Henry (Harry) McNulty

Killed in Action on the 21/05/1915 at the Battle of Festubert

The Battalion were August 1914 : in Ambala, India in August 1914 and were part of the 9th (Sirhind) Brigade, 3rd (Lahore) Division. They moved to France via Egypt, landing at Marseilles on the 01/12/1914 (some weeks after the other Brigades of the Division). Harry fell at the Battle of Festubert, 15th - 25th May 1915 : The Battle was in effect a second phase of the recently failed attack on Aubers Ridge. The strategic context and why this battle took place are explained on that page. Once again, the attack would take the form of a pincer attack with two assault frontages: a northern one along the Rue du Bois near Port Arthur and Richebourg l'Avoue, and a southern one at Festubert. First Army Operation Order, 13th May 1915 - "The general plan of the main attack will be as follows :- To continue pressing forward towards Violaines and Beau Puits, establish a defensive flank along the La Bassee road on the left and maintaining the right at Givenchy. The line to be established in the first instance if possible on the general line of the road Festubert - La Quinque Rue - La Tourelle crossroads - Port Arthur. The position to be consolidated and the troops reformed and communication established. While this line is being established, a general bombardment on the whole front will continue with a special bombardment of the next objectives, viz: Rue d’Ouvert ' Rue du Marais. When ready a fresh advance will be ordered on these objectives". Harry arrived in France on the 05/01/1915. Harry served through the Boer War (1899-1902) with the 4th Battalion Highland Light Infantry receiving the Queen and Kings Medal and 5 bars until he was discharged on the 28/12/1909 after enlisting at Hamilton on the 21/09/1897 aged 18. He volunteered when War broke out and went to France in January 1915. He fell 4 months later but his death was not confirmed until May 1916. Harry is listed as 2nd BATTALION on the Coatbridge Memorial. He is also remembered on the Whifflet United Free Church Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for Harry's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Attestation Papers x 3, his name on the Le Touret Memorial, his CWGC grave Registration, his name on the Le Touret Memorial Panel List, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his Pension Records x 2, Harry's Service Records x 16 and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge.