Location of 15th Battalion H.L.I.

[Baird]

hello,
           can anyone assist me greatly by providing information on whereabouts and actions of 15th Battalion , Highland Light Infantry on the 16th November 1916?

Regards,
Baird

[KGarrad]

From The Long Long Trail website:

http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/highland-light-infantry/

15th (Service) Battalion (1st Glasgow)
Often known by its original title of the Glasgow Tramways Battalion.
Formed in Glasgow on 2 September 1914 by the Lord Provost and City, with many recruits coming from the Tramways Department. Moved to Gailes.
May 1915 : moved to Prees Heath and came under command of 97th Brigade in 32nd Division. Moved in June 1915 to Wensleydale and on to Salisbury Plain in August. Adopted by War Office 1 July 1915.
Landed at Boulogne 23 November 1915.
3 January 1918 : transferred to 14th Brigade in same Division.

http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/32nd-division/

1916
The Battle of Albert*
The Battle of Bazentin*
The Battle of the Ancre*
* the battles marked * are phases of the Battles of the Somme 1916

Now to google those battles!

[MaxD]

In trenches (moved in 15th/16th) east of Aveluy.  In position by 6am.  Map 57d NE on a line in K 35c Being hammered all day by enemy artillery much damage to trenches.  Note on 17th that enemy fire hampered all movement.

maxD

[philipsearching]

Have you seen this site?

http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=6293

On the page for the 15th battalion (Glasgow Tramways) HLI the closest date is 20 Nov 1916 - they were relieved by the 16th Northumberland Fusiliers (doesn't say where, but I think it was on or near the Somme):

"16th battalion Northumberland Fusiliers relieve 15th Btn Highland Light Infantry.....Communication with the 1st Dorsets on the right and and 2nd KOYLI on the right is very difficult....."

Armed with this information it may be possiible to find out where 16th Northumberland Fusiliers or 1st Dorsets or 2nd KOYLI were at the time and so work out precisely where the 15th HLI were on the 20th (they would have been there on the 16th).

Hope this helps
Philip

EDIIT - posted this moments after maxD came up with the precise details.  Hats off to maxD!

[MaxD]

Extract from the war diary with grid refe above!

maxD

[KGarrad]

See: http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/battles/battles-of-the-western-front-in-france-and-flanders/the-battles-of-the-somme-1916/

And, most of the way down the page you will find:
The Battle of the Ancre, 13th-18th November 1916

The battle was now extended northwards across to the far side of he River Ancre. The British force attacked in fog and snow on 13 November from the very same front lines from which the attack had failed so badly on 1 July. Beaumont-Hamel was finally captured but Serre once again proved an objective too far. Considerable casualties were sustained before the battle was called off.

[Baird]

Once again,
                  many thanks to you all for your swift responses.
This site and the people who use it continue to amaze me.

baird

[jim1]

This map:
http://maps.nls.uk/view/101464795
Here.

[Baird]

Superb Jim,
                many thanks.
Baird