In brushing up for my forthcoming tour of Flanders 1917, I've learned a bit more about a newer monument that I've neglected on past visits, this Scottish monument on Frezenberg Ridge between Ypres and Passchendaele.
Between 31 July and 10 November 1917, all three Scottish Divisions were on the Western Front. The 9th and 15th Scottish Division and the 51st Highland Division were engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres—better known today as Passchendaele. In addition, many Highland and Lowland battalions served in mixed British divisions.
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| The Fallen of a Kilted Regiment |
The Scottish Memorial in Flanders was dedicated in August 2007 to commemorate the soldiers of the 9th and 15th (Scottish) Divisions who died at the Battle of Passchendaele. It is located on the Frezenberg Ridge on the site of that battlefield close to the village of Zonnebeke. For the centenary of the battle, the organizers are extending the Memorial Park by creating larger-than-life steel silhouettes in the form of marching Scottish soldiers from Highland and Lowland regiments.
Sources: The Falkirk Herald, Visit Flanders
There was a fourth Scottish division-the 52nd Lowland division. It fought at Gallipoli and Palestine. It came to the western front in March 1918.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this monument multiple times as you said but didn't know about its historical background. Thanks for the information you have provided.
ReplyDeleteI was honoured by being included in the unveiling of the bronze memorial plaque at the opening ceremony of the Monument in August 2007 as I was the highest single fund raiser. I was presented with a lead piper made from shrapnel balls which I will treasure in memory of my grandfather James Lyall 2ND.Bn.Scots Guards who was killed crossing the Yser canal at BoesingHe on 25th. July 1917 He is buried in Duhallow cemetery .I will be visiting him this coming week. July 7 - 12th. He lost his bro. John who is commemorated on the Menin gate. Sadly I did not know about the recent ceremony or I would certainly have travelled over from Scotland. t.jenkins636@btinternet.com
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the monument was quite simple, there was no existing Scottish memorial in Flanders fields. the idea was taken on by someone who I regard as a friend called Erwin Ureel a Belgium ex Army officer.
ReplyDeleteMy email is - t.jenkins636@btinternet.com I have loads of info which I can give you in my files & photos.
ReplyDeleteThe celtic cross was of Korean marble made and transported from the north of Scotland. the blocks for the base came from German trenches.
ReplyDeleteThe Bronze plaque is written in Scottish and in Gaelic
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