George Kelly

In August 1914 the Battalion were in Agra, India and were part of the Dehra Dun Brigade, 7th (Meerut) Division. On the 21/09/1914 they moved to France, landing at Marseilles on the 12/10/1914. George arrived in France on the 21/01/1915. The Battle of Aubers, 9th - 10th May 1915 : A disastrous attack that cost 11,000 British casualties for no material gain : it was a minor supporting operation to a much larger French attack in an action known as the Second Battle of Artois. British tactical plan : The Southern attack was to be made in easterly direction by the 1st and Meerut Divisions, on a 2400-yard front between Chocolat Menier Corner and Port Arthur (1st Division would have an attack frontage of 1600 yards; Meerut 800 yards), with the objective Rue du Marais – Lorgies – Ligny le Grand, incorporating La Cliqueterie (a heavily defended German strongpoint). The 2nd Division was moved up into reserve, from the La Bassée canal sector, leaving behind 4th (Guards) Brigade and receiving in exchange the 5th (London) Brigade of the London Division who moved to the canal in their place. On the 9th May - the Southern pincer : At 05.30 am in the area of the Indian Corps, the lead Battalions of the Dehra Dun Brigade of the Meerut Division (2/2nd Ghurkas, 1/4th and 1st Seaforth Highlanders) were so badly hit by enemy fire that no men got beyond their own parapet and the front-line and communications trenches were soon filled with dead and wounded men. British casualties in the Southern pincer on the 09/05/1915 - 1st Division : 3,968 of which 160 Officers, 7th (Meerut) Division : 2,629 of which 94 Officers, 47th (2nd London) Division : 79 of which 2 Officers, 2nd Division : 20 of which no Officers. The 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders casualties - 509, of which 21 Officers. George is also remembered on the St. John's Church Roll of Honour and the Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour plaque x 3 (see photos). See photos for George's Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Le Touret Memorial Panel List, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, George's Pension Records x 4, his name on the Le Touret Memorial and the Seaforth Highlanders Cap Badge. Finally, SEE PHOTOS x 14 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY 1st - 9th MAY 1915, PHOTOS x 2 FOR THE 7th (MEERUT) DIVISION ORDER OF BATTLE (the Division George was with when he fell) and a Newspaper clipping from the Coatbridge Express 21/07/1915.