postcard saying that he had been wounded on 9 April, the first day of the battle.

In his letter from France, John wrote, 'I am in the best of health. I was wounded pretty bad in the left foot, and I have got it taken off below the knee, but I will soon see you all again.'

He was in hospital for a considerable time, and having been provided with an artificial limb, was then discharged.

He returned to Lerwick, but never quite regained his strength and eventually contracted the illness which resulted in his death.

The news of Private Sim’s death was received with deep regret by all those who knew how much he had suffered, and who had hoped that he would have made a good The graveside of John Sim, Lerwick recovery from the wounds received while Cemetery. Taken on Remembrance Sunday. playing his part in the Great War.

John saw out the war, but died on 12 January, 1919. The funeral took place in the Parish Church, and was attended by many of his chums, quite a number being home on leave at the time. In addition to relatives, all the pall-bearers were either men on service or discharged soldiers.

John did not leave on the troopship Cambria, but was one of the first men of Lerwick to volunteer. He crossed to France on 1 August 1916, and fought at Beaumont Hamel and Arras. He is buried at Lerwick New Cemetery, a poppy placed by his graveside every Remembrance Sunday.

Slightly to the north of the 1st Gordons were the 8/10th. Within the 8/10th was Alexander Laurenson, who was also killed on 9 April. Alex was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs William Laurenson, Lunnasting. Alex had already had been wounded in December 1916. He was on the original Imperial List Draft which had departed upon the Cambria on 13 June 1915. Just a few months before Arras, he had written home to his mother.

France, 1st February 1917 Dear Mother, Just a few lines to say I am well hoping this will find you all the same. I haven’t had any letters sent on here as yet, but I am expecting one soon. I hope you have got my last letter from here. The weather here is very cold, but it is nice and dry. I suppose it is cold all over just now. I have no strange news to say just now but I will write again soon. I hope I will get a letter from home soon. So as I have no more to say at present, I will close with love to all.

Your Loving Son Alex The War Office Telegram which was issued to Alex’s parents was dated 17 July 1917; many months from the 9 April. When the telegram finally arrived in Shetland, it would have taken a little time to arrive back with his parents in Vidlin. How blunt and heartless that telegram sounded, with the all too haunting, but familiar, opening line.

It is my painful duty to inform you that a report has this day been received from the War Office notifying the death of S43364, Private Alex Laurenson, 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders which occurred on the 9 April 1917.

How his parents hearts must have sank to the depths of human despair upon reading that opening line; as so many others did.

On leaving school, he entered the service of Messrs, D & G Kay, merchants, Lerwick and while there he joined the Gordon Highlanders. He was called up on the outbreak of war, and spent the first winter with the cable guard at Sandwick. Being one of the first to volunteer for Imperial Service, he went south in the spring of 1915, and, after competing his training, he crossed over to France on the 1 August 1916. He was wounded in the battle of the Somme and was in hospital in France for a few weeks. On recovering he again went to the front, and on 10 November, he was wounded at the battle of the Ancre. He was sent on to England and after his recovery he got leave and paid a brief visit to his family in Lunnasting. Early in this year, he again crossed over to France, where he nobly did his duty till the end came. It was also said about him:

Alex Laurenson was one of the best young men belonging to Lunnasting, and the high esteem in which he was held is shown by the many letters of sympathy which have reached his parents. Great sympathy is felt with his parents and family, who mourn a dutiful son and brother. He is the first soldier to fall on the battlefield belonging to Lunnasting.

Alex Laurenson was recorded as being in the 8/10th Gordons through the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, yet is listed as being in the 1st Gordons on his death certificate. Quite often soldiers would change between battalions on the battlefront, making research into their service difficult. Alex’s name is on the Arras Memorial, as the 8/10th Gordon Highlanders.

Also lost on the on 9 April was Benjamin Craik, 1st Gordons, 58 Burgh Road, Lerwick. He was only 21 years of age. In his civil life he was employed as a cooper. He had enlisted for Imperial Service, and left on the Cambria with the Territorials, on 13 June, 1915.

It was noted that 'he was very popular among his fellow workers, and many friends will hear with deep regret of his early death. A smart, sturdily built lad, with all the vim and energy of youth, it may well be believed that he played no unworthy part in the great offensive, or that he hesitated to sacrifice all to aid in securing victory.'

However, there was agony for his mother. Official information had been received by Mrs Craik 58 Burgh Road, Lerwick that her son, Private Benjamin Craik, Gordon Highlanders, had died on 11 April of wounds received in action.

She had a further distressing experience upon hearing official intimations. She received word that her son had been killed and then received further intimation that an error had been made and that he was only wounded. After this, she obtained further notice that her son had died of wounds. As if hearing the news once was not bad enough.

The Times stated that 'We are sure every sympathy will be recorded her in the painful circumstances.' The immense pain and stress which Mrs Craik suffered upon receiving this news was clear. Benjamin is buried at Etrun British Cemetery. This cemetery is a few miles west of Arras, and it was close to the 8th Casualty Clearing Station. As a result, it contains many of the Arras casualties.

Lerwick man Walter Shewan, 1st Gordons, fell in action between the 9 and 11 April. He was the eldest son of Mr Walter Shewan, 4 St Magnus Street. It was mentioned that he was in the Territorials previous to the outbreak of war, and had been with the Shetland force since the start of hostilities. In civilian life he was employed by Mr C J Duncan in whose shop he had served eight years. In that capacity he was brought into contact with many people in town, and by all he was held in high esteem. He was seen as a quiet and unassuming lad who enjoyed the utmost confidence of his employer, and among his circle of friends he was regarded as a popular and loyal comrade. Walter was 25 years of age.

With typical upbeat language, it was added in The Times that the deceased was 'another of those Lerwick boys who have made a name for themselves as capable and efficient NCOs and whose contribution to the Allied cause is a source of pride to his parents and islands which game them birth.'

One wonders how deep such patriotic sentiment was felt within our community by this stage. Walter is buried at the Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-Les Mofflaines Tilloy was begun as a battlefield burial ground at the beginning of the battle, although later casualties from the area and post-war concentration of graves from a number of small cemeteries enlarged it significantly. His brother John, in the Seaforths, was noted as wounded in fighting at the end of 1917 in The Shetland News, 13 December.

Another NCO, included in the list of killed later in April was Lance Corporal William T Blance, 7th Gordons, 23 St Magnus Street. He was the third son of Mr John and Catherine Blance. He was 20 years of age. He fell in action on 16 April. Prior to the war, William had been a cooper. After the outbreak of hostilities he joined the ranks of the Shetland Gordons. With typical patriotic reporting, it was mentioned that 'this was what might have been expected of a lad who invariably gave evidence of a fine sporting spirit, and who was so well liked by all who knew him'.

There was further comment from his commanding officer, via a letter that had been sent to his mother.

I very much regret to inform you that your son was killed in action on 16 April. We were occupying a new position, which was shelled rather heavily by the enemy. Lce-Cpl Blance was fatally wounded, and died without regaining consciousness, so that actually he died painlessly. Allow me to convey to you and all his other relatives our sincerest sympathy. Your son was a very good soldier, and had the makings of a sterling NCO. Though I am comparatively new to this company, I had particularly notice the boy's smartness and splendid example.

We can only hope that his death was as reported.

William is buried at the Point-Du-Jour Military Cemetery, Athies. This is close to the furthest point reached by the 9th Scottish Division on 9 April, 1917.

Within six months, Lerwick’s St Magnus Street alone had lost three young men, all under the age of 25. During the Battle of the Ancre, 13 November 1916, Andrew Simpson of the 7th Gordons, 19 St Magnus Street, aged 22, had been killed. Boys all gone who probably would have played around the doors with each other. A few curtains may have been drawn on that Lerwick street for many days in 1917, and beyond; the only solace hopefully a strong neighbourly spirit.

Such ominous news also stretched to the outer streets of Lerwick. The Shetland News stated that "perhaps the most poignant of the casualties we report today is the death in action on the 9th of April of Private Charles Sinclair. He was the second and only surviving son of Mr and Mrs Wm Sinclair, Burgess Street, his brother having died in France on 16 June 1916. Charles was formerly employed by Mr William Black as a baker, and joined the Shetland Gordons in January 1915."

It was added that he was "a quiet, likeable boy, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Among his more intimate friends who came to know his genuineness and depth of character, he was deeply respected and loved. To them the news of his gallant death will be received with very genuine regret. To Mr and Mrs Sinclair, and his sisters the sympathy of the community will be extended in a very special degree. That the only two boys of their family should have been called on to pay the supreme sacrifice is one of those war tragedies which has robbed families of all they possessed in the form of earthly happiness."

Charles is buried at the Road Cemetery, Beaurains. This is a small cemetery started in March 1917 when Beaurains, just South of Arras, was captured as the Germans retreated a short distance to the Hindenburg Line.

Mr and Mrs James Inkster, Ashgrove, King Harold Street, Lerwick received information that their son, Private James Inkster, 4th Gordons was killed in action in France on 23 April. James was their third son, and nephew of Thomas Manson, of The Shetland News.

Along with the rest of his company, James had gone over the top at dawn, and got as far as the barbed wired entanglements in front of the German trenches when they were caught by machine gun fire. James was a clerk in the employment of North of Scotland Orkney and Shetland Steam Navigation Company. He joined the Gordons in March 1916, and went into the signalling section of his Battalions. This section was noted as a branch of the serve calling for high intelligence and keen powers of visions.

He had only been about four weeks in France when he was killed. He joined up under Lord Derby’s scheme in March 1916, and served with the Gordon Highlanders. A well set up, keen, and intelligent lad, he made a fine type of soldier. His abilities marked him for special service with his regiment, and he was picked for the signalling section. This entailed long and strenuous training, and he was stationed in this country for a full twelve months. At the end of that time he passed all his signalling tests and proceeded to France with a draft on 26 March 1917. It was a painfully sad coincidence that his cousin, Private Karl Manson, had died just a few days earlier in the first engagement of Arras.

The late Private James Inkster was a favourite with all his companions in Lerwick, his general characteristics lending themselves readily to good comradeship. Bright, happy-minded and optimistic, he made friends everywhere and none who knew him but will feel genuine sorrow that so young and promising a life has been cut short just on the verge of manhood. Sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Inkster. It seems but the other day that their second son John, died from the effects of an illness contracted after falling overboard from a hospital ship on which he was serving.

James was their third son. It was mentioned that their fourth son, Private Peter, a sergeant in the 6th Gordons, was lying dangerously ill in a hospital in England, suffering from pneumonia, following trench fever. However, he survived the war.

The Regimental Chaplain wrote, 'He (James) was a good soldier – brave and faithful to all his duties, and a great favourite with his comrades and officers, who now mourn and miss him. The Commanding officer wishes me to convey you his sympathy in your great loss'.

A friend of the deceased wrote, 'He was killed on Monday morning, 23 April. We went over the top at dawn, preceded by our barrage fire, having an important place as our objective. We got on all right till we came to the German barbed wire, in front of their trenches, when we were caught by machine gun fire, and it was then that Jimmie was killed. He died instantaneously, without suffering any pain.

'I send you the deepest sympathy of all his pals, for Jimmie was a chap we had all had confidence in, and we miss him greatly. He always seemed to be looking at the sunny side of life, and, of course, being infectious, it made us look there too. 'I will close now, offering you my deepest sympathy, knowing that you had somebody to be proud of in our pal Jimmie.'

The Shetland News added:

Jimmie Inkster was one of the best known and most liked Lerwick boys who have fought and died in France. Ever cheery and bright, he was a pleasant and a loyal comrade and there are many at home, and many more of his old chums who are fighting on our scattered battlefields, who will hear with the deepest regret of his early death. The heartfelt sympathy of the community will be extended to the family who mourn his loss. This is the second son Mr and Mrs Inkster have lost in the war, John having died from fever contacted while serving on a hospital ship at the Dardanelles. A third son, Peter, is presently in hospital in England suffering from a severe illness contracted in the trenches in France.

Reassurance was often provided in such newspaper obituaries that no pain was endured. In many cases the reality was quite likely very different and men would suffer a lingering and painful death – but how could you tell the grieving families that?

James is buried at Brown’s Copse Cemetery, Roeux. This was created when the bodies were collected in after the battle and later added to post-war when isolated burials were discovered and brought in, along with some small cemeteries concentrated there.

Intimation has been received that Lance Corporal John Scollay, 4th Gordons, second son of the late Constable William Scollay of Scalloway, has died as a result of wounds received in action in France. It is understood that his death took place on 21 May. He was a member of the Scalloway contingent of the local Territorials, and like many others, was called up on the outbreak of hostilities, and had undergone a long period of training. It had only been a few weeks since he crossed from this country to the Front. Before the war he was a clerk in the North of Scotland Company’s office at Scalloway. He was one of the most striking figures in the local Territorials corps. Straight, strong and powerfully built, he made a very fine type of soldier. In happier days he was an outstanding member of the Scalloway football team, and many will remember the excellent service his weight and powerful limbs rendered to his side. To his many friends his death so soon after landing in France will be a source of deep regret, but they cannot think otherwise than that, however short his period of active service, this fine young soldier must have acquitted himself worthily in it. Much sympathy is extended to his widowed mother and other relatives in their bereavement.

Writing to his mother, an officer of the Battalion said:

He was severely wounded with the same shell as myself, but I had every confidence that he would come through. I may state that I have known John ever since the war began, being with him at Sandwick Cable Guards, I always admired his manly spirit and so cheerful under all circumstances. He would have done splendidly in France and it was really nice to meet a Shetland boy again. The men in his section were delighted to have a leader, and he would have made a name for the Battalion had he been spared to carry on. It is fellows like him that we miss so much. I often think of the good times spent together. It is indeed hard to realise so many have fallen, but let us pray for strength to bear up under such heavy sacrifice. I feel for those at home who watch events, and are doing their best to help on towards a victorious end this terrible war. May our united efforts be crowned with success speedily.

John is buried at the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension. Aubigny was a small village a few miles West of Arras and at the time of the Battle was the site of four casualty clearing stations. As s a result, there is a sizeable Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial plot adjacent to the Communal Cemetery. Another Shetland Gordon lost in this battle was William Allan, 2nd Gordon Highlanders, West Setter Weisdale, killed 6 May 1917. His name is on the Arras Memorial.

As well as the Gordons, there were the others. Their pictures have been included. Some of their stories have been mentioned previously.

 Private William A Henry, 2nd Seaforths, killed 11 April 1917, buried Brown’s Copse Cemetery, Roeux,  Private Karl Manson, 5th Seaforth Highlanders, killed 9 April 1917, buried Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt, inscription "What matters time if he fulfilled Gods purpose in the day of need".  Lance-Corporal Robert Sinclair. 2nd Seaforths, died from wounds in Woking on 24 May 1917, buried Sandwick Parish Churchyard.  Private Thomas Aitken, 8th Seaforths, killed 23 April 1917, buried Guemappe British Cemetery, .  Corporal James F Fraser, 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers, killed 9 April 1917, buried Beaurains Road Cemetery, Beaurains.  Private Robert A Morrison, Machine Gun Corps, killed 9 May 1917, Arras Memorial  Sergeant Robert R Gunn, 7th Battalion Canadian Infantry, killed 9 April 1917, buried Arras Road Cemetery, Roclincourt  Private William L Henry. 72nd Canadian Infantry, killed 9 April 1917, on Vimy Memorial.

Arras Memorial. So if you are passing any of these parts in France, the men deserve a visit. These Shetlanders, amongst so many others, were lost for very little.

For the battle itself General Haig was to cancel the Arras offensive with the onset of summer, and turn his attention back to the north of the front.

The next stop for many of the men who had come out of Arras was the mud and quagmire of the Ypres salient in the summer and autumn of 1917. At least those that survived.

Back home at that time, Sunday 5 August 1917 when the new developments were happening to the north of the Western Front, a joint service of intercession in memory of the fallen Shetlanders was held in Lerwick Parish Church.

The first hymn, and first verse, sung to the tune of Melita, with the words from Recessional, by Rudyard Kipling.

From 'Recessional', by Rudyard Kipling

God of our fathers, known of old Lord of our far-flung battle line Beneath whose awful hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget - lest we forget!

Acknowledgements: Derek Bird, Chairman, Western Front Association, Northern Branch; Shetland Museum and Archives; Gordon Highlanders Museum; June Bain; and Douglas Grant