Post by Hobo Joe on Aug 23, 2017 15:45:29 GMT
The 51st Highlander division was originally formed of untrained conscripts and volunteers from Scotland in 1915. Early thoughts of these Highlanders were that they were untrained and not fit for combat. With them never experiencing the war, the British government decided to take their equipment and split off most of the brigades into other regiments and divisions. At around this time, the 51st began dividing itself into three brigades. Their lack of experience gave them the nickname "Harper's Duds" named after their leader. Sir Douglas Haig commented on the 51st saying "they are untrained and green in all duties".
Eventually they had recruited their numbers back and had their equipment restored. The British army knew they needed to get rid of the division but they also knew they would not survive the front. So, they sent them to the usually quiet Somme trench.
Coincidentally, in 1916, the Somme offensive broke out. The 51st were commanded to charge uphill, with no fortification or shelter. Inevitably, they lost, however the German victory was Pyrrhic indeed. The completely unexpected brute force shown by the 51st had gained everyone's attention, and they were selected to capture Beaumont, a fortress village that seemed impossible to take. The Germans had grown to fear the highlanders, and even gave them a nickname: "Die Damen aus der Hölle", the Ladies from Hell.
Another amazing coincidence that did not end well for the Germans occurred in 1918, when the Highlanders were once again moved to a quiet part of the front for a well deserved rest. Unfortunately for Jerry, this is where Germany decided a good spot for an attack to occur. This was known as the Kaiserschlacht, the last of the Great German assaults on France.
Eventually they had recruited their numbers back and had their equipment restored. The British army knew they needed to get rid of the division but they also knew they would not survive the front. So, they sent them to the usually quiet Somme trench.
Coincidentally, in 1916, the Somme offensive broke out. The 51st were commanded to charge uphill, with no fortification or shelter. Inevitably, they lost, however the German victory was Pyrrhic indeed. The completely unexpected brute force shown by the 51st had gained everyone's attention, and they were selected to capture Beaumont, a fortress village that seemed impossible to take. The Germans had grown to fear the highlanders, and even gave them a nickname: "Die Damen aus der Hölle", the Ladies from Hell.
Another amazing coincidence that did not end well for the Germans occurred in 1918, when the Highlanders were once again moved to a quiet part of the front for a well deserved rest. Unfortunately for Jerry, this is where Germany decided a good spot for an attack to occur. This was known as the Kaiserschlacht, the last of the Great German assaults on France.
