Peter Mitchell

Killed in Action on the 09/05/1915 near Rue de Bois, Richebourg on the opening day of the Battle of Aubers

The Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 14/08/1914 and were part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division. Peter fell on the opening day of 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. The Battle : 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 Bassee 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. At 3.57pm : The leading companies of the 1st Battalion Black Watch, 1st Brigade, brought in to replace the shattered 2nd Brigade, went over the top despite the 1st Battalion Cameron Highlanders being late to arrive and moved at the double across No Man's Land. Some reached the German breastwork just as the bombardment lifted; most were however killed or captured in the German firing trench although a small party reached the second position. The two lead companies of the Camerons, coming up on the left of the Black Watch a few minutes later, suffered heavy machine-gun casualties in crossing between the front lines. 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. Worst infantry casualties in the Southern attack, by Battalion : 1st Battalion Northamptonshire 560, of which 17 Officers, 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex 551, of which 14 Officers, 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders 509, of which 21 Officers, 1st BATTALION BLACK WATCH 475, OF WHICH 14 OFFICERS. SEE PHOTOS x 11 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY FROM 1st MAY - 12th MAY 1915. Mile for mile, Division for Division, this was one of the highest rates of loss during the entire war. There is no Memorial to the attack at Aubers Ridge. Peter is listed as LANCE CORPORAL on the Coatbridge Memorial. He is also remembered on the Old Monkland Church Roll of Honour (see photos) and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for Peter's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Le Touret Memorial Panel List, his name on the Le Touret Memorial, Peter's Pension Records x 2 and the Black Watch Cap Badge.