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The 51st (Highland) Division in the Great War (Hardback)

Engine of Destruction

Colour Books Military > Regimental History WWI

By Colin Campbell
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 320
Illustrations: 32
ISBN: 9781526747037
Published: 6th December 2018

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So great was the reputation of Scottish combat troops in the trench warfare of World War I that an unnamed commentator told Haldane, author of the_History of the 4th Battalion, Seaforth _Highlanders that ‘the two most terrible engines of destruction ever made by man were the 51st and 15th Divisions, both Scottish. . .’

In this new evaluation timed to mark the centenary of the Great War (1914–18), Colin Campbell allows the experience of the elite 51st Division to speak for itself. He has researched battalion and brigade official war diaries and regimental and battalion histories and blends them with first-hand accounts and letters, many of which have never been published before.

It is said that German soldiers feared the 51st (Highland) Division more that any other British or Empire division.

Both detailed and touching, The 51st (Highland) Division in the Great War is an amazing book in tribute to the Scottish soldier.

"This book provides a very detailed narrative of the 51st (Highland) Division's experiences during the Great War, from the mobilization of the territorial 1st/1st Highland Division, renamed the 51st (Highland) in May 1915, through to its disbandment in March 1919."

Australian Army Journal

This book’s outstanding feature is that it explains some of the issues that researchers face when consulting primary sources such as unit and formation war diaries. It also explains the convention extant at the time that ‘blue-on-blue’ incidents were not to be mentioned.
The book will appeal to descendants of men who served in the Division, to members of units or affiliated units associated with the Division, and to readers interested in the conditions suffered by the soldiers on the Western Front.

John Hitchen, RUSI New South Wales, 2019

Like so many official, formation and regimental histories published shortly after the end of the conflict, they lack the accuracy, balance and true perspective which is rarely possible whilst those intimately involved are still with us. Therefore this is a refreshingly readable and balanced history which through extensive and sensitive use of extracts from letters and diaries really does give the reader a clear sense of the War through the eyes of those who served in the Division and earned for it such an enviable reputation for toughness and success on the battlefield. A welcome addition to any Great War library.

Military Historical Society

As featured on Argunners

Argunners, Christopher 'Moon' Mullins

This book is perfect for those interested in the lives of Scottish soldiers.

Scottish Field, May 2019

Notes, maps, and illustrations are plentiful, making this a worthwhile read for anyone with an interest in the 51st Division during the war.

Read the full review here

WW1 Geek

This is a really excellent new history of a key Western Front Division: well researched & written, good maps & a lot of unique content. An important new book about the British Army in the Great War.

Paul Reed via Twitter

This book is able to combine the micro story with the broader point of view. In fact often in the text are frequent testimonies (some highly enjoyable and representative of the way to deal with a terrible war) of soldiers and officers of the division.

Read the full Italian review here

Old Barbed Wire Blog

Included in the book are stunning sketches, clear uncluttered maps, artwork and photographs, each linking to the vast experience which the Division had on the Battlefield. One of my own favourite images is that of the 7th Gordons clearing Y-Ravine by Fred A. Farrell. Moreover, despite its hardback cover and quality design, it is a perfect size to fit in a suitcase if visiting the battlefields and following in the footsteps of this Division.

Jon Sandison, Freelance

The story of the 51st Division is well constructed and supported by good sources. Inevitably there is much detail about the attack at Beaumont Hamel in November 1916 but the author has also given due weight to the other actions from its re-numbering in May 1915 to its disbanding in March 1919. An excellent research tool but also an easily read narrative.
Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide.

Michael McCarthy
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