The Shetland Losses at Arras, 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 France 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 Vimy
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 battle of
Arras 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 graveside of John Sim, Lerwick
Cemetery. Taken on
Remembrance Sunday.
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
recovery from the wounds received while
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 Duisans 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 Beaurains 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
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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, Wancourt.
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