Mike Burns - Mud and bodies: the war diaries and letters of Captain N.A.C. Weir, 1914-1920

10th (Service) Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland

Highlanders

Special Order of the Day

Farewell Addresses on Disbandment of the 10th (Service) Battalion,

Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders after five years Active Service Catterick Camp, Yorkshire, 1 November 1919.

From HRH Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll

Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment
27 October 1919

Dear Colonel Sotheby,

I understand that the 10th Battalion of my Regiment which you have so ably commanded for the past three years, is about to be demobilized.

I much regret that I am unable to have the great pleasure of inspecting your Battalion before it is demobilized and therefore ask you to convey my sincere appreciation of their splendid services.

I have, as you are aware, always taken the greatest interest in the career of the Battalion since it was raised, and am fully cognisant and justly proud of its glorious record of service. It has always maintained during the War, and since the fighting ceased, the highest standard and traditions of my Regiment.

The time has now come when it has to be disbanded, and I desire every member of the Battalion to carry with him into civil life, my heartfelt wishes for happiness, and prosperity in his new call in life. I feel confident that they will never forget their old Regiment, and continue to further its interests, and maintain its high traditions wherever they may be.

Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
Louise

From Major-General Sir David Campbell, KCB

Commanding the Highland Division

Before your Battalion is finally broken up, I wish to convey to all ranks my great appreciation of the way in which, whilst forming part of the Highland Division, they have upheld the great reputation made by the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.

I am sure that every Officer, NCO, and man will look back with pride and satisfaction on the noble way in which he has lived up to the great traditions of a Regiment which has no superior in the British Army.

I am sure every man on his return to civil life will play the game in the future as he has in the past, and will always put his Country before his own selfish interests.

I thank you for what you have done, and wish you all goodbye and good luck.

From Brigadier-General J. Campbell, CB, CMG, DSO

Commanding 1st Highland Brigade

On giving up the Command of the 1st Highland Brigade, the Brigadier-General Commanding wishes to thank all ranks for the loyal manner in which they have always supported him, for their fine discipline, devotion to duty and steady conduct.

He has indeed been proud to command so fine a Brigade, and, although not put to the test of War as a Brigade, he always felt confident that all ranks would bring any operation that might be entrusted to the Brigade to a successful conclusion.

The Brigadier-General trusts that the esprit de corps and comradeship throughout the Brigade, which has been a most marked characteristic, will not be allowed to lapse. He hopes that when Officers and Other Ranks return to civilian life or go to other units they will never forget that each of them individually had a share in bringing the 1st Highland Brigade to the high standard it attained, and that each individual will maintain that standard whatever he may be.

The Brigadier-General wishes all ranks the best of luck in the future and hopes that they will look back in pride and pleasure, as he assuredly always will, to their period of service with the 1st Highland Brigade.

From Lt.-Col. A. F. Mackenzie to OC 10th Argylls

Telegram

Deeply regret disbandment of our Battalion. It leaves behind a record second to none on Balaclava Day. I wish all ranks success, and I look back with deep pride to my Command, made so easy by all ranks, playing the game as they did. I wish you goodbye. Impress 10th Watchword, KING AND COUNTRY.

From Colonel John Kennedy, CMG, DSO

formerly Commanding the Battalion

I regret very much to hear that my old Battalion is at length to be disbanded, but I cannot but feel glad to think that their history is to end with the termination of the War.

I should like to repeat what I said once before, and this is, that there are no distinctions among the comrades of the 10th Argylls when they are off parade, so that, when they dismiss from their last parade, I cease to be their General, and shall be glad if they will call me Friend.

I ask you to carry away with you this little bit of spirit of the old Battalion, so that its glorious traditions and influences may inspire and guide you in the future.

A Battalion like the 10th is so much more than just a Regiment. It had a soul which inspired us all, and the memory of men like our old friends, Peter Bonnyman, Alex Maclennan, and many others must surely make us pause before the mean and despicable things of this world, and remember that some day we shall meet those great hearts, and they will probably know us as we are.

God bless you all, and the cause for which we fought. If that was ever to be betrayed, all that is left of the 10th Argylls will rally to defend it once again.

From Lt.-Col. W . J . B. Tweedie

formerly Commanding the Battalion

Lt.-Col. Tweedie sends greetings to his comrades of all ranks in the 10th Battalion and wishes them the best of everything. He well knows that the esprit de corps which always distinguished the Battalion will continue to exist, although the 10th Battalion may officially cease.

He would remind everyone that there is virtually always room in the regular battalions of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders for Scotsmen of good character and physique.

Farewell and good luck.

From Lt.-Col. H. G. Sotheby, DSO, MVO

Commanding Officer

Officers, NCOs and men of the 10th Battalion.

At length the time has come when the Battalion is to be disbanded. It is a sad moment for me to feel that I am bidding farewell to my comrades.

The fine fighting spirit and high standard of discipline shown by all ranks during these five years have made the Battalion what it is. You joined up for the War. The War is finished; your job is done, and you may well be proud of the results gained. Wherever the Battalion has been, it has crowned itself with glory both during the fighting and since the Armistice was signed.

Officers and men have come from other Battalions of the Regiment, and even from other Regiments, but they have played the game with fine military spirit; and both during the War and since the Armistice, each and all have done their share in upholding the traditions of the Battalion and Regiment to which we belong.

Gallantry as shown in the fighting in which the Battalion has taken part, has never been excelled.

It has been to me the highest honour to be privileged to command such a Battalion, and I thank you for the great loyalty you have shown to me at all times.

In bidding you farewell, I wish you every good luck in the future.

Battle Honours