The map shows the area of operations of the 16th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry towards the close of the Battle of the Somme, 18 November 1916. The village of Beaumont-Hamel is shown in British hands. It had been taken by the HLI a few days earlier, having been an objective on the first day of the battle.
The attack is best remembered for the epic defence of the Frankfurt Trench, which had been stormed and taken by a party from "D" Company. Behind them, however, the Munich Trench was recaptured by German troops, leaving the Glasgow men surrounded. They fought off repeated attacks for eight days before they were finally overwhelmed.
The 16th received one DSO, two MCs, eleven DCMs and twenty-two MMs - the highest number of awards to any one battalion. Lance Corporal John Veitch and Sergeant George Lee, both recommended for the Victoria Cross, each received a posthumous mention in despatches.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 356.1 HIG
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
16th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, awards, Battle of the Somme, British Army, First World War, Frankfurt Trench, HLI, Munich Trench, Victoria Cross
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