Hamilton Park

The 2nd Battalion were in Ghorpuri Barracks, Poona, India in August 1914. On the 14/10/1914 they departed on troop ship "Saturnia", landing at Devonport on the 16th November. On the 20/12/1914 they arrived at Le Havre and were part of the 81st Brigade, 27th Division. Hamilton arrived in France on the 13/04/1915. Hamilton fell during the Battle of Frezenberg, 8th - 13th May : The Germans moved field artillery forward, placing three army corps opposite the 27th and 28th Divisions on the Frezenberg ridge. The German attack began on the 8th May with a bombardment of the 83rd Brigade in trenches on the forward slope of the ridge, but the first and second infantry assaults were repelled by the survivors. However, the third German assault of the morning pushed the defenders back. Although the neighbouring 80th Brigade repulsed the attack, the 84th Brigade was pushed back; this left a 2-mile gap in the line. The Germans were prevented from advancing further by Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)'s counter-attacks and a night move by the 10th Brigade. The PPCLI held the line at a steep cost; their 700-man force was reduced to 150, who were in no shape to fight. After this, their unofficial motto "Holding up the whole damn line" is still used today. This Battle was part of the Battles of Ypres (2nd Ypres), 22nd April - 25th May 1915 : Often known as the 2nd Battle of Ypres, this began with surprise German attack using poison gas against French North African forces holding defences near Ypres. Both sides rushed reserves in and the battle developed into the second epic in that area. British Second Army withdraws to a shorter line near Ypres. See photos for Hamilton's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, his Pension Record, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial and the Cameron Highlanders Cap Badge.