Tyneside Scottish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tyneside Scottish
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Motto(s)	Harder than Hammers
March	Highland Laddie
Battle honours	First World War * Somme 1916 * Albert 1916 * Arras 1917 * Scarpe 1917 * Alleux * St Quentin * Lys * Estaires Second World War * Defence of Rauray

The Tyneside Scottish is a special name given to different parts of the British Army since 1914. This name is an "honour title," which means it's a way to remember and respect the soldiers from the Tyneside area who served.

Over the years, different army groups have held this title. These include parts of the Northumberland Fusiliers, the Durham Light Infantry, the Black Watch, and the Royal Artillery. Today, the name Tyneside Scottish is used by the 204 (Tyneside Scottish) Battery Royal Artillery.

The Tyneside Scottish Story

Starting in World War I

The story of the Tyneside Scottish began during the First World War. At that time, many people joined the army. Groups of friends and neighbours often joined together. These groups were called "Pals Battalions."

A special committee was set up in Tyneside. They helped create four new army groups for the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. These groups were called the 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Battalions. Each one was also known as a "Tyneside Scottish" battalion.

These four battalions formed the 102nd (Tyneside Scottish) Brigade. This brigade was part of the 34th Division. They also formed reserve groups to train new soldiers.

Their first big fight was at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. They faced many dangers and had a lot of casualties. After this, new soldiers joined them. They continued to fight in other important battles, like the Battle of Arras. The brigade was eventually disbanded in 1918 when the war ended.

World War II Adventures

In 1939, before World War II, the army grew bigger. A new group was formed, called the 12th (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion, the Durham Light Infantry. This group was given the Tyneside Scottish name.

In 1940, this battalion joined with a Scottish army group. It became the 1st Battalion Tyneside Scottish, part of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). They went to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. They were part of the famous Dunkirk evacuation, where many soldiers were rescued from France.

After returning home, they helped defend Britain. Later, in 1942, they joined the 49th (West Riding) Division and were sent to Iceland. They came back to England before the Normandy landings in 1944. During the fighting in Normandy, they took part in Operation Martlet. They earned a special honour called "Defence of Rauray" for their bravery. After these battles, the battalion became much smaller and was eventually put on hold.

After the Wars

In 1947, after World War II, the army was reorganized. The Tyneside Scottish name was then given to a part of the Royal Artillery.

First, it was used by the 670th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Then, in 1955, it moved to a smaller group called a Battery. This Battery was part of the 439th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment and was based in Tynemouth.

In 1967, several regiments joined together to form the 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery. The Tyneside Scottish name was kept. Finally, in 1974, the title was officially adopted by 204 (Tyneside Scottish) Battery Royal Artillery. This battery is still part of the 101st (Northumbrian) Regiment Royal Artillery today.

Tyneside Scottish Memorials

There is a special memorial for the Tyneside Scottish Brigade. It is located at La Boiselle in Somme, France. This is where the brigade had many casualties on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

The memorial is shaped like a seat. It also remembers the soldiers from the Tyneside Irish who also suffered losses there. A famous French military leader, Marshal Foch, unveiled the memorial in 1920.