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Post by Waverley on Apr 9, 2007 0:38:56 GMT 1
The 7th (Blythswood) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry were a Territorial unit based in Main Street, Bridgeton. 7th (Blythswood) Battalion The additional title `Blythswood' was granted to the 2nd Admin Battalion of Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers in honour of its Commanding Officer, Campbell of Blythswood. The battalion became the 31st Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteer Corps in 1865, the 8th in 1880, and the 3rd (Blythswood) Volunteer Battalion, HLI in 1887. The battle honour `South Africa 1900-02' was granted to the battalion for its services during the Boer War. In 1914-18, the 1/7th fought at Gallipoli, Egypt, Palestine and in France and Belgium, while the 2/7th was stationed in Ireland. The 3/7th became part of the 5th (Reserve) Battalion, HLI in 1916. In 1938, the 7th HLI was converted and transferred to the Royal Artillery as 83rd AA Regiment.
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Post by Waverley on Jul 15, 2007 12:49:07 GMT 1
3rd (THE BLYTHSWOOD) VOLUNTEER BATTALION. H.L.I. 1859 - 1908.
HEADQUARTERS - MAIN STREET, BRIDGETON.
The 3rd Volunteer Battalion had a most complicated lineage being descended from no fewer than 21 individual companies which for a time formed two seperate corps. These corps had two short lived titles, the 4th Battalion Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers. In 1861 the 7th became the 5th Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteer Corps, the senior of the two battalions being 1w0 companies strong. It recruited from the Eastern district of the city - Bridgeton, Parkhead and Whitevale. Two companies, the 64th & 65th (1 st & 2nd Rutherglen respectively) were the only H.L.I. Volunteer Companies to come from outwith the city boundary, and as usual had their own unique uniform. By the early 1870's numbers had fallen off to such an extent that in september 1873 the remains of the Corps amalgamated with the 31st Lanark, taking the latters title and bringing no further increase in establishment. In 1865 the 4th Battalion was renumbered the 31st Lanark Rifle Volunteers consisting of two companies. The 31st had headquarters in Noth John Street and was known locally as the 'Central Battalion'. In June 1869 the Battalion took the name of Blythswood Rifles, as a compliment to their commanding officer, Lt-Col. Campbell of Blythswood , later Lord Blythswood. After consolidation of 1875 the Battalion had two uniform changes, the last being the adoption of the full H.L.I. uniform. In 1900 a Cyclist Section was formed. lt was not until 1902 that a permanent drill-hall was built at 92 Main Street Bridgeton, costing £12,000. The Battalion supplied 61 volunteers who served in the Volunteer Companies of the Highland Light Infantry during the Boer War. As part of the 1908 Reforms the 3rd (Blythswood) Volunteer Battalion H.L.I. became the 7th (Territorial Force) Battalion Highland Light Infantry. Between 1859 & 1861 the Central and Eastern districts of Glasgow raised 21 companies of Volunteers who had the following numbers and titles;
Eastern Battalions - 5th (1st Eastern ) from artisans of the East Central District 21 st Parkhead Artisans 31 st & 75th LRV. from the leather trade.
Central Battalions 5th - 30th (1 st Central) L.R.V. 34th (1 st Rifle Rangers /38th Rifle Rangers) from Mechanics of the Central District. 35th (2nd Rifle Rangers) 38th Rifle Rangers from the mechanics of Central District.
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Post by Waverley on Apr 14, 2010 11:55:11 GMT 1
From the Highland Light Infantry Chronicles.
1/7th (The Blythswood) Battalion
AFTER mobilisation on 5th August, 1914, the Battalion was billeted for a few days in Bridgeton district, and moved on 10th August to Dunfermline, which town was Headquarters until departure overseas. On 24th May, 1915,left Dunfermline in two portions for Devonport,whence the Battalion sailed for Alexandria, and encamped at Aboukir on 7th June.
It left Alexandria (less Transport Section) for Lemnos on 28th June. Disembarkedon Helles on 3rd July. After a four days' tour of duty in the front trenches, and one day's rest, the Battalion took part in the action of 12-13th July. On the 12th three lines of Turkish trenches were taken; on the 13th part of the front line broke before enfilade machine-gun fire, but charged again and re-occupied the trenches vacated.
Casualties :- Killed 6 officers, 40 other ranks; wounded-2 officers, 149 other ranks; missing-53 other ranks.The Battalion continued to do duty in the right sub-sector until the beginning of October, when it was transferred to Krithia Nullah. On 20th October took Turkish trench H lla. On 21st November several Turkish attacks were repulsed. On 1st December the first draft arrived. On 8th January took part in evacuation.
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