Blood Bath of London Scots, by Pte Herbert de Hamel | 31 October - 1 November 1914 | Episode 47

The first London Territorial battalion to engage the enemy were the London Scottish, who came into action near Messines during the first battle of Ypres. They bore the brunt of the fiercest German attacks with the utmost gallantry. Surrounded on three sides they fought to the bitter end, losing 345 men but accounting for hundreds of Germans. The wonderful story of pluck and endurance which follows was written by a survivor who, though wounded, succeeded with his officer and eight other ranks in eluding capture. The London Scottish were warmly congratulated for their gallantry.

Herbert de Hamel, author of this brilliant account of the first action in which the London Scottish were engaged, reverted from the rank of sergeant to private so that he might be sent to France with the first battalion. He was severely wounded in this battle. He wrote the famous play "War Mates" in 1915.