LOCAL REGIMENTS
This page will concentrate on local Regiment Battalions who were based within the area on the lead up to WW1, most of whom would have been territorial volunteer based. At the start of WW1 they would have been raised for service, and as the rush to enlist began, they would have produced extra battalions, 2nd's, 3rd's etc. New Battalions were raised from the enlisting men, many of them became known as Pals Battalions, they included friends, neighbours or work colleagues who wanted to join up and serve together.
It is the 1st volunteers who were already serving before war that this page will look at, trying to follow their battalions through the horrors of the Great war and if possible further on.
A number of old and new photographs will show where a number of the Battalion HQ's once stood, or as in some cases still do. A lot of these places are located within areas that many people will pass on a daily basis, I hope this page will bring to their attention the history that once took place here.
The pre-war territorial Battalions of The King's Liverpool Regiment will also show that the social class within the city was still divided. The King'sLiverpool had six territorial battalions within the city, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th. The 6th catered for the middle class, 5th, 7th and 9th for the respectable working class, while 8th ( Irish ) and 10th ( Scottish ) recruited men with links to the respected country. You will notice as you read through, how the King's Liverpool territorial regiments fought alongside one another many times in France and Belgium.
Thank you to all those who have helped me with information and photographs, I will give credit as I go along. I must mention and thank the members of The Great War, WW2 Talk, My Liverpool, and Yo Liverpool forums for their help with the page.
I am no regimental expert, I try my best, but I will no doubt make mistakes. I am happy to be corrected, don't be shy in contacting me if you spot I am going wrong, or if you can add any information or photographs.
Now let us take a look at a part of our history.
It is the 1st volunteers who were already serving before war that this page will look at, trying to follow their battalions through the horrors of the Great war and if possible further on.
A number of old and new photographs will show where a number of the Battalion HQ's once stood, or as in some cases still do. A lot of these places are located within areas that many people will pass on a daily basis, I hope this page will bring to their attention the history that once took place here.
The pre-war territorial Battalions of The King's Liverpool Regiment will also show that the social class within the city was still divided. The King'sLiverpool had six territorial battalions within the city, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th. The 6th catered for the middle class, 5th, 7th and 9th for the respectable working class, while 8th ( Irish ) and 10th ( Scottish ) recruited men with links to the respected country. You will notice as you read through, how the King's Liverpool territorial regiments fought alongside one another many times in France and Belgium.
Thank you to all those who have helped me with information and photographs, I will give credit as I go along. I must mention and thank the members of The Great War, WW2 Talk, My Liverpool, and Yo Liverpool forums for their help with the page.
I am no regimental expert, I try my best, but I will no doubt make mistakes. I am happy to be corrected, don't be shy in contacting me if you spot I am going wrong, or if you can add any information or photographs.
Now let us take a look at a part of our history.
57-61 Everton Road, 9th King's Liverpool Battalion.
August 1914 : in Everton Road, Liverpool. Part of South Lancashire Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
13 March 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 2nd Brigade, 1st Division.
12 November 1915 : transferred to 3rd Brigade in same Division.
7 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
1 February 1918 : transferred to 172nd Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division.
13 March 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 2nd Brigade, 1st Division.
12 November 1915 : transferred to 3rd Brigade in same Division.
7 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
1 February 1918 : transferred to 172nd Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division.
From ken Lees 9th Battalion Website.
Shortly after the commencement of the Volunteer Movement in 1859, many members of the newspaper and printing trades in Liverpool were desirous of forming a regiment composed of men connected with those businesses. A meeting was held in the Liverpool Town Hall, and the scheme was so well received that steps were taken towards the formation of a corps. Sanction was obtained, and on the 21st February, 1861, the officers and men of the new unit took the oath of allegiance at St. George's Hall. Thus came into being the 80th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, and on the 2nd April, 1863, the 73rd Battalion of the Lancashire Rifle Volunteers was amalgamated with it. In the early days of its existence the new unit attended reviews and inspections at Mount Vernon, Newton le Willows and Aintree. Some time afterwards it was renumbered the 19th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers. Later, in 1888, it became the 6th Volunteer Battalion of The King's (Liverpool Regiment).
The early parades of the Regiment took place at Rose Hill Police Station, and the Corn Exchange, Brunswick Street, until Headquarters were established at 16, Soho Street.
In 1884 the Headquarters in Soho Street were changed for more commodious and better equipped premises at 59, Everton Road, where the Battalion remained domiciled until 1914. During the South African War the Battalion sent out a company, and the experience the men gained there proved very useful at the annual camps. Several of the men who went to South Africa were privileged to serve in the next war. On the formation of the Territorial Force the Battalion was once again renumbered and henceforth it was known as the 9th Battalion of The King's (Liverpool Regiment) Territorial Force.
The recruiting area of the Battalion embraced the Everton district of Liverpool, a locality inhabited chiefly by members of the tradesmen and artisan classes, which furnished the Regiment with the bulk of its recruits. There was a detachment located in the country at Ormskirk, from which the Battalion drew some of its finest fighting material. Agriculturalists make good soldiers, and this was evidenced on many occasions later by the behaviour and ability of the men from this town. In the ranks there was a sprinkling of sailors and miners, whose several callings equipped them with knowledge which proved useful in their new profession. The officers for the most part were drawn from the professional class and business houses of the city.
Shortly after the commencement of the Volunteer Movement in 1859, many members of the newspaper and printing trades in Liverpool were desirous of forming a regiment composed of men connected with those businesses. A meeting was held in the Liverpool Town Hall, and the scheme was so well received that steps were taken towards the formation of a corps. Sanction was obtained, and on the 21st February, 1861, the officers and men of the new unit took the oath of allegiance at St. George's Hall. Thus came into being the 80th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, and on the 2nd April, 1863, the 73rd Battalion of the Lancashire Rifle Volunteers was amalgamated with it. In the early days of its existence the new unit attended reviews and inspections at Mount Vernon, Newton le Willows and Aintree. Some time afterwards it was renumbered the 19th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers. Later, in 1888, it became the 6th Volunteer Battalion of The King's (Liverpool Regiment).
The early parades of the Regiment took place at Rose Hill Police Station, and the Corn Exchange, Brunswick Street, until Headquarters were established at 16, Soho Street.
In 1884 the Headquarters in Soho Street were changed for more commodious and better equipped premises at 59, Everton Road, where the Battalion remained domiciled until 1914. During the South African War the Battalion sent out a company, and the experience the men gained there proved very useful at the annual camps. Several of the men who went to South Africa were privileged to serve in the next war. On the formation of the Territorial Force the Battalion was once again renumbered and henceforth it was known as the 9th Battalion of The King's (Liverpool Regiment) Territorial Force.
The recruiting area of the Battalion embraced the Everton district of Liverpool, a locality inhabited chiefly by members of the tradesmen and artisan classes, which furnished the Regiment with the bulk of its recruits. There was a detachment located in the country at Ormskirk, from which the Battalion drew some of its finest fighting material. Agriculturalists make good soldiers, and this was evidenced on many occasions later by the behaviour and ability of the men from this town. In the ranks there was a sprinkling of sailors and miners, whose several callings equipped them with knowledge which proved useful in their new profession. The officers for the most part were drawn from the professional class and business houses of the city.
The HQ of the 9th King's, 59, Everton Road (photographed in the late 1930s)
The building in 2012. The front has been boarded up and unused for a long time, but the Drill Hall buildings at the rear have been used by the Red Triangle Karate club for many years.
The structure looks in a good enough condition for renovation. A number of the buildings on the row have been improved over the years. It is a grade 2 listed building so it should remain safe from the bulldozer.
The building from the court yard behind. Clearly neglected and in need of repair, but the structure is sound enough for it to be saved.
From ken Lees 9th Battalion Website.
There came on the 4th August, 1914, a telegram to Headquarters containing only the one word "Mobilize." On that day Great Britain declared war on Germany. Notices were sent out ordering the men to report, and at 2p.m. on the 6th there was only one man unaccounted for. The mobilization was satisfactory.
Difficulties immediately presented themselves, for the men had to be housed and fed. The first night the men spent in the Hippodrome Theatre, where the artists gave them a special performance in addition to the public performances. Afterwards sleeping accommodation was found in the Liverpool College. Through the kindness of the committee of the Newsboys' Home in Everton Road arrangements were made to feed the men. There were too many for them to be fed all at once, so that meals had to be taken in relays. At Headquarters there was a certain amount of congestion, for equipment, picks, shovels and other mobilization stores took up a considerable amount of room. Besides this there were collected at Headquarters civilian milk floats, lorries, spring carts and other vehicles which had been pressed into service as regimental transport. Horses with patched civilian harness gave the transport the appearance of a "haywire outfit." After the officers had gone to the trouble of collecting this transport it was taken away by the Higher Command and given to another unit. The same fate befell the second set of horses and waggons. The third was retained.
According to orders the Battalion entrained under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Luther Watts, V.D., on the 13th August, at Lime Street Station, Liverpool. It was not known at the time whither the Battalion was bound. In the afternoon Edinburgh was reached, where there was considerable bustle on account of the departure of some regular regiments for the front. Crossing the Firth of Forth, the men saw with what activities the Naval Authorities were preparing for the reception of further warships. Dunfermline proved to be the destination of the Regiment.
The Drill Hall and Parade Ground 1930's
As it looks today, not far off the 1930's photo.
This photo shows the changes to the rear building. The door to the right has become a window and a staircase ( fire escape ) leads up to the old drill hall building. The middle window has become a doorway, a number of the windows remain the same as does the roof, so it has survived time pretty well. The drill hall In the old photo can be seen standing on metal pillars, the modern picture shows it all bricked up, underneath is being cleared out for storage and as you can see the pillars are still there.
The drill hall building. It will show us more of its history as we read on.
From ken Lees 9th Battalion Website.
In October the Regiment proceeded by train to Tunbridge Wells, where it remained until it proceeded overseas. The training here consisted of an early morning run followed later by a Battalion route march or field practice. Judged from later standards the training was not as intensive as it might have been owing chiefly to the facts that, unfortunately, no parade ground was available, and little, if any, assistance was afforded by higher formations. An occasional night alarm also ordered by higher authorities discomforted everyone and did little good. Recruits were sent to Sandwich for musketry, and the Battalion assisted in digging trenches, machine gun emplacements and other defensive works on the inland side of the canal, originally constructed by French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars, and which skirted Romney Marsh. Half the Battalion, that is four companies, was sent to assist with the London Defences near Ashford, where the men learnt to construct what the Royal Engineers were pleased to call "Low Command Redoubts," and which were badly sited on forward slopes. The experience gained, however, proved very useful afterwards in France.
Parades at Tunbridge Wells finished early in the afternoon which afforded ample time for recreation. The townspeople were very hospitable and extended cordial invitations to the men, who availed themselves freely of them. At Christmas time the men fared sumptuously through the generosity and kindness of their hosts.
The 12th March, 1915, was the day destined for the departure from Tunbridge Wells. One by one the companies, headed by a band kindly lent by one of the other units quartered in the town, marched through the streets for the last time. The greatest excitement prevailed when "D" Company, which was the last, passed through the streets just as the shops were opening. Farewells were waved, the troops were cheered, and for many this was their last look at the town which had afforded them every hospitality for the past few months.
Arrived at the station, the men entrained for an unknown destination, and there was some speculation as to which seaport it would be. It proved to be Southampton, from whence the men embarked later in the day for France. The excitement had to some extent worn off in the cool of the evening, and as the men had their last glimpse of England by means of the beam of the searchlight, many thought of the happy homes they were leaving behind to which they would perhaps never return. The journey to France was uneventful, which circumstance was due largely to the protection afforded by the torpedo boat destroyers and other units of the Navy.
In October the Regiment proceeded by train to Tunbridge Wells, where it remained until it proceeded overseas. The training here consisted of an early morning run followed later by a Battalion route march or field practice. Judged from later standards the training was not as intensive as it might have been owing chiefly to the facts that, unfortunately, no parade ground was available, and little, if any, assistance was afforded by higher formations. An occasional night alarm also ordered by higher authorities discomforted everyone and did little good. Recruits were sent to Sandwich for musketry, and the Battalion assisted in digging trenches, machine gun emplacements and other defensive works on the inland side of the canal, originally constructed by French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars, and which skirted Romney Marsh. Half the Battalion, that is four companies, was sent to assist with the London Defences near Ashford, where the men learnt to construct what the Royal Engineers were pleased to call "Low Command Redoubts," and which were badly sited on forward slopes. The experience gained, however, proved very useful afterwards in France.
Parades at Tunbridge Wells finished early in the afternoon which afforded ample time for recreation. The townspeople were very hospitable and extended cordial invitations to the men, who availed themselves freely of them. At Christmas time the men fared sumptuously through the generosity and kindness of their hosts.
The 12th March, 1915, was the day destined for the departure from Tunbridge Wells. One by one the companies, headed by a band kindly lent by one of the other units quartered in the town, marched through the streets for the last time. The greatest excitement prevailed when "D" Company, which was the last, passed through the streets just as the shops were opening. Farewells were waved, the troops were cheered, and for many this was their last look at the town which had afforded them every hospitality for the past few months.
Arrived at the station, the men entrained for an unknown destination, and there was some speculation as to which seaport it would be. It proved to be Southampton, from whence the men embarked later in the day for France. The excitement had to some extent worn off in the cool of the evening, and as the men had their last glimpse of England by means of the beam of the searchlight, many thought of the happy homes they were leaving behind to which they would perhaps never return. The journey to France was uneventful, which circumstance was due largely to the protection afforded by the torpedo boat destroyers and other units of the Navy.
The stairway leading up to the old drill hall. All original features remain.
The old drill hall, used today by the Red Triangle Karate Club. The floor is the original floor that the men drilled on, the ceiling, walls, almost everything remains as it was when it was the King's Liverpool HQ. The door marked Fire Exit leads down the staircase we have seen that was added in the court yard, apart from that, the heating and the lights, everything remains the same.
The Red Triangle Karate Club have used the building for the best part of 30 years, it is to their credit that they have preserved the original fixtures. If it had remained empty and unused I dread to think of the condition it would now be in. I was like a child on Christmas day when I saw the drill hall, how many will have survived this close to their original days, its wonderful, just wonderful. A TV crew would not have to do much to film a period drama here, just bring in the actors dressed as soldiers.
From the rear we can see the back of the HQ buildings.
The hanger like building is the drill hall.
The Battalion saw action in France and Belgium, fighting at Aubers Ridge, Loos, The Somme, Ypres, Cambrai and Arras. 841 men associated with the battle lost their lives as a result of world war one.
I would like to thank Ken Lees for his help with information about the 9th King's. Ken has kindly allowed extracts from his website to be included here. Ken has researched and created a detailed account of the 9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment. Included on his website is a detailed history of the Battalion, war diaries, casualty lists, military awards, memorials and biographies of a number of men who served with the colours. I would recommend everybody to go and visit the website.
Ken Lees 9th King's Battalion Website http://www.9thkings.co.uk/index.html
Ken Lees 9th King's Battalion Website http://www.9thkings.co.uk/index.html
I would also like to thank Bob Poynton from The Red Triangle Karate Club who use the drill hall for training. Bob has been very helpful with my requests for information and photographs, allowing me to come along and visit the building and take photographs. The Karate club has used the building for the last 30 years, but are facing a struggle to stay there. It would be a shame to see them having to move from the area, lets hope they can secure their stay at the drill hall.
Red Triangle Karate Website http://www.kugb.org/kugb-club-details.php?id=32
I have added a number of photographs below of the HQ buildings. They do clutter the page up a little, but I think they are worth seeing. So much of what was here so long ago still remains, it is history.
The building at the rear of the courtyard and below looking inside from a broken window.
Inside the main building. This was the Officers Mess, the old fireplace is still here.
Two taken through doorways in the Officers Mess, look at that stone floor.
A Storeroom.
Stairwells.
A small serving hatch
First floor room with the wall to ceiling windows. In a bit of a mess, but not past saving.
Doorways in the entrance tunnel, they were used to enter the main building.
Seaforth Barracks, Claremont Road, Seaforth.
From Ronnie Cusworth's Litherland and Ford Website.
Seaforth Barracks opened in 1882 and closed 1958, originally being constructed as a cavalry barracks with accomodation for officers; married men, barrack blocks for 128 other ranks and stabling for 80 horses.
The barracks also became a Royal Artillery Depot with the Royal Garrison Artillery and Royal Field Artillery of the regular army being based there, and also the headquarters of the Lancashire Artillery Militia; the militia being equivalent to the present day artillery wing of the Territorial Army.
Artillery men from the barracks manned Seaforth Battery sited at the present day Gladstone Dock. It formed part of the Mersey defences – No.1 Sub-Depot; Seaforth Barracks, Southern Division. The barracks later became a depot for the King’s Liverpool Regiment in the early 1900's.
Seaforth Barracks opened in 1882 and closed 1958, originally being constructed as a cavalry barracks with accomodation for officers; married men, barrack blocks for 128 other ranks and stabling for 80 horses.
The barracks also became a Royal Artillery Depot with the Royal Garrison Artillery and Royal Field Artillery of the regular army being based there, and also the headquarters of the Lancashire Artillery Militia; the militia being equivalent to the present day artillery wing of the Territorial Army.
Artillery men from the barracks manned Seaforth Battery sited at the present day Gladstone Dock. It formed part of the Mersey defences – No.1 Sub-Depot; Seaforth Barracks, Southern Division. The barracks later became a depot for the King’s Liverpool Regiment in the early 1900's.
Seaforth Barracks.
Parade taking place at seaforth Barracks 1914.
From Ronnie Cusworth's Litherland and Ford Website.
Seaforth Barracks was the main recruiting centre for men resident in the north-end suburbs of Liverpool — Bootle, Litherland, Seaforth and Waterloo - with many thousands of locally born and non-local men enlisting at the barracks in Claremont Road. My own Great Grandfather John Owens had first joined The East Lancashire Regiment in 1896, in 1914 he rejoined them at Seaforth Barracks. The 3rd and 4th Battalions of The King's Liverpool Regiment were based here at the start of WW1.
The official Army casualty figures for 'officers' and 'other ranks' published by HMSO in 1921 by authority of the War Office show there to have been 1330 deaths in the conflict of men that enlisted at Seaforth Barracks.
Seaforth Barracks closed in 1958.When they built the housing estate on the site of the old barracks, the builders built into the wall little concrete sentries on the exact location of the barracks entrance. The block of flats you can see are called 'Kings Court'. Thank you to John Forrest for the photos.
A recruitment poster asking men to join up at Seaforth Barracks and below a stamp mark from the barracks.
American servicemen at Seaforth Barracks in March 1944.
I would like to thank Ronnie Cusworth for his help with information and photographs of Seaforth Barracks. Ronnie's Litherland and Ford website can be viewed on this link.
http://www.litherland-digital.co.uk/album_9/album_9.html
http://www.litherland-digital.co.uk/album_9/album_9.html
His Seaforth Barracks page is at
http://www.litherland-digital.co.uk/album_9/pages/seaforth_recruiting_office_1917.html
http://www.litherland-digital.co.uk/album_9/pages/seaforth_recruiting_office_1917.html
7 Fraser Street, Liverpool. 10th ( Scottish ) King's Liverpool Battalion.
August 1914 : in Fraser St, Bootle. Part of South Lancashire Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
2 November 1914 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 9th Brigade, 3rd Division.
6 January 1916 : transferred to 166th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
2 November 1914 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 9th Brigade, 3rd Division.
6 January 1916 : transferred to 166th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
The battalion was formed n 30th April 1900 when due to the Boer War, it became clear there was a need for men to volunteer their service. It was raised from the higher educated and professional young Scotsmen of city of Liverpool and named the 8th (Scottish) Volunteer Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regiment). To join you paid an annual subscription of 10 shillings, and an entrance fee of £2. The first Commanding Officer was Colonel C. Forbes Bell. They set up at 22 Highgate Street, Edge Hill in Liverpool, then through subscription in 1904 they found a home for their HQ and drill hall at 7 Fraser Street, Liverpool.
In 1901 they were allowed to wear the Highland dress, choosing the Forbes tartan in honour of their commanding officer. 22 of the men served in South Africa ( Boer war ). By 1908 their title was changed to the 10th (Scottish) Battalion The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, Territorial Force.
In 1901 they were allowed to wear the Highland dress, choosing the Forbes tartan in honour of their commanding officer. 22 of the men served in South Africa ( Boer war ). By 1908 their title was changed to the 10th (Scottish) Battalion The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, Territorial Force.
A 1906 map showing the Drill Hall on Fraser Street. Thanks to Daz from My Liverpool for the map.
Two photos taken by Dave Sinclair showing the nightclub Heaven on Fraser Street. The club was formerly named Mr Pickwicks. This building was also the Drill Hall and HQ for the Battalion up to 1967.
The car park is the site of the Drill Hall. This photo is taken looking looking at Fraser Street. The photo below is taken from Fraser Street.
Fraser Street. The car park is the site of the Drill Hall. The pavement gaps are the original openings.
The photo above shows the HQ/Drill hall on Fraser street in 1906, below is a picture of the HQ and surrounding buildings from 1904. Both photographs are with courtesy and the copyright of the Liverpool Scottish Regimental Museum Trust. Thanks also go to Major Ian Riley ( retired ) Liverpool Scottish Regimental Museum Trust, for his help with photographs and information included on this webpage.
The Barracks was home to The 8th (Scottish) Volunteer Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 1904- 1908, The 10th (Scottish) Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regiment) TF 1908 - 1937, and The Liverpool Scottish, Queens Own Cameron Highlanders (TA) 1937- 1967.
The 8th (Scottish) Volunteer Battalion having actually been founded in 1900. Money was raised by private subscription including bazaars and social functions by members of the battalion, their friends and family and other members of the extensive Scottish community in Liverpool.
The 8th (Scottish) Volunteer Battalion having actually been founded in 1900. Money was raised by private subscription including bazaars and social functions by members of the battalion, their friends and family and other members of the extensive Scottish community in Liverpool.
The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Museum Trust website can be viewed by using the following link. http://www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk/
This photograph is dated April 1910 and says Liverpool ( territorials ) Scottish returning, so we can assume it was taken in Liverpool, maybe near to Fraser Street.
They became one of the first infantry TA battalions to join the British Expeditionary Force when the call came for them to enter war service in August 1914. In September 1914 they were training in Fife, Scotland, and y October the Liverpool Scottish were camped at Tunbridge Wells, Kent, before moving to Southampton where they boarded the SS Maidan and sailed for France on 1st November 1914, sharing the journey with the Queen's Westminster Rifles. They landed at Le Havre on 3rd November and were sent to Ypres, Belgium where on 27th November 1914 they entered the trenches for the first time, raising a few eyebrows with the regular soldiers they were serving alongside who would have been a little worried about their lack of battle experience. The men of the Liverpool Scottish who landed at Le Havre were known as The Maidaners after the ship they had sailed to France on.
The Liverpool Scottish arriving in Tunbridge Wells in 1914. Below they are on church parade in the town.
Two more of the Liverpool Scottish Marching and Parading in Tunbridge Wells 1914. Photographs courtesy of Chris McDonald. Young men before they went to war.
The Liverpool Scottish Band resting and marching in Tunbridge Wells.
Liverpool Scottish Signallers. These men are from the 2/10th ( Scottish ) King's Liverpool Regiment as the photo was taken in 1915. The 1st Battalion were by now fighting in France and Belgium. Photograph courtesy of Chris McDonald.
They remained in the Ypres area through the cold winter into 1915. By January 1915 there original number of 855 men had become 370 due to trench warfare and the severe winter. 32 men are listed as killed during this period with the rest falling victims to the harsh weather and trench foot.
The regular Army had adopted a four company system in 1913, TA battalions had eight companies. When the four company system was extended to the Liverpool Scottish, the battalion designated their companies V, X, Yand Z, as opposed to the more conventional A to D that the Liverpool Scottish decided was more confusing.
The Liverpool Scottish were ordered to attack trenches behind German lines at Bellewaarde Ridge, Hooge that overlooked British positions, Hooge lay 2 miles to the East of Ypres. On the morning of 16th June 1915 at 0415am, the first wave of troops moved forward and had soon secured the first-line trenches. The Liverpool Scottish and 1st Lincolnshire Regiment went over the top in the second wave, passing through first wave of attackers and reach the German second-line. The attack saw little counter fire from the German's, though V Company had come under machine-gun fire. When Z Company reached them they all charged as one onto the opposing lines, taking around forty prisoners in the process.
Now they were in the German's second-line the Liverpool Scottish discovered that these shallow trenches gave them little protection, the battle had become chaotic as British battalions lost their way and became mixed up with each other. The German's opened up a huge barrage onto the second line, killing many of the occupants' Those who remained of the Liverpool Scottish now went forward attacking the third-line trenches with men of the Royal Scots Fusiliers and Northumberland Fusiliers.
They reached the third line but came under intense fire and bombardment, yet still a number of the Liverpool Scottish went on beyond the line towards a position known as " Dead Man's Bottom " Sadly they were probably running towards their deaths. Those remaining in the third line fought on into the afternoon before the Northumberland Fusiliers were forced to retreat, still the Liverpool Scottish tried to hold the position, but it was hopeless and they were soon forced to retreat themselves back to the German front line. The German's continued to attack all through the night in an attempt to take back the trenches but the line held firm.
When they were relieved from their position their casualty total was 79 Killed, 212 Wounded and 109 Missing, from a starting number of 542. Of the 109 missing most were later reported as killed. The 1/10th Scottish King's Liverpool Battalion's medical officer lieutenant Noel Chavasse won his Military Medal during this action. Noel would be promoted to Captain in August 1915 and would be awarded two Victoria Crosses while serving with Battalion.
The regular Army had adopted a four company system in 1913, TA battalions had eight companies. When the four company system was extended to the Liverpool Scottish, the battalion designated their companies V, X, Yand Z, as opposed to the more conventional A to D that the Liverpool Scottish decided was more confusing.
The Liverpool Scottish were ordered to attack trenches behind German lines at Bellewaarde Ridge, Hooge that overlooked British positions, Hooge lay 2 miles to the East of Ypres. On the morning of 16th June 1915 at 0415am, the first wave of troops moved forward and had soon secured the first-line trenches. The Liverpool Scottish and 1st Lincolnshire Regiment went over the top in the second wave, passing through first wave of attackers and reach the German second-line. The attack saw little counter fire from the German's, though V Company had come under machine-gun fire. When Z Company reached them they all charged as one onto the opposing lines, taking around forty prisoners in the process.
Now they were in the German's second-line the Liverpool Scottish discovered that these shallow trenches gave them little protection, the battle had become chaotic as British battalions lost their way and became mixed up with each other. The German's opened up a huge barrage onto the second line, killing many of the occupants' Those who remained of the Liverpool Scottish now went forward attacking the third-line trenches with men of the Royal Scots Fusiliers and Northumberland Fusiliers.
They reached the third line but came under intense fire and bombardment, yet still a number of the Liverpool Scottish went on beyond the line towards a position known as " Dead Man's Bottom " Sadly they were probably running towards their deaths. Those remaining in the third line fought on into the afternoon before the Northumberland Fusiliers were forced to retreat, still the Liverpool Scottish tried to hold the position, but it was hopeless and they were soon forced to retreat themselves back to the German front line. The German's continued to attack all through the night in an attempt to take back the trenches but the line held firm.
When they were relieved from their position their casualty total was 79 Killed, 212 Wounded and 109 Missing, from a starting number of 542. Of the 109 missing most were later reported as killed. The 1/10th Scottish King's Liverpool Battalion's medical officer lieutenant Noel Chavasse won his Military Medal during this action. Noel would be promoted to Captain in August 1915 and would be awarded two Victoria Crosses while serving with Battalion.
The Hooge Crater. Now a pretty scenic place but in 1915 it saw total devastation. Tunneling Companies had dug under the German trenches and laid a huge mine, when they detonated it hundreds of German soldiers died in an instant. The Germans hit back here by introducing the Flamethrower into the war. This pond is a result of the detonation.
This incredible photograph was taken by Private Frederick Fyfe of the Liverpool Scottish. Photography was banned by the military, but Frederick ( who worked as a press photographer ) had hidden a tiny camera on his person. The picture shows the scene as the Liverpool Scottish attacked Bellewaarde on 16th June 1915, during the Battle of Hooge. Frederick Fyfe was himself lying injured when he took the photograph. It shows the men of the Liverpool Scottish going forward as a shell explodes in Railway Wood. The flag seen is to alert the Artillery of their position so the barrage can be moved forward. Other wounded men are lying on the ground.
The Liverpool Scottish had moved to the Somme, France by the middle of July 1916 were they relieved the 18th King's Liverpool's at Montauban on the last day of the month.
For the next six days they remained here performing duties in the areas of Bernafay and Trônes Woods, always under constant German artillery fire. The Liverpool Scottish received orders to advance to Mansel Copse for the assault on Guillemont. On 8th August they remained in reserve during the attack that saw the Liverpool Irish try to take Guillemont, before being surrounded and losing many men with many more being taken prisoner.
The Liverpool Scottish were ordered to advance on the 9th with the 1/5th Loyals on its left, and to break through the German frontline, then establish a position on Guillemont's boundary. With no guides to move them to the front the Battalion found their starting position at 4.am, only 20 minutes before the push was to begin, the Loyals were not there and would not be for over another hour, then the final orders arrived late meaning the Colonel had only minutes to brief his commanders.
For the next six days they remained here performing duties in the areas of Bernafay and Trônes Woods, always under constant German artillery fire. The Liverpool Scottish received orders to advance to Mansel Copse for the assault on Guillemont. On 8th August they remained in reserve during the attack that saw the Liverpool Irish try to take Guillemont, before being surrounded and losing many men with many more being taken prisoner.
The Liverpool Scottish were ordered to advance on the 9th with the 1/5th Loyals on its left, and to break through the German frontline, then establish a position on Guillemont's boundary. With no guides to move them to the front the Battalion found their starting position at 4.am, only 20 minutes before the push was to begin, the Loyals were not there and would not be for over another hour, then the final orders arrived late meaning the Colonel had only minutes to brief his commanders.
At 4.20am Liverpool Scottish went over the top into a hell fire, progress was impossible as the German's hit them from every angle. With the intense fire upon them they then found the German barbed wire uncut, they were now stuck in no mans land, even so a number of the men managed to get through to the German front lines, but they could do nothing there. regrouping they tried two more times to attack, but were beaten back on both occasions. Around 600 Liverpool Scottish men had begun the attack, by the end of the day 74 had been killed, 174 wounded, and 32 reported missing, most of the missing were later confirmed as killed. Captain Noel Chavasse won his first Victoria Cross during this action.
The 1/10th Scottish King's Liverpool Battalion were then engaged as a supporting role during the battles of Ginchy and Morval. They constructed and improved trenches near Delville Wood, and had the task of collecting and burying the dead. In October 1916 they returned to Ypres where although quieter due to action at The Somme, it remained a dangerous place with the battalion losing a number of men due to sniping and shelling.
In July 1917 while still on the Ypres Salient, the Liverpool Scottish were readied for action and took up positions at Wieltje. On 31st July they ( first day of Passchendaele ) they attacked the German lines, again facing heavy counter fire and losing many men. They managed to capture a number of German trenches and remained holding them until being relieved on the 3rd August. The following day Captain Noel Chavasse died of the wounds he had received while tending to the injured during the battle, he was awarded his second Victoria Cross for his actions here. Noel was the only serviceman to receive two Victoria Cross medals for bravery during the Great War, and is only one of three men ever to be awarded the VC twice. What makes it even more amazing is that he was a medic and not a combat soldier.
By September 1917 the Liverpool Scottish had moved back to France were they took part in the battle of Cambrai. As the German's tried for final victory, the Liverpool Scottish returned to Ypres where they suffered casualties from phosgene gas attacks. They then attack at Givenchy, France during the battle of Estaires, where there losses depleted the Battalion so much that they had to bring the 2/10th Scottish King's Liverpool Battalion ( arrived in France February 1917 )into their ranks to make up the numbers.
From August 1918 the allies began to push the German Army back in retreat, with the Liverpool Scottish helping push the German's back at La Bassée Canal, Gorre in France, in October. The final few weeks of WW1 gave the Battalion let up as helped secure villages, before they crossed the river Scheldt on 9th November. The Liverpool Scottish took up a position at Villers-Notre-Dame, Belgium on the 11th, where they had been made ready for an assault on German positions that were obstructing the passage into the town of Ath, but the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers attacked and seized one of the bridges before it could be demolished. They then heard that the Armistace had been signed.
From August 1918 the allies began to push the German Army back in retreat, with the Liverpool Scottish helping push the German's back at La Bassée Canal, Gorre in France, in October. The final few weeks of WW1 gave the Battalion let up as helped secure villages, before they crossed the river Scheldt on 9th November. The Liverpool Scottish took up a position at Villers-Notre-Dame, Belgium on the 11th, where they had been made ready for an assault on German positions that were obstructing the passage into the town of Ath, but the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers attacked and seized one of the bridges before it could be demolished. They then heard that the Armistace had been signed.
The men of The Liverpool Scottish taken at Liverpool Stadium, soon they would see the horrors of war. You have to wonder as you look at these men staring back at you, just how many of them were to die fighting. I find this picture very moving. Photograph courtesy of Chris McDonald.
The Liverpool Scottish on parade at unknown camp, probably 1914. Photograph courtesy of Chris McDonald.
The Liverpool Scottish undergo kit inspection at Kirkaldy, Fife in Scotland, September 1914.
1920 saw the Territorial Army reformed. The Liverpool Scottish formed a friendship with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders and in 1937 they transfered to them, thus becoming regiment's second territorial battalion. Number designation not included, but the battalion's identity was preserved and they remained at their headquarters in Fraser Street, Liverpool. In 1938, King George VI presented the battalion with new colours at Everton Football Club's Goodison Park football stadium.
Liverpool Scottish Soldier. Photograph courtesy of Chris McDonald.
With the threat of WW2, The Liverpool Scottish were allowed to form a second battalion and they were mobilised for war service, although they were informed they would remain in Britain. Some of the men serving with the battalion did manage to serve overseas as drafts were provided to a number of regiments, mainly the Cameron Highlanders. They also provide men for the ' Independent Companies ' these would later become the Army Commandos.
Number 4 Independent Company contained men of the Liverpool Scottish, King's Liverpool and South Lancashires. The company sailed aboard the ship Ulster Prince for Norway, arriving in early May 1941 and relieving a French force and taking uppositions near Mosjoen. They had to be evacuated by a Norwegian steamer on 11th May and transported to Sandnessjøen then Bodø after German troops had landed and left them cut off. By 24th May the allies had formed a defence in the town of Pothus with the aim of protecting Bodø against a German advance. They were informed however that the British Government had decided it was safer to evacuate the north of Norway. Number 4 company was withdrawn on 29 May aboard two destroyers.
On their return to Britain they became number 1 and 2 Commando. Then on 28th March 1942 Number 2 Commando ( including Liverpool Scottish men ) took part in the St Nazaire raid, aimed at crippling the heavily defended German held French port and dry dock, thus forcing damaged German ships to return to home waters for repair. The Royal Navy and the Commandos undertook the operation, changing the appearance of the aged destroyer ' Campbeltown ' to make her look like a German destroyer. She had been packed with delayed-action explosives and was rammed into the dock gates, her explosion put the dock out of use for the remainder of the war and for many years after. The Commandos meanwhile has arrived in small vessels and attacked the German machinery and defences, the German's responded with heavey return fire that sank all the small vessels. The Commandos had no way out and had to fight a path through the town in an attempt to escape inland, however they became surrounded and had to surrender. 228 men returned home, 169 were killed and 215 taken prisoner. 89 awards were given to men of the raiding party including 5 Victoria Crosses. The operation has since become known as ' The Greatest Raid of All '.
Number 4 Independent Company contained men of the Liverpool Scottish, King's Liverpool and South Lancashires. The company sailed aboard the ship Ulster Prince for Norway, arriving in early May 1941 and relieving a French force and taking uppositions near Mosjoen. They had to be evacuated by a Norwegian steamer on 11th May and transported to Sandnessjøen then Bodø after German troops had landed and left them cut off. By 24th May the allies had formed a defence in the town of Pothus with the aim of protecting Bodø against a German advance. They were informed however that the British Government had decided it was safer to evacuate the north of Norway. Number 4 company was withdrawn on 29 May aboard two destroyers.
On their return to Britain they became number 1 and 2 Commando. Then on 28th March 1942 Number 2 Commando ( including Liverpool Scottish men ) took part in the St Nazaire raid, aimed at crippling the heavily defended German held French port and dry dock, thus forcing damaged German ships to return to home waters for repair. The Royal Navy and the Commandos undertook the operation, changing the appearance of the aged destroyer ' Campbeltown ' to make her look like a German destroyer. She had been packed with delayed-action explosives and was rammed into the dock gates, her explosion put the dock out of use for the remainder of the war and for many years after. The Commandos meanwhile has arrived in small vessels and attacked the German machinery and defences, the German's responded with heavey return fire that sank all the small vessels. The Commandos had no way out and had to fight a path through the town in an attempt to escape inland, however they became surrounded and had to surrender. 228 men returned home, 169 were killed and 215 taken prisoner. 89 awards were given to men of the raiding party including 5 Victoria Crosses. The operation has since become known as ' The Greatest Raid of All '.
The Liverpool Scottish remained at Fraser street, Liverpool after WW2 until 1967 when HQ moved to Forbes House, Rocky Lane in Childwall, Liverpool. The 1960's saw huge ammendments with the Territorial Army, with most battalions reduced in strength or disbanded altogether, though the Liverpool Scottish stopped their disbandment by reconstituting into two separate infantry and artillery units: "V" Company, 51st Highland Volunteers, and "G" Troop of "R" (King's) Company, The West Lancashire Regiment, RA. Both maintained their headquarters at Forbes House in Childwall, Liverpool. "R" Battery in was disbanded in1969. The Liverpool Scottish company remained an component of the 51st Highland until 1992.
For a short period at the end of the 1970's I was a member of the Liverpool Scottish Cadets at Forbes House in Childwall. Although my association with the Liverpool Scottish is the smallest it could be I am still proud of it.
For a short period at the end of the 1970's I was a member of the Liverpool Scottish Cadets at Forbes House in Childwall. Although my association with the Liverpool Scottish is the smallest it could be I am still proud of it.
The site of the HQ at Forbes House in Childwall, Liverpool. Replaced by this block of flats that are also called Forbes House.
The Liverpool Scottish moved from Fraser Street in 1967 , the stone from above the entrance of that building was saved and stored away. In 1978 it put on show outside the new HQ at to Forbes House in Childwall, where it remained until the buildings closure in 1999. Due to friendship links the stone Belgian town of Ieper (Ypres) where in 2000 the stone was erected as a memorial on the crest of the Bellewaarde Ridge, to remember the Liverpool Scottish who fought in the battle of Hooge in June 1915. I saw the stone many times outside Forbes House, and I am very pleased it has become a permanent memorial. Photographs Courtesy of Chris McDonald.
In 1923 a war memorial was erected at the Fraser Street Hq in memory of the Liverpool Scottish men who died during WW1. It was moved to Forbes House in Childwall in 1967 and now it's home is inside St George's Hall. The photo above shows a door panal from the memorial with a soldier with arms reversed in a state of mourning for his comrades. The photo below is of the Liverpool Scottish memorial in St John's Gardens, Liverpool.
Forbes house in Childwall was home to the regimental museum of the Liverpool Scottish, when it closed the collection was moved to Botanic Road, Liverpool. In 2008 it was forced to move again, its future has remained uncertain. The museum web page will explain the current position and gives contact details. A online virtual museum is being created.
Museum Link http://www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk/~liverpo4/
Memorial Plaque to The Liverpool Scottish inside St George's Church in Ypres, Belgium. The church was built as a lasting memorial to the British and Commonwealth troops who gave their lives in the Great War.
Princes Park Barracks, Upper Warwick Street, Liverpool. 1/6th King's Liverpool ( Rifles ) Regiment.
August 1914 : in Princes Park Barracks, Liverpool. Part of Liverpool Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
25 February 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 15th Brigade, 5th Division.
18 November 1915 : left Brigade and attached as Army Troops to Third Army.
26 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
25 February 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 15th Brigade, 5th Division.
18 November 1915 : left Brigade and attached as Army Troops to Third Army.
26 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
Crawford House, built on the site of Princess Park Barracks, a TA Centre for a number of years. This building was demolished around 2003.
As it looks in 2012. This new building is also called Crawford House.
1905 map showing the Drill Hall.
Formed in 1859 as the 5th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps, the named 5th Lancashire (The Liverpool Rifle Volunteer Brigade) Rifle Volunteer Corps in 1862. In 1881 they were allocated to the King's Liverpool Regiment as The 2nd Volunteer Battalion, before the changes to the Territorial forces in 1908 seen them become The King's Liverpool 6th (Rifle) Battalion. At the start of WW1 the battalion was moved to Canterbury, Kent, before sailing for France in February 1915, from here they moved on to the Ypres area of Belgium.
At 9.30 am on the morning of 5th May 1915 they were ordered to move to 15th Brigade Headquarters, setting off on the march at 10.15 am. On arrival ' A ' Company were sent to OC Cheshires in Railway Cutting. B Company proceeded to positions in trenches astride the railway near Gangers Hut, while C Company were ordered direct to move to Zillebeke Village for an attack on enemy trenches. Battalion HQ and D company had moved Etang de Zillebeke and had taken cover in the Burrow Pit.
By 4pm nothing had been heard from C company who had attacked so patrols from D company were sent out to find them, they discovered almost 30 men of C company dead and over 70 wounded. They has attacked Hill 60 alongside the 1st Cheshire Regiment.
At 9.30 am on the morning of 5th May 1915 they were ordered to move to 15th Brigade Headquarters, setting off on the march at 10.15 am. On arrival ' A ' Company were sent to OC Cheshires in Railway Cutting. B Company proceeded to positions in trenches astride the railway near Gangers Hut, while C Company were ordered direct to move to Zillebeke Village for an attack on enemy trenches. Battalion HQ and D company had moved Etang de Zillebeke and had taken cover in the Burrow Pit.
By 4pm nothing had been heard from C company who had attacked so patrols from D company were sent out to find them, they discovered almost 30 men of C company dead and over 70 wounded. They has attacked Hill 60 alongside the 1st Cheshire Regiment.
A wallet sent to a soldier of the 6th King's Liverpool Rifles at Christmas 1915, from friends or family back home.
The 1/6th King's Liverpool Rifles fought during the Battle of The Somme. They arrived in Gezuaincourt from Halloy on 24th July 1916, moved to Mericourt on the 25th, Bois des Tailles on the 28th, and to Caftet Wood on 1st August, from where they sent out working parties to Trones Wood and La Briqueterie. They entered support lines in the Dublin and Casement Trenches on 5th August, then entered trenches in front of Maltz Horn Farm 7th where C Company dug new trench in advance of front line.
On 8th August they went into action at Guillemont where they attacked the German trench known as Cochrane Alley, clearing and taking the trench, before holding it until the night of the 11th/12th when the 1/9th King's Liverpool relieved them, they then moved to Talus Boise. The following morning at 4.30 am saw C Company attacking enemy lines. Over the top they went and made it to within 10 yards of German front line when machine gun fire forced them to retreat. After resting they marched the next day ( 14th ) to Ville-sur-Ancre.
They left Mericourt for Martainneville on 19th August, then marched to Oisemont. Moved to Pont-Remy then to Mericourt on 30th August before marching to bivouacs near Dernancourt. They relieved 12th Royal Fusiliers from trenches between High Wood and Delville Wood on 4th September, then on 6th September they went into attack. Their bombers attacked down the Worcester Trench, while C Company attacked a strongly held enemy position at 7 p.m, the fierce fighting continued into the early hours with some ground gained. The following morning they were relieved and moved out to reserve at Montauban Alley. The 1/6ths were back in the front line by 9th September from where they made a successful attack on Wood Lane trenches at 4.pm. They then moved the next day to bivouacs near Becordel-Becourt for one day before marching to Buire, 16th September saw them at Dernancourt. They were on the go all the time up to 24th September when they moved in the front lines in front of Flers. At 12.35 pm the 1/6th's went over the top to attack alongside the 1/5th, 1/7th and 1/9th King's Liverpool during an attack on Gird Lines, capturing all of their objectives. Their War Diary records the attack as "completely successful - enemy resistance easily dealt with - gains consolidated by nightfall. " Even though over 150 men were casualties.
On 8th August they went into action at Guillemont where they attacked the German trench known as Cochrane Alley, clearing and taking the trench, before holding it until the night of the 11th/12th when the 1/9th King's Liverpool relieved them, they then moved to Talus Boise. The following morning at 4.30 am saw C Company attacking enemy lines. Over the top they went and made it to within 10 yards of German front line when machine gun fire forced them to retreat. After resting they marched the next day ( 14th ) to Ville-sur-Ancre.
They left Mericourt for Martainneville on 19th August, then marched to Oisemont. Moved to Pont-Remy then to Mericourt on 30th August before marching to bivouacs near Dernancourt. They relieved 12th Royal Fusiliers from trenches between High Wood and Delville Wood on 4th September, then on 6th September they went into attack. Their bombers attacked down the Worcester Trench, while C Company attacked a strongly held enemy position at 7 p.m, the fierce fighting continued into the early hours with some ground gained. The following morning they were relieved and moved out to reserve at Montauban Alley. The 1/6ths were back in the front line by 9th September from where they made a successful attack on Wood Lane trenches at 4.pm. They then moved the next day to bivouacs near Becordel-Becourt for one day before marching to Buire, 16th September saw them at Dernancourt. They were on the go all the time up to 24th September when they moved in the front lines in front of Flers. At 12.35 pm the 1/6th's went over the top to attack alongside the 1/5th, 1/7th and 1/9th King's Liverpool during an attack on Gird Lines, capturing all of their objectives. Their War Diary records the attack as "completely successful - enemy resistance easily dealt with - gains consolidated by nightfall. " Even though over 150 men were casualties.
1909 Cigarette card showing a soldier of the 6th Rifles in front of St George's Hall.
On 30th June 1917 the 1/6th's were in trenches at Potijze East of Ypres, the area was being heavily shelled by the enemy and the battalion suffered 1 man killed and 6 wounded. Patrols were sent out during the evening to see what was going on with the enemy.
At 1.15 am the following morning ( Sunday 1st July ) the 1/6th's sent out a raiding party towards the German frontline, they had the misfortune to bump into two German patrols out in No Mans Land and fighting broke out before the King's men were driven back with a number of their men wounded.
At 3.50 am on the morning of 31st July 1917 the 1/6th King's climbed out of their trenches in the Passchendaele sector to attack the enemy defences. Once again they fought alongside other King's Liverpool men, with the 1/5th, 1/7th and 1/9th Battalions joining them, the 1/10th Liverpool Scottish were also nearby. They fought in 1917 at The Battle of Pilkem Ridge and The Battle of Menin Road Ridge during The third Battle of Ypres, and also at Cambrai.
On 30th June 1917 the 1/6th's were in trenches at Potijze East of Ypres, the area was being heavily shelled by the enemy and the battalion suffered 1 man killed and 6 wounded. Patrols were sent out during the evening to see what was going on with the enemy.
At 1.15 am the following morning ( Sunday 1st July ) the 1/6th's sent out a raiding party towards the German frontline, they had the misfortune to bump into two German patrols out in No Mans Land and fighting broke out before the King's men were driven back with a number of their men wounded.
At 3.50 am on the morning of 31st July 1917 the 1/6th King's climbed out of their trenches in the Passchendaele sector to attack the enemy defences. Once again they fought alongside other King's Liverpool men, with the 1/5th, 1/7th and 1/9th Battalions joining them, the 1/10th Liverpool Scottish were also nearby. They fought in 1917 at The Battle of Pilkem Ridge and The Battle of Menin Road Ridge during The third Battle of Ypres, and also at Cambrai.
Early in 1918 they were at Givenchy in France, fighting in The Battle of Estaires and The Battle of Hazebrouck during The Battle of Lys. They were present at the captures of the Givenchy craters and the Canteleux trenchas the defence of Givenchy went on. They then took part in The pursuit to Mons as the war neared its end.
In 1936, after Territorial Army changes, they became known as The 38th (The King's Regiment) Anti-Aircraft Battalion, serving with the Royal Engineers. In 1940 they transfered as a Searchlight Regiment to the Royal Artillery. They served at home in Liverpool and also in Derby during the 1940 Blitz.
In 1945 they again underwent a name change and became The 635th (The King's Regiment) Regiment ( Infantry ) When Germany surrendered the 635th were sent to Norway. 1947 saw them based in Liverpool with yet another new name, they were now called The 573rd (Mixed) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment (The King's Regiment) In 1955 the Anti-Aircraft Regiment was disbanded and they found themselves reduced in size.
1967 saw them as part of P Battery with The West Lancashire Regiment.
Today they are B Troop, 208 (3rd West Lancs) Battery, 103 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Aigburth Road in Liverpool. A troop are the Descendents of the 1/8th ( Irish ) King's Liverpool.
Memorial Plaque to The 6th Liverpool Rifles inside St George's Church in Ypres, Belgium. The church was built as a lasting memorial to the British and Commonwealth troops who gave their lives in the Great War.
75 Shaw Street, Liverpool, 1/8th ( Irish ) King's Liverpool Regiment.
August 1914 : in Shaw St, Liverpool. Part of Liverpool Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
February 1915 : transferred to North Lancashire Brigade.
18 April 1915 : transferred with Brigade to Highland Division; brigade retitled as 3rd Highland Brigade.
3 May 1915 : landed at Boulogne.
12 May 1915 : new titles adopted: 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division.
17 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
31 January 1918 : transferred to 171st Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division.
February 1915 : transferred to North Lancashire Brigade.
18 April 1915 : transferred with Brigade to Highland Division; brigade retitled as 3rd Highland Brigade.
3 May 1915 : landed at Boulogne.
12 May 1915 : new titles adopted: 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division.
17 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
31 January 1918 : transferred to 171st Brigade, 57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division.
Liverpool's large Irish community first formed a volunteer battalion due to tension with France. The roots of the regiment go back to an advert in the Liverpool Echo in December 1859 calling for Irishmen to rally for the defence of Britain. By 1864 they had been designated into the 64th Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps, one of a number of volunteer corps that was raised due to heightened tension with the French. Strongly proud, their Irish heritage became part of their traditions and uniform, once wearing a uniform very similar to the Royal Irish Rifles. The Liverpool Irish eventually wore the caubeen headdress with red and blue hackle, they added pipers and included the saffron kilt and shawl. While the battalion was strongly proud its Irish identity, some people associated Irish status with indiscipline and disobedience, which is what the Liverpool Irish were to gain a reputation for.
Some people fearing volunteers from Irish descent, had insisted they had joined the 64th only with the intent of "learning and perfecting themselves in the use of arms", claiming that their new skills could then be used for their opposition against home rule. A number of nationalist organisations based in Liverpool had discouraged prospective volunteers and condemned those who joined the corps.
The Liverpool Irish became the 5th (Irish) Volunteer Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment. They sent 224 volunteers for service in South Africa ( second Boer War ) having fought at Belfast, Bethlehem, Klip Flat Drift, Lydenburg, Sand River Draft, and Slabbert's Nek, they returned to Liverpool in November 1900 and marched to St George's Hall were they were greeted by the Lord Mayor and their relatives.
In 1908 their Volunteer Force status was changed to Territorial Force, and they were renumbered the 8th King's Liverpool Regiment. Before 1908 they had maintained a Bicycle and Mounted Infantry company. In 1910 the numbers based in the HQ at 75 Shaw Street, Liverpool numbered 942 and the commanding officer was listed as Colonel J.A Cooney.
The grassed waste ground is where the HQ stood at 75 Shaw Street. The Building with the Scaffold is number 71.
The ground where the HQ stood
At the start of WW1 the battalion was mobilised and sent to Canterbury, Kent. After training they sailed to France, arriving in Boulogne on 3rd May 1915, within weeks they were to face their baptism of fire. On 15th June 1915 they were in the Givenchy region when they were sent in to support the French at Artois. The 8th King's were ordered to attack on the afternoon of the 16th, three other battalions had attacked the previous day and had suffered heavy casualties, the King's now the only battalion at full strength were to renew the attack. The Artillery bombarder the German lines, and at 4.45pm on the 16th June Major Johnson led the 8th King's Irish out of the trenches. C company went first and stood little chance as the machine guns opened, most of their men fell in no mans land. A, B, and D companies followed and faced the same intense fire, although a number of men made it through to the German lines they were unable to hold the positions and a retreat was ordered. By midnight the battalion was back behind their lines and was sent for rest at Le touret, their first action had cost them dearly with a total of 232 casualties.
Raiding party of the 1/8th (Irish) King's Liverpool Regiment. Photo taking on the morning after a raid on the night of 17th-18th April 1916 at Wailly, France. Photograph copyright of The Imperial War Museum.
On the night of 17th April 1916 the specially trained men of the Liverpool Irish were chosen for the first major attack on German trenches at Ransart, France. Raiders and wire cutters entered the German trenches grenaded three dug outs and destroyed an munitions store. The only casualty during the raid was Second-Lieutenant Felix Baxter who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions that night. His citation reads.
" For most conspicuous bravery. Prior to a raid on the hostile line he was engaged .luring two nights in cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. The enemy could be heard on the other side of the parapet. Second Lieut Baxter, while assisting in the wire-cutting, held a bomb in his hand with the pin withdrawn ready to throw. On one occasion the bomb slipped and fell to the ground, but he instantly picked it up, unscrewed the base plug, and took out the detonator, which he smothered in the ground, thereby preventing the alarm being given, and undoubtedly saving many casualties. Later, he led the left storming party with the greatest gallantry, and was the first man into the trench, shooting the sentry with his revolver. He then assisted to bomb dug-outs, and finally climbed out of the trench and assisted the last man over the parapet. After this he was not seen again, though search parties went out at once to look for him. There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty."
" For most conspicuous bravery. Prior to a raid on the hostile line he was engaged .luring two nights in cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. The enemy could be heard on the other side of the parapet. Second Lieut Baxter, while assisting in the wire-cutting, held a bomb in his hand with the pin withdrawn ready to throw. On one occasion the bomb slipped and fell to the ground, but he instantly picked it up, unscrewed the base plug, and took out the detonator, which he smothered in the ground, thereby preventing the alarm being given, and undoubtedly saving many casualties. Later, he led the left storming party with the greatest gallantry, and was the first man into the trench, shooting the sentry with his revolver. He then assisted to bomb dug-outs, and finally climbed out of the trench and assisted the last man over the parapet. After this he was not seen again, though search parties went out at once to look for him. There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty."
In late July 1916 The Liverpool Irish were sent to The Somme region were they occupied positions near Guillemont, suffering a few casualties in the first days of August while relieving a battalion at Trones Wood. Then on 8th August 1916 they were ordered to attack at Guillimont alongside the 1/4th Loyal North Lancashires. The Lancashires were stopped by dense barbed wire but the Liverpool Irish made rapid progress, so fast were they that they failed to clear the first line trenches of German soldiers. They advanced into Guillemont, but here their problems started. The Lancashires were now far behind them and as they tried to reach them to support they faced the Germans who remained in the front line trenches, they were unable to break through and were pushed back, the Liverpool Irish were now isolated and surrounded by the German Army.
Counter attacks were made to reach the Liverpool Irish but they failed to get through, The Liverpool's fought on for 36 hours in an impossible situation before they were captured. The casualty figures given were 5 Officers and 10 Other ranks killed, 8 Officers and 47 Other ranks wounded and 502 missing. The following day The German's marched the Liverpool Irish prisoners up the slope towards Ginchy in full view of their comrades on the other side of the valley who were powerless to help them. Records show 118 deaths for Liverpool Irish Soldiers ( no officer total ) so of the 502 missing a number were captured.
Counter attacks were made to reach the Liverpool Irish but they failed to get through, The Liverpool's fought on for 36 hours in an impossible situation before they were captured. The casualty figures given were 5 Officers and 10 Other ranks killed, 8 Officers and 47 Other ranks wounded and 502 missing. The following day The German's marched the Liverpool Irish prisoners up the slope towards Ginchy in full view of their comrades on the other side of the valley who were powerless to help them. Records show 118 deaths for Liverpool Irish Soldiers ( no officer total ) so of the 502 missing a number were captured.
The 8th Irish King's Liverpool moved to Ypres, Belgium in October 1916 and their skills as raiding parties was again brought into use. At the end of July 1917 they were near Wieltje when orders came for them to prepare for action, Passchendaele was looming.
The Liverpool Irish climbed out of their trenches near St Julien at 8.30 on the morning of the 31st July 1917, they were to act in support of the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers. The German's had littered the battleground with concrete emplacements and fortified positions that became a constant threat as they sent their heavy fire they towards the advancing men, but still the Liverpool Irish managed to get through and push on another 4 miles before heavy casualties forced them to retire.
The following morning ( 1st August 1917 ) saw the survivors number 2 officers and 160 Other Ranks, among the dead was the battalion's field commander Major Harry Leech, who was killed along with six officers and 27 other ranks, 200 had been wounded and 88 were believed missing.
The Liverpool Irish climbed out of their trenches near St Julien at 8.30 on the morning of the 31st July 1917, they were to act in support of the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers. The German's had littered the battleground with concrete emplacements and fortified positions that became a constant threat as they sent their heavy fire they towards the advancing men, but still the Liverpool Irish managed to get through and push on another 4 miles before heavy casualties forced them to retire.
The following morning ( 1st August 1917 ) saw the survivors number 2 officers and 160 Other Ranks, among the dead was the battalion's field commander Major Harry Leech, who was killed along with six officers and 27 other ranks, 200 had been wounded and 88 were believed missing.
By the start of 1918, due to so many losses, the 8th Liverpool Irish were dispersed alongside the 1/5th, 1/6th and 1/7th King's Liverpool battalions as part of the 57th Division. They were in trenches near Gommecourt and Foncquevillers in France between April and July 1918, taking part in a number of missions to weaken the German Army. On 1st September 1918 The Liverpool Irish positioned near Arras, France, went over the top with the object of supporting the 2/6th King's in capturing the village of Riencourt, they took it with little resistance, taking 650 prisoners in the process. They pushed on as the German's retreated and in late September and October they breached the Hindenburg Line. They played a small part in the capture of Cambrai, before being moved north to the Béthune district on 13 October. The final weeks of the 57th Division's war involved sustained advances and sporadic fighting, leading to the liberation of Lille. Lille was first entered by elements of 2/7th King's on 17 October and Cameras recorded rapturous crowds greeting the Liverpool Irish and other battalions for a newsreel entitled The Deliverance of Lille by Haig's Men.
The Liverpool Irish conducted their final offensive action in the vanguard of its brigade, arriving at Flers unopposed and continuing to lead the advance until the 21st. Minor engagements had occurred near the villages of Honnevain, Mont Garni, and Froyennes. Nine days later, on the 30th, the Liverpool Irish withdrew to billets in Hellemmes, east of Lille, and remained there until the end of the war. On 11th November 1918 the entry in their war diary simply read "Armistice signed". Over 900 volunteers of the Liverpool Irish died as a result of WW1.
During the war two men from the regiment were executed Private Joseph Brennan 4567 from Kirkdale, Liverpool and Private Bernard McGeehan 2974 from Derry, Ireland.
For Private Joseph Brennan and Private Bernard McGreehan, Rest in peace lads, never forgotten.
The Liverpool Irish conducted their final offensive action in the vanguard of its brigade, arriving at Flers unopposed and continuing to lead the advance until the 21st. Minor engagements had occurred near the villages of Honnevain, Mont Garni, and Froyennes. Nine days later, on the 30th, the Liverpool Irish withdrew to billets in Hellemmes, east of Lille, and remained there until the end of the war. On 11th November 1918 the entry in their war diary simply read "Armistice signed". Over 900 volunteers of the Liverpool Irish died as a result of WW1.
During the war two men from the regiment were executed Private Joseph Brennan 4567 from Kirkdale, Liverpool and Private Bernard McGeehan 2974 from Derry, Ireland.
For Private Joseph Brennan and Private Bernard McGreehan, Rest in peace lads, never forgotten.
Taken from the photo below. The Liverpool Irish HQ at 75 Shaw Street can be seen in front of the 3 large tower blocks ( The Piggeries ) Note the archway leading into the building, similar to the 1/9th King's HQ on Everton Road.
Seen from the air. The HQ in front of the Piggeries on William Henry Street, Across Shaw Street is Whitley Gardens where you can make out the memorial to the 8th King's Foot Regiment. Behind it is the radcliffe estate that has now gone along with the piggeries and the block housing the King's HQ. The rear of the Collegiate school can be seen bottom left. I am informed that the HQ became a corporation yard, you used to walk up William Henry street from the housing office that was there and turn immediate left for the corporation yard to lodge the papers to get your repairs done. The photo below is from the other direction, you can just see the corner of the HQ behind the tower blocks.
By 1922 the HQ at 75 Shaw street was occupied by 106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery, 423rd (Lancashire Hussars Yeomanry) & 424th (Lancashire Hussars Yeomanry) (Howitzer) Field Batteries, Royal Artillery) In 1938 they became part of The Royal Horse Artillery and in WW2 they served in Palestine and Egypt.
The above photo shows men of The 106th Lancashire Hussars (Yeomanry) Regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery, TA, who were based at Shaw Street at the start of WW2, they were known as The 106th of Shaw Street. On 5th September 1939, over 650 of their men marched from Shaw Street to Edge Hill railway station, their war was starting.
They first went to Palestine, then fought in the Libyan desert, before moving in to Greece and on to Crete. On 1st June 1941 The German's invaded Crete, with their Paratroopers making a huge aerial landing. The allies had little chance and the 106th of Shaw Street were forced into surrender, spending the remainder of the war in a POW camp on the island.
They first went to Palestine, then fought in the Libyan desert, before moving in to Greece and on to Crete. On 1st June 1941 The German's invaded Crete, with their Paratroopers making a huge aerial landing. The allies had little chance and the 106th of Shaw Street were forced into surrender, spending the remainder of the war in a POW camp on the island.
The 8th ( Irish King's Liverpool Battalion was disembodied on 14 June 1919 and disbanded on 31 March 1922. In March 1939, with war looming, they reformed with their HQ at The Embassy Rooms, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool ( The Irish Centre ) Recruitment began in May 1939. After training the battalion was given duties across Britain, first in Morecambe and Yorkshire. As the Allied plans to invade occupied France developed in 1943, the Liverpool Irish was chosen to form the nucleus of the 7th Beach Group. The group's objectives during an invasion of France were to maintain organisation, secure positions, and provide defence against counter-attack. The Liverpool Irish undertook specialist training in Ayrshire as they prepared for D-Day.
The Irish Centre, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool. HQ was formed here in the Embassy Rooms in 1939. Thanks to Ged Fagan for the photo.
On 30th May 1944 the Liverpool Irish moved to Southampton and boarded troopships and landing ship tanks in early June. A number of the Liverpool Irish embarked aboard the Ulster Monarch, she was formerly a passenger ship who worked the Belfast-Liverpool line route. After a delay of 24-hours, the invasion fleet sailed for Normandy on 5th June.
Two companies of The Liverpool Irish attacked Juno beach, under intense machine-gun and mortar fire they led the entire Canadian Corps. "A" Company proceeded well and a command-post was established after reaching the sand dunes. "B" Company landed but the reconnaissance party and the DD tanks were late in supporting them, this left them exposed to the to heavy machine-gun fire. The commanding officer Major O'Brien, was wounded during this time. While under fire, the beach group collected the wounded and dead, located and marked minefields, attempted to maintain organisation, and directed vehicles and troops inland. Their bravery in charging across a minefield to take German strongpoints is credited with allowing the Division to land safely without the massive casualties inflicted on the US forces at Omaha Beach.
An account of the attack on Juno Beach http://www.geocities.ws/liverpoolirish/hidden/dday.htm
The following day, 7th June, A lone Luftwaffe fighter released a bomb that exploded amongst the anti-tank platoon, 15 Liverpool Irish men were killed in the blast and another 7 were badly wounded. They continued with beach group work for a further 6 weeks before a notification was received on 14th July, from General Montgomery, stating that the men from the Liverpool Irish would be transfered to other battalions. Due to the amount of losses the men were moved and the battalion was placed in a state of suspended animation on 31 August.
The regiment was transferred from the infantry to the artillery in 1947, becoming known as 626 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. By 1955 it was reduced to Q (Liverpool Irish) Battery, 470 (3rd West Lancs) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. The amalgamation of the Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserves in 1967 saw a further reduction to A (Liverpool Irish) Troop, 208 (3rd West Lancs) Battery, 103 RA (The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers). In 2001 the Liverpool Irish converted from air defence to field artillery, thus reviving the infantry traditions. Members of the 103rd have been deployed on active operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. The present TA centre is based on Aigburth Road in Liverpool.
Just opposite the old HQ bulding on Shaw Street is a park called Whitley Gardens, located in its grounds is a this memorial to the men of The 8th King's Regiment of Foot, who lost their lives during 1857-1858 Great Sepoy Mutiny. It has panels noting it once stood in Portsmouth and in Chelsea, London. It was erected in its present position in 1911.
Website with details of the memorial and men, including photographs of it in Portsmouth and London. http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/old-portsmouth/liverpool_regiment.htm
Website with details of the memorial and men, including photographs of it in Portsmouth and London. http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/old-portsmouth/liverpool_regiment.htm
The Stone Reads...THIS CROSS COMMEMORATES THE SERVICES AND DEATHS OF 243 OFFICERS, N.C.OFFICERS AND PRIVATE SOLDIERS LOST BY THE 8TH THE KING'S REGIMENT WHILE ENGAGED IN SUPPRESSING THE GREAT SEPOY MUTINY OF 1857-1858. SOME DIED IN BATTLE, SOME OF WOUNDS SOME OF DISEASE. ALL IN THE DEVOTED PERFORMANCE OF DUTY.
65 St Anne Street, Liverpool, 1/5th King's Liverpool Regiment.
August 1914 : in St Anne St, Liverpool. Part of Liverpool Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
22 February 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 6th Brigade, 2nd Division.
15 December 1915 : transferred to 99th Brigade in same Division.
7 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
22 February 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 6th Brigade, 2nd Division.
15 December 1915 : transferred to 99th Brigade in same Division.
7 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
The 5th Battalion of The King's (Liverpool) Regiment originated from the 1st Lancashire Rifle Volunteer Corps which was formed in 1859, by 1908 it had become known as The 5th King's Liverpool. It was a very difficult battalion to join before WW1, you would have needed a introduction from another serving member, or a respected member of the community such as a clergyman or police officer would need to provide a reference of your character. The battalion HQ was situated at 65 St Anne Street, Liverpool, where they recruited men from the North of the city.
Looking across St Anne Street towards where the 1/5th King's Liverpool HQ once stood. St Anne's Police station can be seen in the background.
This is the site of the former HQ, nothing remains.The Police station is again in the background.
A 1906 map showing the Drill Hall on St Anne Street. Thanks to Daz from My Liverpool for the map.
The Battalion was know as ' The Rifles ' But here confusion comes into it as they were not officially a Rifle Battalion, they did however act like one and wore their uniform with blackened badges to indicate the rifles. The 6th King's, based at Princes Park Barracks, recruited their men from the South of the city, they were a Rifle Battalion. The 5th recruited from the North, acted like a Rifle Battalion, but were never given the title until 1924.
The document above has them listed as a Rifle Battalion, but on the whole they are not listed as one. However others did refer to them as rifles and a number of the 5th's men who died in WW1 are listed ranked as Riflemen.
The Battalion moved to Caterbury to begin training for the front lines. In February 1915 they set off for Southampton where on the 21st they boarded two ships ' Duchess of Argyle ' and ' Queen Empress ' before sailing for Le Havre, France. On 23rd February they moved to Bethune, then marched to Vendin-lez-Bethune on the 25th to settle in billets.
In March they were still undergoing Trench War training when orders came for them to be ready to attack. On 10th March they saw their first action at Givenchy, France, during the battle of Neuve Chappelle. The Battalion was split up during the attack on the German trenches, they did not attack themselves, but provided fire cover for the attackers as well as manning the British front line trenches in case of a counter attack, the men were commended for their actions this day. They had also received their first casualties of the war.
In March they were still undergoing Trench War training when orders came for them to be ready to attack. On 10th March they saw their first action at Givenchy, France, during the battle of Neuve Chappelle. The Battalion was split up during the attack on the German trenches, they did not attack themselves, but provided fire cover for the attackers as well as manning the British front line trenches in case of a counter attack, the men were commended for their actions this day. They had also received their first casualties of the war.
In late September 1915 the Battalion were taking part in the big push during the battle of Loos, here they faced tough fighting and may have experienced one of the many gas attacks launched by the German's. They stayed in the area until the battle fizzled out in October. On 11th November 1915 they were at Hohenzollern Redoubt ( Loos ) France.
Early 1916 was spent regrouping. In February the Battalion occupied trenches at Wailly, France, performing a number of raids and missions. Then followed a quieter period as the Battalion was made ready for its next action, The Somme. The 1/5ths took part in an attack on the village of Guillemont on 8th August alonside the 1st and 1/8th ( Irish ) battalions of the Liverpool King's, it proved a disaster, the Liverpool Irish suffered terrible this day. Further attempts where made until the village was captured on 3rd September. On 9th September they took part in the fighting at Ginchy before moving to Ribemont for a short rest period.
By the 15th September they were in reserve ready for the battle of Flers-Courcelette, two days later they entered the trenches. On 18th September they occupied trenches near Delville Wood, where they worked to improve the trench defences before being relieved and moving to rest at Pommiers Redoubt. They were back in the trenches by 23rd September, moving the following day to support trenches in readiness for attack. The following morning the went over with the 1/6th, 1/7th and 1/9th King's Liverpool and captured their objectives. By the end of the month they were on the move into Belgium and on to the Ypres Salient.
Early 1916 was spent regrouping. In February the Battalion occupied trenches at Wailly, France, performing a number of raids and missions. Then followed a quieter period as the Battalion was made ready for its next action, The Somme. The 1/5ths took part in an attack on the village of Guillemont on 8th August alonside the 1st and 1/8th ( Irish ) battalions of the Liverpool King's, it proved a disaster, the Liverpool Irish suffered terrible this day. Further attempts where made until the village was captured on 3rd September. On 9th September they took part in the fighting at Ginchy before moving to Ribemont for a short rest period.
By the 15th September they were in reserve ready for the battle of Flers-Courcelette, two days later they entered the trenches. On 18th September they occupied trenches near Delville Wood, where they worked to improve the trench defences before being relieved and moving to rest at Pommiers Redoubt. They were back in the trenches by 23rd September, moving the following day to support trenches in readiness for attack. The following morning the went over with the 1/6th, 1/7th and 1/9th King's Liverpool and captured their objectives. By the end of the month they were on the move into Belgium and on to the Ypres Salient.
1917 saw the Battalion in Ypres, where the first six months was spent manning the Salient sector, of course they still faced daily shelling and sniping, it was a very dangerous place to be, and the enemy was surrounding the area on three sides. By July they were being made ready for the next big attack, Passchendaele was about to begin.
At 3.50 am on the morning of 31st July 1917 the 1/5th King's left their trenches to attack the enemy defences. Once again they fought alongside other King's Liverpool men, with the 1/6th, 1/7th and 1/9th Battalions joining them, the 1/10th Liverpool Scottish were also nearby. The 5ths took their objectives during their first attack and other battalions moved ahead of them to take up the fight, heavy rain turned the ground to flooded mud, it was impossible to move in it, positions gained were ordered to be held. By 7th August the 5ths were withdrawn to Recques, refitted and instructed, given extra training, then sent back into the line on 15th September at roughly the same place they had left.
On 20th September 1917 the battalion was involved in the battle of Menin Road Ridge, being withdrawn 2 days later and being moved to just south of Cambrai, across the border in France. The battle for Cambrai began on 20th November, the 1/5ths were holding the line at a position near Honnecourt on 30th November when the enemy attacked, they managed to keep the line and push the attackers back.
At 3.50 am on the morning of 31st July 1917 the 1/5th King's left their trenches to attack the enemy defences. Once again they fought alongside other King's Liverpool men, with the 1/6th, 1/7th and 1/9th Battalions joining them, the 1/10th Liverpool Scottish were also nearby. The 5ths took their objectives during their first attack and other battalions moved ahead of them to take up the fight, heavy rain turned the ground to flooded mud, it was impossible to move in it, positions gained were ordered to be held. By 7th August the 5ths were withdrawn to Recques, refitted and instructed, given extra training, then sent back into the line on 15th September at roughly the same place they had left.
On 20th September 1917 the battalion was involved in the battle of Menin Road Ridge, being withdrawn 2 days later and being moved to just south of Cambrai, across the border in France. The battle for Cambrai began on 20th November, the 1/5ths were holding the line at a position near Honnecourt on 30th November when the enemy attacked, they managed to keep the line and push the attackers back.
In February 1918 the Battalion moved into positions around Givenchy and Festubert, France. The next few weeks saw them facing strong regular attacks as the enemy tried to force a break through.
9th April saw them at Estaires, France, fighting in the battle of Lys, by the 12th they were fighting at Hazebrouck. They took up the defence of Givenchy as the German's tried to throw everything they had at a breakthrough in the area, if successful it may have forced the British from Ypres, the defenders however remained strong and held the line. The 1/5ths remained in the area until September 1918, by this time it was clear that a final victory was near.
On 2nd October they were at La Bassee, France, ready for the Pursuit to Mons ( Also known as the Final Advance ) The German's were now in retreat and were being followed through Northen France and into Belgium by the allies. Between 14th-16th October the 1/5ths along with their division crossed the Haute Deule Canal brfore heading into Belgium, fighting was still intense along the way. They captured Ath in the last days of WW1, then heard of the signing of the Armistace. Orders came for them to march across Belgium and into Germany, but these were changed and the 5ths went into Brussels in December 1918, demobilisation of the divinsion including the 1/5th King's Liverpool began in early January 1919.
9th April saw them at Estaires, France, fighting in the battle of Lys, by the 12th they were fighting at Hazebrouck. They took up the defence of Givenchy as the German's tried to throw everything they had at a breakthrough in the area, if successful it may have forced the British from Ypres, the defenders however remained strong and held the line. The 1/5ths remained in the area until September 1918, by this time it was clear that a final victory was near.
On 2nd October they were at La Bassee, France, ready for the Pursuit to Mons ( Also known as the Final Advance ) The German's were now in retreat and were being followed through Northen France and into Belgium by the allies. Between 14th-16th October the 1/5ths along with their division crossed the Haute Deule Canal brfore heading into Belgium, fighting was still intense along the way. They captured Ath in the last days of WW1, then heard of the signing of the Armistace. Orders came for them to march across Belgium and into Germany, but these were changed and the 5ths went into Brussels in December 1918, demobilisation of the divinsion including the 1/5th King's Liverpool began in early January 1919.
I can find a mention for The 5th (Rifle) Battalion, The King's Regiment, (T.A.) based at St Anne's Street, Liverpool in 1933, but in 1937 they are listed as being based in the Drill Hall on Townsend Avenue. In 1938 King George VI presented them with their colours at Everton FC's Goodison Park stadium, a year later they would have been made ready for war service.
By 1943 the 5th King's Liverpool had moved up to the West coast of Scotland for training, they were being made ready for the invasion of France. They moved down to the South coast of England not long before June 1944 in readiness for the attack. At 3.30 am on the morning of 6th June 1944 they sailed from Portsmouth aboard ' HMS Cutlas ' their job was to to secure the landing area 0n Sword Beach. They were just over 2 miles from the French beach when they were transfered from the ship into landing craft, most leaking from the rough see, each carrying 30 men they headed in land, D-Day had begun.
They knew they would face a strong German defence, and as they neared the shore they came under attack from shells, mortar, machine guns and rifles, yet they managed to get onto Sword brach and secure the landing area. They also made efforts to take out machine guns and snipers ( taking many prisoners ) collect wounded and dead from the beach, mark out minefields and direct troops and vehicles inland, all this while under fire. They remained on beach duties for the next few weeks before moving inland, they suffered a number of casualties during the action, a number of their members are buried at Hermanville War Cemetery.
The 5th King's Liverpool became part of No. 2 T ( Target ) Force, they were used after D-Day to seize Nazi German scientists and businessmen, and to secure and exploit targets that could provide valuable military intelligence. In May 1945 they entered the German naval port of Kiel with the object of taking charge of the cruiser ' Admiral Hipper ' They completed their mission, taking many prisoners, they also targeted the Walterwerke factory, searching for and taking prisoner Dr Hellmuth Walter, the expert on hydrogen peroxide rocket engines.
By 1943 the 5th King's Liverpool had moved up to the West coast of Scotland for training, they were being made ready for the invasion of France. They moved down to the South coast of England not long before June 1944 in readiness for the attack. At 3.30 am on the morning of 6th June 1944 they sailed from Portsmouth aboard ' HMS Cutlas ' their job was to to secure the landing area 0n Sword Beach. They were just over 2 miles from the French beach when they were transfered from the ship into landing craft, most leaking from the rough see, each carrying 30 men they headed in land, D-Day had begun.
They knew they would face a strong German defence, and as they neared the shore they came under attack from shells, mortar, machine guns and rifles, yet they managed to get onto Sword brach and secure the landing area. They also made efforts to take out machine guns and snipers ( taking many prisoners ) collect wounded and dead from the beach, mark out minefields and direct troops and vehicles inland, all this while under fire. They remained on beach duties for the next few weeks before moving inland, they suffered a number of casualties during the action, a number of their members are buried at Hermanville War Cemetery.
The 5th King's Liverpool became part of No. 2 T ( Target ) Force, they were used after D-Day to seize Nazi German scientists and businessmen, and to secure and exploit targets that could provide valuable military intelligence. In May 1945 they entered the German naval port of Kiel with the object of taking charge of the cruiser ' Admiral Hipper ' They completed their mission, taking many prisoners, they also targeted the Walterwerke factory, searching for and taking prisoner Dr Hellmuth Walter, the expert on hydrogen peroxide rocket engines.
Alan Stirrup tells the story of his fatherRonald serving with the 5th King's in the early 1950's.
22640124 Pte Ronald Stirrup enlisted (to join his mates) and joined his unit 5th Kings at Townsend Avenue on 21 February 1952. After basic training he was despached to Southampton were his Battalion joined some of the other regiments of the 1st Commonwealth Divison who were being shipped to Hong Kong to train for the front line at the now stagnating war which was in stalemate. They boarded the Empire Fowey troopship for the three week passage to Hong Kong.
22640124 Pte Ronald Stirrup enlisted (to join his mates) and joined his unit 5th Kings at Townsend Avenue on 21 February 1952. After basic training he was despached to Southampton were his Battalion joined some of the other regiments of the 1st Commonwealth Divison who were being shipped to Hong Kong to train for the front line at the now stagnating war which was in stalemate. They boarded the Empire Fowey troopship for the three week passage to Hong Kong.
On leave in Hong Kong in August 1952. Ronald is on the left.
This picture was taken on leave in Tokyo in April 1953, this was their last leave prior to being shipped to Pusan in Korea and on the road to "the Hook". It was during this time that the bold Ron went out in a six man reconnaissance party, whilst out they were attacked by the Chinese causing Ronnie to slip away from the party with one other guy. For two days the Chinese soldiers searched for them at one point standing on a ridge above them whilst they hid in a paddy field. They made it back to their unit when American air support drafted in to find them pinpointed them to ground troops and they were rescued.
On the 21 February 1954 (two years after joining) after receiving his demob orders, Ronnie joined an RAF flight from Hong Kong bound for Changi in Singapore to meet the troopship Empire Windrush for the journey home. The bold Ron was due to have shipped out six weeks earlier with his unit however being the sort of chap who liked to celebrate, he and a couple of pals pinched a Yankee Army Jeep and went into town to celebrate their iminent return to Blighty. Needless to say they got drunk, got lifted by the redcaps and ended up in jankers with a confinement.
The flight took off and the journey was uneventful until they were on approach to Changi airport. As they were coming in to land one of the engines on the Vicker Valetta spluttered to a halt and the pilot, who was only a young, newly qualified chap, in panic feathered the wrong engine causing the aircraft to drop from the sky and break up in the Palm trees as it crashed to the ground.
The flight took off and the journey was uneventful until they were on approach to Changi airport. As they were coming in to land one of the engines on the Vicker Valetta spluttered to a halt and the pilot, who was only a young, newly qualified chap, in panic feathered the wrong engine causing the aircraft to drop from the sky and break up in the Palm trees as it crashed to the ground.
As a result of his jankers Ronnie missed the troopship home and was the only soldier on the flight to Singapore to meet another ship home. He sat on the aisle seat next to an RAF airman at the front of the aircraft. As he waited for the journey to commence another airman tapped him on the shoulder asking him if he wouldn't mind swapping seats so he could sit next to his pal. Dad duly obliged ending up at the rear of the aircraft in the rear facing seats. In Ronnie's own words "I thought he'd had me over and I got a bum deal". Both airmen perished in the crash.
I can't help but wonder what must have gone through the minds of my grandparents way back in those pre internet and telephone days when the telegram was delivered and that was all the information they had about their son's condition which was far more serious than they made out. The days and weeks of not knowing how their son was must have been torture for them with only written correspondence to keep them informed.
Once the aircraft had slewed to a halt Ron found himself upside down in his seat hanging by the belt straps with twisted metal all around him, he couldn't see because his eyes were full of blood from the injuries to his head. Panic set in around him and the guy next to him was trying to clamber over him to get out. Dad screamed at him to help get him out, he twisted the buckle, smacked it open and dad fell out of the belts.
Ronnie recounted to me that the first thing he thought about in this situation was fire and in blind panic once out of the wreckage he ran and ran until he bumped into something and fell down. Unknown to him he had been running on a badly broken leg, broken ribs and multiple lacerations. Ron is the casualty in the foreground of the pic below.
I can't help but wonder what must have gone through the minds of my grandparents way back in those pre internet and telephone days when the telegram was delivered and that was all the information they had about their son's condition which was far more serious than they made out. The days and weeks of not knowing how their son was must have been torture for them with only written correspondence to keep them informed.
Once the aircraft had slewed to a halt Ron found himself upside down in his seat hanging by the belt straps with twisted metal all around him, he couldn't see because his eyes were full of blood from the injuries to his head. Panic set in around him and the guy next to him was trying to clamber over him to get out. Dad screamed at him to help get him out, he twisted the buckle, smacked it open and dad fell out of the belts.
Ronnie recounted to me that the first thing he thought about in this situation was fire and in blind panic once out of the wreckage he ran and ran until he bumped into something and fell down. Unknown to him he had been running on a badly broken leg, broken ribs and multiple lacerations. Ron is the casualty in the foreground of the pic below.
A sorry tale is one about the navigating officer who was flung clear of the wreckage relatively unscathed, he ran as fast as he could only to fall down a well breaking both of his legs, he was found a day or so later. When Ronnie was taken to Changi Military Hospital his head and eyes were bandaged so obviously he couldn't see. Whilst he was laying in bed he complained of an intermittent "whooshining" noise which he thought was the central heating, saying it was stopping him sleeping, "don't worry it'll stop soon" came the reply. He later discovered it was the fluid building up in the head of the co pilot which was being forced from his ear, he passed away soon after.
After the telegram the next my grandparents heard of their son was in the middle of March when they received a letter updating them. True to form with my old man, when the doctor told dad he was writing to update his parents he told the doctor to say he was fine and making good progress, the reality was that he had to endure a further ten months in Changi Military Hospital recovering from his injuries.
Here are dad's air movement orders raised for the disasterous flight. On the face of it they look as though they haven't survived too well the ensuing years, however, there is a defined poignancy in that these orders were in Ron's tunic pocket. His tunic was torn up in the crash. So in fact what you see in the picture is largely collateral damage from the accident.
A fact of Army life back then was that the Army charged him for all lost and damaged kit. When he returned to Aldershot he was deducted to value of, amongst other items, the damaged tunic and the lightweight pants he was wearing, indeed with the lightweights the quartermaster asked him "why didn't you tell them to rip them up the seam, (a reference to the fact that the field medics had simply cut them with scissors through the middle) so they could be repaired"? The bold Ron's succinct reply, " yep, you think about these things when laying in a Malayan jungle with blood, guts and fire around you, but you'd know about that being a quartermaster".
If you look closely on the AMO you'll see he was due to join the old Cunard motorship Georgic at Singapore. The Georgic, by then, had been retired by Cunard some years earlier but then requisitioned as a troop ship by the British Government.
In an odd twist of fate had Ronnie not set about his drunken exploits with his pals and received jankers he would have met with his designated charge home - the troopship Empire Windrush. The twist of fate being that the decrepit Windrush was plaqued with break downs and failures which delayed her passage, culminating with a fire killing four engine room staff and destroyed the vessel. An attempt was made to put the burned out hulk under tow to Gibralta, however, she slipped underneath the waves of the Mediterranean before this could be actioned.
The bold Ron was damned if he did meet the ship and damned when he didn't.
A fact of Army life back then was that the Army charged him for all lost and damaged kit. When he returned to Aldershot he was deducted to value of, amongst other items, the damaged tunic and the lightweight pants he was wearing, indeed with the lightweights the quartermaster asked him "why didn't you tell them to rip them up the seam, (a reference to the fact that the field medics had simply cut them with scissors through the middle) so they could be repaired"? The bold Ron's succinct reply, " yep, you think about these things when laying in a Malayan jungle with blood, guts and fire around you, but you'd know about that being a quartermaster".
If you look closely on the AMO you'll see he was due to join the old Cunard motorship Georgic at Singapore. The Georgic, by then, had been retired by Cunard some years earlier but then requisitioned as a troop ship by the British Government.
In an odd twist of fate had Ronnie not set about his drunken exploits with his pals and received jankers he would have met with his designated charge home - the troopship Empire Windrush. The twist of fate being that the decrepit Windrush was plaqued with break downs and failures which delayed her passage, culminating with a fire killing four engine room staff and destroyed the vessel. An attempt was made to put the burned out hulk under tow to Gibralta, however, she slipped underneath the waves of the Mediterranean before this could be actioned.
The bold Ron was damned if he did meet the ship and damned when he didn't.
Towards the end of dad's stay at Changi Hospital, the injured military personel received a vist from Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma. as she cruised the wards visiting the injured the casually virtuous Countess was told about the length of stay Ron had endured and insisted on meeting with him. This created a photo opportunity for both which ended up not just in the military news sheets but also in the local Malayan newspapers and our very own Daily Express.
By the time he was shipped home my grandparents had moved from Solly to a new house on Stopgate Lane. When dad arrived at Lime Street my grandad, who had a car, refused to pick him up and left him to walk on crutches from Lime Street to Stopgate Lane.
Ronald was given a small benefit of five shillings a week. After a month or so he was invited into the paymasters lair and coersed to accept a lump sum in exchange for the benefit. Fast forward to the 1980's and he appealled under a point of law that the benefit was erroneously removed which he won. He eventually secured a 100% war pension for his injuries which by then were adversly affecting his life.
By the time he was shipped home my grandparents had moved from Solly to a new house on Stopgate Lane. When dad arrived at Lime Street my grandad, who had a car, refused to pick him up and left him to walk on crutches from Lime Street to Stopgate Lane.
Ronald was given a small benefit of five shillings a week. After a month or so he was invited into the paymasters lair and coersed to accept a lump sum in exchange for the benefit. Fast forward to the 1980's and he appealled under a point of law that the benefit was erroneously removed which he won. He eventually secured a 100% war pension for his injuries which by then were adversly affecting his life.
Here's my dad on the far right with some of his fellow service men in 2008 at the Korean War Memorial in St Johns Gardens. Dad hated the Army for almost destroying his life and only ever went to the memorial once at my insistence were he met his old pals. Sadly Ronald passed away in 2010.
The battalion had been ordered to Korea in June 1952. By then, the Korean War had entered a period of stalemate, with trench warfare prevailing. At Liverpool, the King's embarked aboard the troopship Devonshire for Hong Kong, where it underwent training before landing at Pusan, Korea, in September. Replacing the 1st Royal Norfolk Regiment in the 29th Infantry Brigade, 1st Commonwealth Division, the 1st King's took up defensive positions on moving to the frontline, about 45 miles (72 km) from Seoul.
While much of the battalion's time at the front proved uneventful, its night patrols often clashed with Chinese troops. In 1953, the battalion withdrew to reserve for three months. A tactically important feature known as "The Hook", a crescent shaped ridge, was the scene of intense fighting between Commonwealth forces and the Chinese in May. On the night of 20 May, Chinese forces commenced a sustained bombardment of the Hook, defended by the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Two days later, a company from the King's conducted a nighttime diversionary raid on Chinese positions known as "Pheasant". During the raid, Second-Lieutenant Caws' 5 Platoon, intended to execute the actual attack, inadvertently stumbled upon an uncharted minefield, suffering 10 wounded from a strength of 16. The attack had to be abandoned, forcing the company to withdraw with its wounded back to British lines under the protection of artillery.
The King's moved to the right sector of the Hook on 27 May, excepting "D" Company's 10 Platoon and "B" Company (as reserve) which became attached to the Dukes. At 1953 hours, on 28 May, the battle began when a heavy artillery barrage targeted the Dukes' positions. Within minutes, the first of four successive Chinese waves attacked. Two King's platoons had to be moved forward to reinforce the Point 121 position, which soon after came under attack by two infantry companies. After the attack was repulsed with the assistance of Commonwealth artillery, the Chinese directed their attention to the King's on Point 146. As their troops assembled at Pheasant at around 2305, 1st King's Lieutenant-Colonel A.J. Snodgrass called in artillery, Centurion tank, and machine-gun fire that effectively destroyed the battalion-sized formation. Fighting continued until the British cleared the remaining troops from the Hook at approximately 0330. British casualties numbered 149, including 28 killed, while Chinese losses were estimated to be 250 killed and 800 wounded.
The 1st King's left Korea for Hong Kong in October, by which time the battalion had suffered 28 dead and 200 wounded. Of some 1,500 men that served with the King's in Korea, 350 were regular soldiers, the rest being conscripts on national service. The King's moved to Britain in 1955, were posted to West Germany the following year, and made its final return home in 1958.
While much of the battalion's time at the front proved uneventful, its night patrols often clashed with Chinese troops. In 1953, the battalion withdrew to reserve for three months. A tactically important feature known as "The Hook", a crescent shaped ridge, was the scene of intense fighting between Commonwealth forces and the Chinese in May. On the night of 20 May, Chinese forces commenced a sustained bombardment of the Hook, defended by the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Two days later, a company from the King's conducted a nighttime diversionary raid on Chinese positions known as "Pheasant". During the raid, Second-Lieutenant Caws' 5 Platoon, intended to execute the actual attack, inadvertently stumbled upon an uncharted minefield, suffering 10 wounded from a strength of 16. The attack had to be abandoned, forcing the company to withdraw with its wounded back to British lines under the protection of artillery.
The King's moved to the right sector of the Hook on 27 May, excepting "D" Company's 10 Platoon and "B" Company (as reserve) which became attached to the Dukes. At 1953 hours, on 28 May, the battle began when a heavy artillery barrage targeted the Dukes' positions. Within minutes, the first of four successive Chinese waves attacked. Two King's platoons had to be moved forward to reinforce the Point 121 position, which soon after came under attack by two infantry companies. After the attack was repulsed with the assistance of Commonwealth artillery, the Chinese directed their attention to the King's on Point 146. As their troops assembled at Pheasant at around 2305, 1st King's Lieutenant-Colonel A.J. Snodgrass called in artillery, Centurion tank, and machine-gun fire that effectively destroyed the battalion-sized formation. Fighting continued until the British cleared the remaining troops from the Hook at approximately 0330. British casualties numbered 149, including 28 killed, while Chinese losses were estimated to be 250 killed and 800 wounded.
The 1st King's left Korea for Hong Kong in October, by which time the battalion had suffered 28 dead and 200 wounded. Of some 1,500 men that served with the King's in Korea, 350 were regular soldiers, the rest being conscripts on national service. The King's moved to Britain in 1955, were posted to West Germany the following year, and made its final return home in 1958.
99 Park Street, Bootle, 1/7th King's Liverpool Regiment.
August 1914 : in Park St, Bootle. Part of Liverpool Brigade, West Lancashire Division.
8 March 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 6th Brigade, 2nd Division.
4 September 1915 : transferred to 5th Brigade in same Division.
15 November 1915 : transferred to 22nd Brigade, 7th Division.
7 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
8 March 1915 : landed at Le Havre and transferred to 6th Brigade, 2nd Division.
4 September 1915 : transferred to 5th Brigade in same Division.
15 November 1915 : transferred to 22nd Brigade, 7th Division.
7 January 1916 : transferred to 165th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division.
The 1/7th King's Liverpool Regiment were based at 99 Park Street in Bootle. They had began as The 15th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers in 1859, then in 1880 they were renamed The 4th Volunteer Battalion, King’s Liverpool Regiment. The territorial changes of 1908 saw them take the name of The 7th Battalion The King’s Liverpool Regiment.
They recruited men from the areas of Bootle, Litherland, Seaforth, Waterloo, Crosby and Southport, and had a volunteer company based on the Isle of Man.
Men of The 7th King's Liverpool Regiment, probably taken at a training camp. Photograph Courtesy of Ronnie Cusworth at the Litherland and Ford website.
At the start of war, the battalion was mobilised and moved to Canterbury in the autumn of 1914 for training. Before leaving the 7th King's marched to Bootle Town Hall and lodged their Colours with the Lord Mayor of Bootle. As well as training in Canterbury, they also spent time in Southampton guarding the docks and railways.They left the UK for France, and arrived at Le Harve on the 8th March 1915.
The 1/7ths at Herne Bay, Kent in 1915.
By 1st July 1915 The 1/7th King's Liverpool were in Tourbieres, France, with their HQ set up in the village. On the 4th July the village was shelled from 8am to 10am and the mess was burnt down. 9 men were killed and 19 wounded.
On 7th January 1916, the battalion moved from Warlus to Neuville-au-Bois. Their War Diary records this as a period of training, inspections, bathing parades and cross country runs. On the 21st there was a 'Brigade Ceremonial Parade'. One officer of the 1/7ths wrote home about the 21st January to his wife "We had a Brigade Inspection yesterday, which went off very well. The Brig.Gen is quite a good sort. He asked if we had anyone who could tune a piano at Brigade HQ " They remained in this location until 5th February when they moved to the Longpre area. They also saw action in Ypres, Belgium and Loos, France in 1915.
The 1/7ths fought during The Battle of The Somme in 1916, Where they saw action in The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Ginchy, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and The Battle of Morval.
On 21st July 1917 they arrived Gezaincourt from Barly, left for Mericourt on the 25th, then moved to Bois des Tailles on the 28th. Off to Fricourt on the 30th before getting into Caftet Wood on August 1st. on 7th August they entered the support trenches at Talus Boise, where they remained until the 9th when they where sent to relieve the 1/5th King's Liverpool's in front line of the Maltz Horn Farm sector. On 9th August they made a small attack on enemy trenches at Guillemont, then spent the next couple of days repairing their trenches. On the morning of 12th August a large attack took place, The 1/7ths did not form part of the attacking force, instead they were placed to hold the left of the trenches from which the attack was made, as a precaution against an enemy counter attack. They came under very heavy shell fire in this area as the battle took place, on 13th August they were withdrawn out of the line to Caftet Wood, they had suffered 158 Casualties in 5 days.
The 1/7ths left for Ville-sur-Ancre on 14th August, before heading on the 19th to Pont-Remy, from here marched to Oisemont. By 30th August they were back at Mericourt, from where they moved to billets at Dernancourt. On 4th September they occupied trenches in the areas of High Wood and Delville Wood, making a bombing attack on the enemy on the 6th, before being relieved and moved back on the 11th.
18th August saw them in the support line at Pommiers Redoubt, moving into the front line on the 23rd. They attacked on the 25th, taking some enemy territory during the fighting. The following day they were moved back out of the lines, with 279 casualties in three days. On 1st October they were at Longpre, then onto Buigny-l'Abbe. From here they where made ready for a move in Ypres, Belgium.
1917 saw them concentrating around the Ypres Salient, being readied for the Third Battle of Ypres ( Passchendaele ) where they fought in The Battle of Pilkem Ridge and The Battle of Menin Road Ridge. By late November 1917 they had moved over the boarder to Cambrai in Northern France, where they were to take part in more action.
On 7th January 1916, the battalion moved from Warlus to Neuville-au-Bois. Their War Diary records this as a period of training, inspections, bathing parades and cross country runs. On the 21st there was a 'Brigade Ceremonial Parade'. One officer of the 1/7ths wrote home about the 21st January to his wife "We had a Brigade Inspection yesterday, which went off very well. The Brig.Gen is quite a good sort. He asked if we had anyone who could tune a piano at Brigade HQ " They remained in this location until 5th February when they moved to the Longpre area. They also saw action in Ypres, Belgium and Loos, France in 1915.
The 1/7ths fought during The Battle of The Somme in 1916, Where they saw action in The Battle of Guillemont, The Battle of Ginchy, The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, and The Battle of Morval.
On 21st July 1917 they arrived Gezaincourt from Barly, left for Mericourt on the 25th, then moved to Bois des Tailles on the 28th. Off to Fricourt on the 30th before getting into Caftet Wood on August 1st. on 7th August they entered the support trenches at Talus Boise, where they remained until the 9th when they where sent to relieve the 1/5th King's Liverpool's in front line of the Maltz Horn Farm sector. On 9th August they made a small attack on enemy trenches at Guillemont, then spent the next couple of days repairing their trenches. On the morning of 12th August a large attack took place, The 1/7ths did not form part of the attacking force, instead they were placed to hold the left of the trenches from which the attack was made, as a precaution against an enemy counter attack. They came under very heavy shell fire in this area as the battle took place, on 13th August they were withdrawn out of the line to Caftet Wood, they had suffered 158 Casualties in 5 days.
The 1/7ths left for Ville-sur-Ancre on 14th August, before heading on the 19th to Pont-Remy, from here marched to Oisemont. By 30th August they were back at Mericourt, from where they moved to billets at Dernancourt. On 4th September they occupied trenches in the areas of High Wood and Delville Wood, making a bombing attack on the enemy on the 6th, before being relieved and moved back on the 11th.
18th August saw them in the support line at Pommiers Redoubt, moving into the front line on the 23rd. They attacked on the 25th, taking some enemy territory during the fighting. The following day they were moved back out of the lines, with 279 casualties in three days. On 1st October they were at Longpre, then onto Buigny-l'Abbe. From here they where made ready for a move in Ypres, Belgium.
1917 saw them concentrating around the Ypres Salient, being readied for the Third Battle of Ypres ( Passchendaele ) where they fought in The Battle of Pilkem Ridge and The Battle of Menin Road Ridge. By late November 1917 they had moved over the boarder to Cambrai in Northern France, where they were to take part in more action.
28th February 1918. Officers of The 1/7th checking a map while in trenches in the area of the La Bassee Canal.
In 1918 they saw action at Lys during The Battle of Estaires and The Battle of Hazebrouck. They also took part in The capture of Givenchy craters and The capture of Canteleux trench.
On 3rd September 1918 the 1/7th witnessed the enemy withdrawing, and over the next two days the King's line was able to advance easily to Chapelle St. Roch and Violaines. It was stressed to all ranks "that it is not necessary to advance in any definite line, but that each body of troops must push forward as far as it can, without waiting for neighbouring bodies which may have been temporarily held up." During these attacks the 1/7ths met enemy resistance, took part in hand-to-hand fighting, and occupied a number of trenches at the same time as the enemy, resulting in harsh fighting.
The allies launched an assault in the Argonne on 26th September 1918. The 1/7ths joined the attack on the 29th, moving forward without haversacks, to allow them to move swiftly and quietly into action, the fighting was intense as they drove the enemy out.
Into October 1918 the battalion and its division advanced well with little resistance being met, the main dangers facing them being booby-traps and craters in the roads. When they reached the Haute Deule Canal they found the Germans on the other side, close range and shell fire pinned down both sides for over a week until the British Division forced a way over the bridge on 16th October.
On 9th November the 1/7ths moved east of Tournai to Beclers. The following day they were at Ligne when they received orders for an attack on Ath the next morning, 11th November 1918. They attacked the town the next day, and helped clear the enemy from the bridge by early morning ( The Lancashire Fusiliers had been first into the town ) The regrouped and were in position to push home their advantage with another assualt when news reached them of the armistice.
For the 1/7ths and the men of their division fighting with them that morning, this news had come rather late in the day. It was common knowledge that the end was near, communications must have been frantic trying to get the word spread. The Brigade commanders knowing something was about to happen had met at 9.00 am, at 9.05 am they received a telephone call from the Divisional HQ informing them that hostilities would cease at 11.00 am. The 1/7ths Battalion Commander, Colonel Potter was informed just after 10.00 am. The men remained in position until shortly after 11.00 am, before moving off to Lanquesaint. The war was over, it had cost the regiment the lives of over 900 men.
On 3rd September 1918 the 1/7th witnessed the enemy withdrawing, and over the next two days the King's line was able to advance easily to Chapelle St. Roch and Violaines. It was stressed to all ranks "that it is not necessary to advance in any definite line, but that each body of troops must push forward as far as it can, without waiting for neighbouring bodies which may have been temporarily held up." During these attacks the 1/7ths met enemy resistance, took part in hand-to-hand fighting, and occupied a number of trenches at the same time as the enemy, resulting in harsh fighting.
The allies launched an assault in the Argonne on 26th September 1918. The 1/7ths joined the attack on the 29th, moving forward without haversacks, to allow them to move swiftly and quietly into action, the fighting was intense as they drove the enemy out.
Into October 1918 the battalion and its division advanced well with little resistance being met, the main dangers facing them being booby-traps and craters in the roads. When they reached the Haute Deule Canal they found the Germans on the other side, close range and shell fire pinned down both sides for over a week until the British Division forced a way over the bridge on 16th October.
On 9th November the 1/7ths moved east of Tournai to Beclers. The following day they were at Ligne when they received orders for an attack on Ath the next morning, 11th November 1918. They attacked the town the next day, and helped clear the enemy from the bridge by early morning ( The Lancashire Fusiliers had been first into the town ) The regrouped and were in position to push home their advantage with another assualt when news reached them of the armistice.
For the 1/7ths and the men of their division fighting with them that morning, this news had come rather late in the day. It was common knowledge that the end was near, communications must have been frantic trying to get the word spread. The Brigade commanders knowing something was about to happen had met at 9.00 am, at 9.05 am they received a telephone call from the Divisional HQ informing them that hostilities would cease at 11.00 am. The 1/7ths Battalion Commander, Colonel Potter was informed just after 10.00 am. The men remained in position until shortly after 11.00 am, before moving off to Lanquesaint. The war was over, it had cost the regiment the lives of over 900 men.
Ronnie's Cusworth's Litherland and Ford website has produced a memorial list to men from Litherland who died during WW1 while serving with the 1/7th King's Liverpool Regiment. http://www.litherland-digital.co.uk/album_3/pages/litherland_7th_kingsmen.htm
In 1938 The 1/7th King's Liverpool Regiment joined the Royal Tank Corps as The 40th King's Liverpool Regiment. They still took their recruitment from the same areas as they always had done, Bootle, Litherland, Seaforth, Waterloo, Crosby and Southport.
During WW2 they served in North Africa, fighting at El Alamein, where they gained the nickname ' Monty's Foxhounds ' They saw action in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, before moving into Italy, then Greece.
After the war they returned home and remained an armoured TA regiment until 1956 when they were joined together with the 41st ( Oldham ) Royal Tank Regiment to form the 40th/41st Royal Tank Regiment. They provided trained tank crewman for the British Army serving on The Rhine. In 1967 the regiment became part of the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry.
The Grange, Edge Lane. TA Centre.
The Grange TA Centre pictured in 2012, sadly now unused and empty.
The rear of the building is clearly a lot older than the frontage.
In 1891 The Grange is listed, also mentioned is that it has a with an ornamental garden where the older part of the TA Centre now stands. The 1900 Gore's directory list it as ' 4th L.V.A.-(Position Artillery). Headquarters, The Grange, Edge lane ' The history of 359th shows that the old Grange was taken into use in 1900, the original building was an old sandstone farmhouse to which was added a large covered drill shed. A 1908 OS map shows a Drill Hall detached behind The Grange.
In WW1 the unit was '4th West Lancashire Howitzer Brigade, RFA, TF ', becoming 276 Brigade RFA in the latter part of the war when many units were renumbered. It suffered several changes in title over later years but always had '4th West Lancs' somewhere in it.
Previously part of the Royal Garrison Artillery, this Territorial Army unit was based at The Grange, Edge Lane, Liverpool.
They started WW1 as the 7th and 8th Howitzer Batterys, 4th West Lancashire Howitzer Brigade, RFA, TF served with the 2nd Canadian Division in 1915, going to France of September that year. In January 1916 they transfered to The 55th ( West Lancashire ) Division. 7th became A ( Howitzer ) Battery, 8th became B. They spent early 1916 around the Arras area of France. In May 1916 they are renamed again, broken up and divided between batteries? It is very hard to follow them during the war, I do know that they served in France and Flanders until the war ended. Any help with their war history would be most appreciated.
In WW1 the unit was '4th West Lancashire Howitzer Brigade, RFA, TF ', becoming 276 Brigade RFA in the latter part of the war when many units were renumbered. It suffered several changes in title over later years but always had '4th West Lancs' somewhere in it.
Previously part of the Royal Garrison Artillery, this Territorial Army unit was based at The Grange, Edge Lane, Liverpool.
They started WW1 as the 7th and 8th Howitzer Batterys, 4th West Lancashire Howitzer Brigade, RFA, TF served with the 2nd Canadian Division in 1915, going to France of September that year. In January 1916 they transfered to The 55th ( West Lancashire ) Division. 7th became A ( Howitzer ) Battery, 8th became B. They spent early 1916 around the Arras area of France. In May 1916 they are renamed again, broken up and divided between batteries? It is very hard to follow them during the war, I do know that they served in France and Flanders until the war ended. Any help with their war history would be most appreciated.
A 1937 TA recruitment poster lists 59th (4th W. Lancs.) Med. Bde. R.A. Edge Lane, Liverpool 7. It is hard to follow but for WW2 the following is what I can find. 59th (4th West Lancashire) Medium Brigade, R.A. (T.A.) HQ, 233rd, 234th (Howitzer), 235th, 236th (Howitzer) (West Lancashire) Medium Btys. HQ The Grange, Edge Lane, Liverpool. It served with the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940, having go through Belgium during the retreat to Dunkirk. They later served in North West Europe in 1944 and 1945 as part of the Second Army, seeing action between 18 and 20 July 1944 at Bourguébus Ridge, France ( Operation Goodwood ) and in September 1944 in Holland and Germany as part of Operation Market Garden. They were in Hamburg in 1945.
These two photographs were published in the book "History of the 359 (4th West Lancs) Medium Regiment R.A., T.A. - 1859-1959" The book was published by the regiment in 1959 as part of its centenary celebrations. They show the Old Grange in the photo above and below the new building ( the one we have today ) is in the photo below. The Old Drill Hall at the rear still remains. Note how the new building in the photo has no railings as it has today. A 1955 OS map*shows a bigger Drill Hall with The Grange gone and replaced by the current front extension. Thank you to Richard Daglish for his help with information and for locating the book.
The sergeants mess at The Grange, believed to have been taken after they had won the Queen's Cup. 2nd class Warrant Officer Thomas Jones is second on the left back row. His son Dave has kindly allowed the following photographs to be used.
The back of this photo reads ' SgT Major J Sutter 236 Battery RATA Queens cup 1962 ' J Sutter is believed to be on the far left of the picture.
A 1960's photo from inside The Grange. The area to the right was the workshop were the trucks were maintained.
Dave's dad Thomas Jones
Territorials from The Grange at camp in the 1960's. Thomas Jones is third from left above, and below is middle of picture with arms folded.
Thomas far right in the above photo taken Sennybridge, and below ready for his tea.
A regimental band outside The Grange, Edge Lane can be seen in the background.
Wellington Road, Wavertree, TA Centre.
The old TA centre on the corner of Wellington Road/ Lawrence Road, Wavertree.
The building is now owned by the Frontline church, It has a date stone of 1914 and a marker stone with the initials RGA ( Royal Garrison Artillery ) Was it being built for the RGA when WW1 broke out? We know that the 87th (1st West Lancashire) Field Ambulance, RAMC ( Royal Army Medical Corps ) were here in 1914, they were a territorial Battalion who serve in Gallipoli and on the Western Front. I have yet to find a RGA unit who were here at the start of the war so maybe the medics took over the building? I have found mention of a WW1 hospital on Wellington Road and it is probable that it was housed within this same building.
Stonework above a doorway reveals an Artillery Crest.
87th (1st West Lancashire) Field Ambulance, RAMC. Joined 55th West Lancashire Division at the outbreak of war, training in the Coventry area and probably time with the 57th 2nd West Lancashire Division, spending time training in Canterbury, Kent.
They are listed in October 1915 as joining The 29th Division, who were by this time already fighting in Gallipoli. The joining date may be listed wrong or the transfer may not have been registered until October 1915. I have found a man serving with the 87th who was killed in August 1915 at Gallipoli, from this I would assume that the 87th were already with the 29th Division and probably left with them from the Uk. The 29th Division had sailed from Avonmouth, Bristol in March 1915, stopping off at Malta before going on to Alexandria in Egypt. On 7th April 1915 they sailed for for the Greek island of Lemnos, docking in the port of Mudros, from here they sailed for Gallipoli, Turkey, landing at Cape Helles on 25th April 1915.
Gallipoli was a disaster, the casualties were huge, the Turks held strong throughout the year and by November 1915 the Allies were mounting an evacuation of their troops, the last men left on 9th January 1916. Such was the loss at Gallipoli that The Australian's and New Zealanders commemorate ANZAC Day on 25th April each year, the date of the Gallipoli landings.
Details about The Battle of Gallipoli http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/gallipoli.htm
They are listed in October 1915 as joining The 29th Division, who were by this time already fighting in Gallipoli. The joining date may be listed wrong or the transfer may not have been registered until October 1915. I have found a man serving with the 87th who was killed in August 1915 at Gallipoli, from this I would assume that the 87th were already with the 29th Division and probably left with them from the Uk. The 29th Division had sailed from Avonmouth, Bristol in March 1915, stopping off at Malta before going on to Alexandria in Egypt. On 7th April 1915 they sailed for for the Greek island of Lemnos, docking in the port of Mudros, from here they sailed for Gallipoli, Turkey, landing at Cape Helles on 25th April 1915.
Gallipoli was a disaster, the casualties were huge, the Turks held strong throughout the year and by November 1915 the Allies were mounting an evacuation of their troops, the last men left on 9th January 1916. Such was the loss at Gallipoli that The Australian's and New Zealanders commemorate ANZAC Day on 25th April each year, the date of the Gallipoli landings.
Details about The Battle of Gallipoli http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/gallipoli.htm
A ww1 photograph taken by Carbonara of Liverpool, showing B section, 1st West Lancashire's RAMC. Could any of these men have been from the Wellington Road HQ.
The courtyard and entrance. Notice in the photo below how the arch has been bricked up.
The 29th were evacuated from Gallipoli between 7th-8th January 1916, sailing for Egypt. On 25th February 1916 they were given orders to proceed to France, saling in March to marseilles, before going on to Pont Remy in readiness for The Battle of the Somme. On 1st Ju;y 1916 they took part in The Battle of Albert, then on 1st October in The Battle of the Transloy Ridges until The Somme Battle camw to a halt in November 1916.
9th April 1917 saw them at Arras, France, during The First Battle of the Scarpe, on 23rd April The Second Battle of the Scarpe, and on 3rd May The third Battle of the Scarpe. They then moved into Belgium for the Third Battle of Ypres, Passchendaele, taking part in The Battle of Langemarck on 16th August, The Battle of Broodseinde 4th October and The Battle of Poelcapelle 9th October, before the heavy rain brought the Flanders mud and brought Passchendaele to a close in November 1917.
1918 saw the in action during The Battle of Lys. on 7th April they took part in The Battle of Estaires, The Battle of Messines on 10th April, The Battle of Hazebrouck 12th April and on 13th April The Battle of Bailleul. Then began The Final Advance as The German Army began to be pushed back into retreat, the war was nearing its end, but the fighting was still not over. 18th August saw them involved in The Action of Outtersteene Ridge, then The capture of Ploegsteert and Hill 63 on 1st October and on 14th October The Battle of Courtrai.
After the Armistace they were sent into Germany to occupy the Rhine bridgehead, crossing the German border at Malmedy during 4th December 1918, by the 9th of that month they were in Cologne. They pressed on and crossed The Rhine using the Honhenzollern Bridge on the 13th December, then demobilisation started.
The old Drill Hall/Hanger at Wellington Road. It has been refurbished by the Frontline church, it is huge.
The 87th's of course were medics who accompanied the Division and treated the wounded in battle. During battle they set up Regimental Aid Posts just behind their front lines, here they placed a Medical Officer who would give basic first aid to wounded men coming in off the battle field. Orderlies and Stretcher-bearerswould take any man not able to walk himself to the Advanced Dressing Station, normally tents a set back a little from the Regimental Aid Posts, but sometimes, if lucky, in a building.
The medics job was to patch up a man and get him back into the action, if this was not possible then to move him onto a Casualty Clearing Station by horse-drawn or motor ambulance, from there he could be treated and moved to a hospital. The medics would go out at night to bring in wounded men, some would collect dog tags from the dead for identification, most of their duties were done under the threat of machine gun fire, shell fire and snipers.
Sometimes at night while out in no mans land they would come across the enemies Medics doing the same job, in most cases they left each other to carry on. The Medics from both sides would often bring in the oppositions injured soldiers for treatment. They may have worked with basic first aid kits, but their is no doubt that the death toll would have much higher without them.
The medics job was to patch up a man and get him back into the action, if this was not possible then to move him onto a Casualty Clearing Station by horse-drawn or motor ambulance, from there he could be treated and moved to a hospital. The medics would go out at night to bring in wounded men, some would collect dog tags from the dead for identification, most of their duties were done under the threat of machine gun fire, shell fire and snipers.
Sometimes at night while out in no mans land they would come across the enemies Medics doing the same job, in most cases they left each other to carry on. The Medics from both sides would often bring in the oppositions injured soldiers for treatment. They may have worked with basic first aid kits, but their is no doubt that the death toll would have much higher without them.
When the church took over the building in Wellington Road they restored its inside, changing the layout to include classrooms, advice rooms etc, so the inside ended up looking very different to when it was a TA centre. This room on the first floor remains in the same shape it always has been, notice the three windows and the blocked up window. The photo below is looking at this room from outside, you can see the three windows and the five that have been blocked up.
In the same room as above is this hatch, behind it is a small storeroom. It may have been were the Quartermaster issued supplies.
In 1923, 17 year old Edward Pritchard joined the 87th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery ( TA ) at Wellington Road, signing up as a Band Boy. He is pictured above holding the Trombone that he played in the band.
You can read Edward's story in the Surnames A-Z on this website. Link to page below
http://liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/surnames-o-r.html
His story includes details of the diary that he kept during WW2 and was submitted to this website by his son Thomas Edward Pritchard
http://liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/surnames-o-r.html
His story includes details of the diary that he kept during WW2 and was submitted to this website by his son Thomas Edward Pritchard
The 87th Field Regiment band in 1939, Edward is 3rd from the right 2nd row.
At the start of WW2 Edward and the 87th ( Now Royal Artillery ) were called up for duty, first going to a training camp at Delamere before being sent to guard the coast at Suffolk in case of a German invasion. The next year saw them moving to a number of areas around the UK before they received orders for overseas service, sailing out of the Clyde on 12th December 1941 aboard the troopship HMT ATHLONE CASTLE, stopping at Freetown, Sierra Leone and Durban before arriving in Bombay, India.
After 5 days in Bombay they sailed on the ship HINDRAPOERA for Iraq, arriving in Basrah, here they found themselves under attack from the local people who were intent at stopping them reaching their comrades and taking up the fight against the Iraqian Army. Fixing Bayonets and pushing back crowds who were weilding knives and swords, firing shots into the air and seeing a number of locals killed, this was the introduction that met the territorials of the 87th as they fought their way to lorries to be moved inland.
They faced other problems such as the soaring heat, the flies that came with it bringing dysentery and malaria, and had their conscience tested by orders they received to act against the local people. Often when they made camp and ate they would be surrounded by Men, Women and Children looking for food, Starving people who were causing no trouble, just victims of war. They were not allowed to give them food and had to move the people away, if need be by force. They had to bury the swill from their own meals in order to keep the flies away, often the would witness people clawing at the soil trying to get to the leftovers, again they had to move them on. It must have effected them witnessing this.
The 87th moved to Persia ( now called Iran ) were they faced the Kurdsish fighters, and had a battalion of the Gurkha regiment serving alongside themselves. They are known to have been at a place named Kirmasha and to have served up in the snow of the mountains as well as the heat at ground level. They 87th spent the remaining period of WW2 serving in Iraq, Iran and Palestine.
After 5 days in Bombay they sailed on the ship HINDRAPOERA for Iraq, arriving in Basrah, here they found themselves under attack from the local people who were intent at stopping them reaching their comrades and taking up the fight against the Iraqian Army. Fixing Bayonets and pushing back crowds who were weilding knives and swords, firing shots into the air and seeing a number of locals killed, this was the introduction that met the territorials of the 87th as they fought their way to lorries to be moved inland.
They faced other problems such as the soaring heat, the flies that came with it bringing dysentery and malaria, and had their conscience tested by orders they received to act against the local people. Often when they made camp and ate they would be surrounded by Men, Women and Children looking for food, Starving people who were causing no trouble, just victims of war. They were not allowed to give them food and had to move the people away, if need be by force. They had to bury the swill from their own meals in order to keep the flies away, often the would witness people clawing at the soil trying to get to the leftovers, again they had to move them on. It must have effected them witnessing this.
The 87th moved to Persia ( now called Iran ) were they faced the Kurdsish fighters, and had a battalion of the Gurkha regiment serving alongside themselves. They are known to have been at a place named Kirmasha and to have served up in the snow of the mountains as well as the heat at ground level. They 87th spent the remaining period of WW2 serving in Iraq, Iran and Palestine.
Norman Gee served his National service between 1950-1952 before joining the Territorial Army in Liverpool where he served with The RAMC/TA unit 165th (western) Casualty Clearing Station based in Rathbone Road, Old Swan. In 1954 they moved HQ from Rathbone Road into the Wellington Road building, Norman recalls being present at a ceremony to rename the building after double Victoria Cross recipient Captain Noel Chavasse, who himself had been a Army medic.
The photo above shows Norman and his unit marching along Lawrence Road and past their Wellington Road HQ on the day of the Noel Chavasse renaming ceremony Norman can be seen marching directly behind the Sergeant wearing the medals. We have Norman's wife Dot to thank for this wonderful photo.
The photo above shows Norman and his unit marching along Lawrence Road and past their Wellington Road HQ on the day of the Noel Chavasse renaming ceremony Norman can be seen marching directly behind the Sergeant wearing the medals. We have Norman's wife Dot to thank for this wonderful photo.
The members of the 165th's Sergeant's Mess at Shorncliffe camp 1954. Norman can be seen standing third in from the right of photo. Norman stayed with his TA unit until 1956, he moved to New Zealand in 1963 and lost contact with his former comrades, but he has happy memories of the time he spent with them.
Rathbone Road, Old Swan, Drill Hall.
A map of how Rathbone Road looks today, highlighted is the old Drill Hall and the Ratbone Pub, both now demolished. The Drill Hall was accessed by a road to the right of the pub. The RAMC/TA unit 165th (western) Casualty Clearing Station was based here in the early 1950's. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the map.
Road Range, the white vans are where the Rathbone pub once stood, the Drill Hall was just behind it, access was to the right of the white vans.
Looking from the other side. You can see the opening in the pavement that once led up to the Drill Hall.
Mason Street/Highgate Street, Edge Hill, TA Centre.
What remains of the house of Joseph Williamson, The Mole of Edge Hill. Joseph was an eccentric businessman, property owner, and a philanthropist who moved into this house in Mason Street in 1805. He is best known for the tunnels that he built underneath Edge Hill, believed to be built to keep men in work and out of poverty, they consist of underground halls and brick-arched tunnels. This house and the area around it became a Military Volunteer HQ, housing numerous units. Across the road from this building was another military building that housed a Volunteer Drill Hall, Parade Ground and Armoury, it backed onto Highgate street where another Volunteer Drill Hall stood at number 22, sharing the Parade Ground. This part of the house has survived due to its connection with Joseph Williamson, it stands not only as a reminder to him but also to the many servicemen who attended here over many years.
Looking from both angles at the house and area around it.
Looking along Mason street towards Williamson's house. You will see a map shortly that will show you a number of Volunteer HQ's within this area, it was like a mini Volunteer Garrison around here. In the early 1900's soldiers from the West Lancashire's explored Williamson's tunnels under their HQ and made rough maps.
Watercolour by H. Magennis that shows the HQ for the 2nd Lancashire Artillery Volunteers, dated 1888. Part of Joseph Williamson's house can just be seen to the left of the painting, sadly not the part that is left today. The photo below is how it looks now.
In 1873 The 12th Lancashire Artillery Volunteer Corps had their headquarters at 28-32 Mason Street, Edge Hill, Liverpool. They would meet weekly so their members would have lived in the nearby area. The 17th Lancashire Artillery V C were next to them at 34-36 Mason street, and the 4th Lancashire Artillery V C were at number 52.
The 1881 Kelly's Directory list at 44 Mason Street, Lancashire 1st Engineer Volunteers, Sergt-Major Donald Sutherland, Michael Clarendon, Storekeeper.
1881 Kelly's Directory
An 1891 map shows Williamson's house labelled 'Volunteer HQ' a parade yard, modelling shed and ground for Military Engineering are also identified. We believe that the military bought the building in the painting above between 1891 and 1905, then demolished it and built a new Drill Hall in its place. On a 1905 map a new Drill Hall is shown on the site of the houses in the above painting.
1891 Map showing the Military buildings on Mason Street. The house in the painting above is marked with a circular dots to the left of the street. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the maps shown here, and for information on the area. The photo below is Mason Street. If you look at the above map you can see the Military property highlighted on the right hand side of Mason Street, You can see a small entrance on the map leading into the parade ground, that entrance is the gated archway in the photo below. This is the building that contained two Volunteer Drill Halls, Parade Ground and Armoury, and backed onto Highgate Street. You can also see the boarded up gaps that led to the court houses, these are also visible on the above map.
1905 map with the Military buildings on Mason street highlighted. You can see that the building in the painting have now been demolished and replaced with a drill hall. Also note on both maps that the volunteer HQ to the right of Mason street backs onto Highgate street. A HQ is listed at 22 Highgate Street and I would assume that it was here.
Looking up Mason Street, top left of photo is the long wall of the barracks.
Just before WW1 began The Western Wireless Signal Company were based at 38 Mason Street. In 1916 The 1st West Lancashire Field Brigade was formed, with all five of its Batteries based in Mason Street. In 1923 The HQ of The 55th (West Lancashire) Divisional Signals was based here, they moved into the new Drill Hall ( Signal House ) in Score Lane, Childwall in 1937.
Listed between 1930 to 1938 at 38 Mason Street where The 235th Field Artillery Signal Section, Royal Corps of Signals and The 210th Medium Artillery Signal Section, Royal Corps of Signals. 55th (West Lancashire) Divisional Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. HQ was based here along with The 3 (West Lancashire) Company, lines of Communication Signals, Royal Corps of Signals. HQ.
The 1930's also list the following as based at 38 Mason Street. The 87th (1st West Lancashire) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery (H.Q), 345th (1st West Lancashire), 346th (2nd West Lancashire), 347th (3rd West Lancashire) & 348th (25th West Lancashire) Field Batteries, Royal Artillery. In May 1939, this regiment formed a duplicate regiment called the 136th Field Regiment, with the 347th and 348th Batteries transferring to this new regiment, both of these regiments remained based in Mason Street. The 136th Field Regiment were sent to India, arriving in March 1943. They joined up with the 7th Indian Infantry Division, and fought during the Burma campaigns of 1944 and 1945. A number of regiments stopped off at Mason Street during WW2, one of them was The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
The 1930's also list the following as based at 38 Mason Street. The 87th (1st West Lancashire) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery (H.Q), 345th (1st West Lancashire), 346th (2nd West Lancashire), 347th (3rd West Lancashire) & 348th (25th West Lancashire) Field Batteries, Royal Artillery. In May 1939, this regiment formed a duplicate regiment called the 136th Field Regiment, with the 347th and 348th Batteries transferring to this new regiment, both of these regiments remained based in Mason Street. The 136th Field Regiment were sent to India, arriving in March 1943. They joined up with the 7th Indian Infantry Division, and fought during the Burma campaigns of 1944 and 1945. A number of regiments stopped off at Mason Street during WW2, one of them was The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
At first glance you think nothing remains anymore, its all long gone, but as you can see from the photos some tell tale signs of its history still remain.
This end wall of the HQ building still remains.
Looking through Joseph Williamson's house towards where the parade ground stood.
Original perimeter wall of the Barracks running from Mason Street down to Albert Street. Notice to the left of photo a repaired area with larger blocks, this was a stairway that led up to the parade ground. At the bottom is the area in the photo below, once a school playground, but also the area used by the Engineers. Notice the height of the wall to the left of photo, its the original wall and the HQ and parade ground are above it, such is the incline here.
Taken in Highgate Street, looking at where number 22 once stood. These flats now occupy that land right back to mason street where the two Volunteer Drill Halls, Parade Ground and Armoury once stood.
Church Style House, Prince Alfred Road, Wavertree.
Church Style House 1920's, Centre of photo in the Wavertree's Mystery Park, off Prince Alfred Road Once used for a short time by TheHussars Yeomanry TF.
Low Hill/Harper Street, TA Centre.
This map of Harper Street in Edge Hill shows a large volunteer HQ highlighted. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the map. Between 1930 and 1938, The 539th and 557th companies of the Royal Army Service Corps were based here.
Low Hill seen above. Part of the Military HQ building and wall can be seen at the end of the row. Photo courtesy of Liverpool Records Office, Thanks to Ged Fagan for finding it.
A screen shot from Street View that shows where the HQ building stood on the grassed area to the right of picture after the Bridewell ( seen Centre ) Liverpool Royal Hospital is left of picture.
St Mary's School, Kinglake Street, Edge Hill, Drill Hall.
The map shows St Mary's school highlighted. At one time it was used as a Drill Hall, probably in the School hall. It may have been a by a section of a Scottish Regiment? Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the map.
St Mary's School on Kinglake Street, Edge Hill. The school and hall can be see towards the top left of the photo. The picture below shows the school on the right ( looks like a church ) This photo was taken from Wavertree Road. Photographs courtesy of Liverpool Records Office, with thanks to Mary Collins for finding them.
Looking over Wavertree Road towards where St Mary's School stood on Kinglake Street. The newer housing is on the site of the old school and hall. The row of buildings to the left ( on Wavertree Road ) are the same row in the old photo above.
Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, TA Centre.
Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, TA Centre. I an still unsure who served here, but WW2 has a listing for a 2nd line of Territorial, Royal Artillery as being based here. The centre closed in the mid 1960's. Thanks to Martin Jones for the map.
An old photo of Rose Lane showing the TA Centre to the right hand side.
Windsor Barracks, Spekeland Street, Edge Hill.
A 1905 map showing Windsor Barracks on Spekeland Street, between Overbury Street and Chatsworth Street. In 1881 The 2nd Lancashire Artillery Volunteers are listed at Windsor Barracks, Spekeland Street. In 1908 the corps became part of the 1st West Lancashire Brigade RFA of the newly formed Territorial Force. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the map.
Spekeland Street is no longer standing. This is Angela street that ran next to Spekeland street, to the left of photo by the two cars once stood the Drill Hall. Below is Sirdar Close off Angela Street, at the rear of it is the old Railway wall, from the map above this tells us that this close runs straight through where the Drill Hall stood.
In 1914 The 1st West Lancs Brigade RFA are listed still as being at Windsor Barracks. As war broke out they recruited and formed a second line, so the two lines became 1st/1st , 2nd/1st. In 1916 all units were renamed with 1/1 becoming 275th Brigade RFA (TF) and 2/1 the 285th Brigade RFA (TF)
On 7th August 1915 Officers and men from the 1st West Lancs Brigade spent an afternoon at Betteshanger Park in Kent playing sports. So we can assume that they were in Kent training for war. They served on the Western Front during WW1.
Admiral Street, Toxteth, Drill Hall.
The local directories for 1908 gives a listing for the HQ and one battery of The 3rd West Lancashire Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, TF at Admiral Street in Liverpool. In 1912 The 12th Lancashire Battery is listed here. The 13th Battery were based in Earp Street in Garston. In 1916 the Army renumbered the unit as 277th Brigade.
1905 Map showing the Drill Hall standing on the corner of Admiral Street and High Park Street. Next to it is the church and school of St Silas, Ringo Starr and Billy Fury were former pupils here. The church and old school buildings have now gone, though St Silas school survives in a new building on the site, its playground covers the site that the drill hall stood on. The 1938 Kellys Directory list the Drill Hall as a mission hall, so it was no longer used for military purposes by then. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the map shown here.
The Drill Hall stood on the corner. It is now St Silas School playground.
The artillery mostly trained in Kent, and The 3rd West Lancs Brigade RFA were based near Canterbury after war broke out in 1914. They were attached to the 2nd Canadian Division and crossed to France on 30th Sept/1st Oct 1915, staying in support of that division until the West Lancs Division was reformed with most of its original units, and numbered 55th, early in 1916. The 3rd West Lancs Brigade RFA was renumbered as 277th Brigade RFA, during 1916. In January 1917 it left the 55th Division and was redesignated as an Army Brigade, which left them to be attached to various Corps on different sectors of the front as needed. By then there was a big change in the use of artillery, with huge concentrations at key points and actions.
In March 1918, The 277th Army Brigade, Royal Field Artillery were supporting 16 (Irish) Division in the area of Ronssoy, France. On 4th April they were fighting at Le Hamel. 21st May 1918 saw them providing fire support for The The 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment who were attacking at Tilloy near Arras. They also supported them on 28th May when they attacking the same area. They stayed in the area of Arras until the allies pushed home the Final offensive on 8th August 1918.
With thanks to Richard Daglish for his help with the above information.
In March 1918, The 277th Army Brigade, Royal Field Artillery were supporting 16 (Irish) Division in the area of Ronssoy, France. On 4th April they were fighting at Le Hamel. 21st May 1918 saw them providing fire support for The The 8th Battalion Middlesex Regiment who were attacking at Tilloy near Arras. They also supported them on 28th May when they attacking the same area. They stayed in the area of Arras until the allies pushed home the Final offensive on 8th August 1918.
With thanks to Richard Daglish for his help with the above information.
1 Earp Street, Garston, Drill Hall.
In 1908 The 13th Battery of The 3rd West Lancashire Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, TF, was based at 1, Earp Street, Garston. A 1913 record shows that the Battery was commanded by Major H.J. Decker, with other personnel listed as Major J.C.M. Williams, Sergeant-Majors W. Taylor and F.F. Tuersley, the latter described as Drill Instructor.The 12th Battery was based at Admiral Street in Toxteth.
Their history is the same as that listed above for the 12th Battery at Admiral Street. After the Armistice, the battery at Garston was disbanded and the TA/TF never returned to Garston. A memorial plaque in the Garston British Legion Club remembers the members of the 13th Battery who gave their lives during WW1.
Their history is the same as that listed above for the 12th Battery at Admiral Street. After the Armistice, the battery at Garston was disbanded and the TA/TF never returned to Garston. A memorial plaque in the Garston British Legion Club remembers the members of the 13th Battery who gave their lives during WW1.
The new housing was the site of the former Drill Hall, it was occupied by the Graham's Cartons business until its demolition. Earp street runs to the right of the photo ( taken in 2007 ) Photograph courtesy of Kev Keegan at Yo Liverpool.
Tramway Road, Aigburth, Royal Engineers.
The Royal Engineers were based here in 1922, they were believed to be using old Tram sheds. In July 1937 The 254th (West Lancashire) Field Company, Royal Engineers and their HQ moved to Tramway Road.
Norman Gee, himself a former RAMC/TA man, informs us that the TA Hall was on the left of Tramway Road, not far down from the main road (Aigburth Road) the Rivoli Cinema was on the right hand corner. He recalls it was not a very big hall.
Norman Gee, himself a former RAMC/TA man, informs us that the TA Hall was on the left of Tramway Road, not far down from the main road (Aigburth Road) the Rivoli Cinema was on the right hand corner. He recalls it was not a very big hall.
The 1908 map above shows no sign of a Drill Hall. It does show a large shed at the bottom of Tramway Road, this shed was used by the Royal Engineers, behind it is the Corporation Engineering Works, this area would have also been used by the Royal Engineers. Today The 208 (3rd West Lancashire) Battery 103, Royal Artillery, TA Centre stands on the ground to the right of the corporation engineering works, going straight up to Aigburth Road. Tramway Road was so named because a shed for building train bodies and stables were erected there following an extension of the tramway to Aigburth Vale.
1893 map showing the large shed at the bottom of Tramway Road as a Carriage Works. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the maps shown here.
This doorway above can be seen to the left of the photo below. This is looking down Tramway Road from Aigburth Road. The wall to the left is original and as Norman Gee has told us that the TA Hall was not that far down the road this may be its old doorway? Just after it are two more openings with cobbled roads, these may also have been the entrance to the TA Hall.
The two other entrances on Tramway Road.
This opening at the bottom of Tramway Road is where the large shed in the 1908 map stood. You are looking through onto the ground that was once occupied by the Royal Engineers.
In 1938 The Lancashire Fortress, Royal Engineers, TA Unit was based here. Wekkend camps for the unit where at Altcar Rifle Range or at the batteries at Crosby or Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton. Annual camps were at Tynemouth near Newcastle or in Northern Ireland.
The Engineers Unit ran and maintained the engines that provided power for the search lights that scanned the River Mersey. At the outbreak of war in September 1939 the TA members were called up and had to report to Tramway Road where they bedded down for the night. The following morning they formed three groups that went to different locations, one at Crosby, One at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton and one to Barrow in Furness.
The unit based at Fort Perch Rock at first dug the the Air Raid shelter that stood in the park on the promenade, they would be on duty at night at the Battery and sleep in the daytime. They were put up at the Empress Ballroom on Victoria Road. While still in the early days of the war the Ta Unit was able to form a football team and played a number of games at New Brighton Football Ground.
As the war took hold the Royal Artillery took over running the Batteries and the Lancashire Fortress TA Unit was disbanded. They regrouped and were merged into The 580th Army Troop, Engineers Company, and maintained defences along the East coast of England. They also had the tough job of clearing up after enemy bombing raids, this of course included the removal of bodies.
In 1938 The Lancashire Fortress, Royal Engineers, TA Unit was based here. Wekkend camps for the unit where at Altcar Rifle Range or at the batteries at Crosby or Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton. Annual camps were at Tynemouth near Newcastle or in Northern Ireland.
The Engineers Unit ran and maintained the engines that provided power for the search lights that scanned the River Mersey. At the outbreak of war in September 1939 the TA members were called up and had to report to Tramway Road where they bedded down for the night. The following morning they formed three groups that went to different locations, one at Crosby, One at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton and one to Barrow in Furness.
The unit based at Fort Perch Rock at first dug the the Air Raid shelter that stood in the park on the promenade, they would be on duty at night at the Battery and sleep in the daytime. They were put up at the Empress Ballroom on Victoria Road. While still in the early days of the war the Ta Unit was able to form a football team and played a number of games at New Brighton Football Ground.
As the war took hold the Royal Artillery took over running the Batteries and the Lancashire Fortress TA Unit was disbanded. They regrouped and were merged into The 580th Army Troop, Engineers Company, and maintained defences along the East coast of England. They also had the tough job of clearing up after enemy bombing raids, this of course included the removal of bodies.
Aigburth Road, 208 Battery, 103 Royal Artillery, TA.
Standing just along from Tramway Road is The 208 (3rd West Lancashire) Battery 103, Royal Artillery, TA Centre, Aigburth Road, Liverpool. They can trace their history back to The 6th ( Rifles ) and 8th ( Irish ) King's Liverpool Regiments. When Brigadier Philip Toosey passed away in 1975 the barracks was named in his honour.
Brigadier Philip Toosey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Toosey
Brigadier Philip Toosey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Toosey
Hangers at the Territorial Base.
Tournament Hall, Edge Lane.
Tournament hall stood on Edge Lane. It is believed to have been used at times for Military displays and exhibitions.
This 1905 map shows Tournament Hall standing on Edge Lane just opposite Laurel Road. Thank you to Daz from My Liverpool for the map.
Chavasse House, Childwall Valley Road/Sarum Road, 208 Field Hospital TA.
I remember this place from when I was a young lad, It was home to cadets of The Royal Signals back then.
This photo shows the old entrance to the base when The Royal Signals were here. To the right of the roadway in stood a house that was probaly used by a caretaker, two large semi-circled hangers stood in the grounds along with a hut for the cadets. As kids we would explore in here, the bottom hanger was easy to get into as the large doors were loose, letting us go in on rainy days. Funny enough it was full of old window frames.
Mersey Defences.
Crosby Battery
The Battery at Crosby was built upon the sand dunes at Crosby Point between March 1906 and October 1907. It had three gun emplacements that stood 40 yards apart from each other, ammunition was kept below the gun positions. Set back behind the guns were three buildings, two of these were used as barracks, with the third being accommodation for married men. Around the Battery was an Observation Post, Signal station, Officers hut, Caretaker's accommodation, Bath House, Work shop and the Engine Room, coastal searchlights where later added. The battery was reduced to a care and maintenance role in 1944, it was then used for practice. It was disarmed and dismantled before being handed over to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
The following three photographs are coortesy of and copyright of The Imperial War Museum. They are by the war office official photographer Taylor ( Lt )
The following three photographs are coortesy of and copyright of The Imperial War Museum. They are by the war office official photographer Taylor ( Lt )
ATS girls and gun crews of 177 Heavy Battery rush to 'take post' at Fort Crosby near Liverpool, England. This training operation formed part of British preparations to repel the threatened German invasion of 1940. © IWM (H 2696)
A 4 inch gun of 177 Heavy Battery, Royal Artillery, being fired at Fort Crosby near Liverpool, England, 1 August 1940. This training operation formed part of British preparations to repel the threatened German invasion of 1940. © IWM (H 2692)
Gunners of 177 Heavy Battery, Royal Artillery, man an anti-aircraft Lewis gun at Fort Crosby near Liverpool, England, 1 August 1940. This operation formed part of British preparations to repel the threatened German invasion of 1940. © IWM (H 2695)
Seaforth Battery
Seaforth Battery was completed in November 1879 and was considered to be a formidable work of Iron and Granite. It housed four large gun emplacements and had Barracks to house the men of the Garrison who manned it. It stood about a mile on the opposite side of the River Mersey from Fort Perch Rock, they both formed a defensive line against any enemy shipping.
A review of the Mersey Coastal Defence in 1928 found that Seaforth Battery was no longer of any use, it was disarmed and dismantled. In 1929 the land was given to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board who demolished it all shortly afterwards.
A review of the Mersey Coastal Defence in 1928 found that Seaforth Battery was no longer of any use, it was disarmed and dismantled. In 1929 the land was given to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board who demolished it all shortly afterwards.
The following is a newspaper report about a volunteer serving at Seaforth Battery.
Liverpool Mercury, May 2nd 1888
Fatal Accident to a Liverpool Volunteer.
An inquest was held yesterday at Bootle Police court, before Mr S Brighouse, coroner of South West Lancashire, on the body of Henry Guy aged 33, a Labourer who lived at 3 Corwen Terrace, Coronation Street, Liverpool, and who was killed on Saturday last whilst on Gun practice in Seaforth Barracks. Superintendent Heydon watched the proceedings on behalf of the police, and Major Haid, 1st L.A.V appeared in the interest of the corps.
From the evidence it appeared that the deceased, who was a married man, had been connected with the 1st L.A.V, for about 15 years. On Saturday afternoon he was one of the detatchment practasing at N0 3 gun, under Sergeant Drill-instructor Frederick Clift, in Seaforth Battery. At the time the accident occurred he was N0 4 at the gun. The gun which was moved by means of a hydraulic pump, was about to be " Run Up " and the deceased, who had finished his duties in connection with the loading of it, should have been standing " at Attention " about two yards away. The instructor's attention was directed to N0 3, who was new at his work, and N0s 12 and 16, who were on the same side of the gun as the deceased, were engaged in such a position that they could see his motions very well. The gun in being run up, when it reaches a certain point, travels very fast, but on this occasion it travelled no faster than usual. Just as the gun was nearing the porthole, N0 14 M'Govern, saw the deceased standing before it. He called out to the detatchment to stop the gun, but it was too late. Almost at the instant the chase of the gun caught the deceased, who had turned half-round, and crushed him against the wall. From this position he was released by Sergeant Major James Caines, who hearing the cry of alarm, ran to the spot and " depressed " the gun. Several of the deceased's ribs were broken and he had received other injuries. He was carried to one of the barrack rooms, where he died before the arrival of a doctor. It could not be said what caused him to go to the porthole, but the hypothesis is that he went there to expectorate, spitting being strictly prohibited on the floor of the battery. He was about the only volunteer in the detatchment who was not a member of the accident fund. The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death " attaching no blame to no one.
Liverpool Mercury, May 4th 1888.
The sad death of a Liverpool Volunteer.
The funeral of the late Mr Henry Guy, who was accidentally killed whilst practising with his corps ( 1st L.A.V ) at the Seaforth Battery on the evening of Saturday last, took place at Everton Cemetery yesterday afternoon with full military honours. The cotege consisted of a gun carriage drawn by four horses, and under the charge of Sergeant Latto, on which the body was placed, the coffin being covered with the Union Jack, three mourning broughams and two private carriages. A crowd of about 2000 persons assebled in Coronation Street, where the deceased's late residence is situated, and Sergeant Forteath and a possse of police had some difficulty in making a passage. About 100 members of the 1st L.A.V, under the command of Major Haig, Captain Larmon, Captain Stevenson and Sergeant Major Sharpe, accompanied by the bands of the 2nd Brigade Liverpool District, and the 1st L.A.V, under the conductorship of Mr George Smith R.A, headed the procession, the band playing the " Dead March " in " Saul " in an impressive manner on the route to the cemetery. The coffin which was of polished oak, bore the inscription, " Henry Guy, Died 28th Aprill 1888, Aged 33 years " Mr John Leary carried out the funeral arrangements. The Rev Dr Hyde who officiated at the funeral ceremony, delivered an address at the close, after which a firing party, under Sergeant Major Sharpe, fired three volleys over the grave.
With thanks to Jane at The Old Mersey Times for finding this story. Visit Jane's website to read many more snippets of newspaper history.
Old Mersey Times http://www.old-merseytimes.co.uk/index.html
Fort Perch Rock
Work began on Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton in 1826, it was completed by 1829. As well as a defence fortress, a lighthouse was built next to it, locals named the fort ' The little Gibraltar of the Mersey '
Fort Perch Rock seen from the sands of New Brighton.
The fort was armed and positioned very well, ships had to pass through the Rock Channel and this put them in direct line of the fort and its guns. The guns had been positioned low enough to fire across water level, thus being more accurate. When first built the Fort had a draw bridge, and at high tide it was cut off from land, alterations later prevented this happening. It had accomodation for the men who served there.
Its guns were only fired twice in anger, both as warnings. Just hours after the start of WW1 a Norwegian ship had made its way into the channel and was signaled by Perch Rock to stop, its captain ignored the request and carried on moving. A warning shot was fired over the bow of the ship, but it still failed to stop, so a second shot was fired and this hit the bow, forcing the ship to stop. The captain was questioned and told how he thought the shot was a joke, and explained that he had no idea that the war had started.
The first shell that had been fired over the ships bow had landed on the sand dunes at Crosby, from where it was found and taken to the mess at the Seaforth Battery where it was put on display behind the bar with the message "A Present From New Brighton"
14 minutes after Britain declared that it was at war with Germany in 1939, a small fishing boat entered the Rock Channel and was ordered to stop as it was getting close to merchant ships. A warning shot was fired over the boats bow to show the seriousness of the gunners. It turned out that the boat was no threat and had been out at sea before the wartime regulations came into force that prevented small vessels getting too close to shipping. The boats owners were later ordered to pay the cost for the two shells that had been fired.
Its guns were only fired twice in anger, both as warnings. Just hours after the start of WW1 a Norwegian ship had made its way into the channel and was signaled by Perch Rock to stop, its captain ignored the request and carried on moving. A warning shot was fired over the bow of the ship, but it still failed to stop, so a second shot was fired and this hit the bow, forcing the ship to stop. The captain was questioned and told how he thought the shot was a joke, and explained that he had no idea that the war had started.
The first shell that had been fired over the ships bow had landed on the sand dunes at Crosby, from where it was found and taken to the mess at the Seaforth Battery where it was put on display behind the bar with the message "A Present From New Brighton"
14 minutes after Britain declared that it was at war with Germany in 1939, a small fishing boat entered the Rock Channel and was ordered to stop as it was getting close to merchant ships. A warning shot was fired over the boats bow to show the seriousness of the gunners. It turned out that the boat was no threat and had been out at sea before the wartime regulations came into force that prevented small vessels getting too close to shipping. The boats owners were later ordered to pay the cost for the two shells that had been fired.
During WW2 Fort Perch Rock had all its surface area painted green to make it look like grass with grey path leading across it. They even added writing on a floor area that would make it appear like tea rooms to enemy reconnaissance planes or bombers.
In 1951 during the Festival of Britain celebrations the fort guns were fired in celebration of the event, this turned out to be their last action, and three years later in 1954 they were removed. Since its closure Fort Perch Rock has been a nightclub, held concerts, shown exhibitions and entertained countless children playing on the sands who will have imagined clashes of Knights in armour and planes attacking from the sky as they played near the fort.
Today it is home to a number of museum exhibitions that include ' Luftwaffe over Merseyside ', ' Titanic and Lusitania ' including a replica of Titanic's wireless room, ' HMS Thetis ' The submarine that was sank during WW2, A Merchant Navy memory room, plus much more. It also holds craft fairs and on occasions concerts.
Perhaps its greatest attraction is the fort itself, still standing proud, a reminder of history.
In 1951 during the Festival of Britain celebrations the fort guns were fired in celebration of the event, this turned out to be their last action, and three years later in 1954 they were removed. Since its closure Fort Perch Rock has been a nightclub, held concerts, shown exhibitions and entertained countless children playing on the sands who will have imagined clashes of Knights in armour and planes attacking from the sky as they played near the fort.
Today it is home to a number of museum exhibitions that include ' Luftwaffe over Merseyside ', ' Titanic and Lusitania ' including a replica of Titanic's wireless room, ' HMS Thetis ' The submarine that was sank during WW2, A Merchant Navy memory room, plus much more. It also holds craft fairs and on occasions concerts.
Perhaps its greatest attraction is the fort itself, still standing proud, a reminder of history.
Fort Perch Rock http://www.fortperchrock.org/Fort_Perch_Rock/Home.html
Liscard Battery
Completed in 1858, Liscard Battery was manned by the 55th Royal Artillery. The Fort stood near the waters edge, set back enough to allow foilage to cover most of its walls. Shipping on the river would not notice the fort until they were in front of it, and within firing distance, this earned it the nickname of ' The snake in the grass '
It housed a lower battery that contained three guns, and a upper battery containing four more. Also to be found were a number of small barrack rooms, store rooms, cook house and a guard room that had two cells.
By 1887 houses had been built around the Battery and closing it down was considered, by 1894 it was disarmed and closed. Today housing covers the site of the Battery, but a lot of the walls remain incorporated into the houses gardens boarders etc. The entrance gate with its twin towers can still be seen.
It housed a lower battery that contained three guns, and a upper battery containing four more. Also to be found were a number of small barrack rooms, store rooms, cook house and a guard room that had two cells.
By 1887 houses had been built around the Battery and closing it down was considered, by 1894 it was disarmed and closed. Today housing covers the site of the Battery, but a lot of the walls remain incorporated into the houses gardens boarders etc. The entrance gate with its twin towers can still be seen.
Formby Decoy
The Formby Decoy site
Formby Decoy was agreed upon in 1940, built to fool the Luftwaffe into thinking there was something there that needed bombing, thus drawing the attack away from Liverpool and Bootle. It was one of 14 decoy sites set up to fool the enemy away from Liverpool by using false docks, buildings and railway lines. Explosive detonations and lit fires would give the enemy pilots the impression that this was a target under attack, hopefully fooling the pilots to drop their bombs onto the safe sand dunes or into the sea. A controlled lighting system could appear to be railway movement from the sky, again fooling the raiders into thinking this was a target.
Formby Decoy was agreed upon in 1940, built to fool the Luftwaffe into thinking there was something there that needed bombing, thus drawing the attack away from Liverpool and Bootle. It was one of 14 decoy sites set up to fool the enemy away from Liverpool by using false docks, buildings and railway lines. Explosive detonations and lit fires would give the enemy pilots the impression that this was a target under attack, hopefully fooling the pilots to drop their bombs onto the safe sand dunes or into the sea. A controlled lighting system could appear to be railway movement from the sky, again fooling the raiders into thinking this was a target.
Seen from the air, Formby Decoy is left of photo. It looks like a lot is down there, when in fact it is all fake and made to appear active and occupied. The tiny dots on the sand may be coastal defences to halt invaders. Altcar Rifle range is to the right of the photo.
An old bunker at Formby Decoy.
A number of Military places located around the city at one time or another are listed below. As yet I have not found any real information out about them, if anyone can help, please do.
Ballio Road Bootle.
Banks Road, Speke. Air Training Corps.
Bevington Bush, Vauxhall.
Birchfield Barracks.
Crossacres Woolton, wartime anti-aircraft HQ.
Everton Brow.
Grace Road, Aintree. Paratrooper TA post during WW2.
Haig Street, Everton.
Long Lane, Aintree.
Salisbury Street.
School St Garston. Royal Artillery volunteer unit in 1881 census.
Strand Road, Bootle.
Wellington Avenue, Wavertree.
