The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

Monument to the 15th Scottish Division by the French 17th Division

" Here the Glorious Thistle of Scotland will flourish for ever amid the Roses of France"

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

Malcolm · Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Edinburgh

http://batmarn2.club.fr/15thdivi.htm

From General Gassoins to General Reed:

Mon General ... After relieving your division in the pursuit on the Vesle, I established my Headquarters at Buzancy. I found there the traces still fresh of the exploits of your Scottish soldiers, and the officers of my staff were able to see clearly what hard fighting you had to gain possession of the village and, above all, the park.

Wishing to leave on the spot some lasting tribute to the braver of your soldiers, I entrusted to one of my officers, Lieutenant Réné Puaux, the task of erecting there, with the material at hand, a small monument, emblematic of the homage and admiration of my Division for yours.

The monument has on it a medallion, on which are inscribed thistles and roses, and beneath the words -

HERE THE NOBLE THISTLE OF SCOTLAND WILL FLOURISH

FOR EVER AMONG THE ROSES OF FRANCE

and beneath -

17TH (FRENCH) DIVISION

TO

15TH (SCOTTISH) DIVISION

The monument was erected on the highest point of the plateau, where we found the body of the Scottish soldier who had advanced the farthest (on July 28th, 1918 - Buzancy).

The photograph of this monument has appeared in the last number of the journal "L'Illustration". I thought you would be glad to have a few copies of the photograph, which I send you herewith. They convey to you together with the memories I have kept of our short meeting at Vierzy, the expression of my esteem and my admiration for your valiant Division.

Will you please accept, my dear General, the expression of my sincere regards.

(Signed) C. Gassoins

Commanding 17th (French) Division.

The total casualties during the 15th Division's involvement in the Marne Battle were 3516.

DerekR · Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 9:25 am Post subject:

My thanks to Neil Mackenzie for the photo above.
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Time but th' impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.