Dennis McGroarty

Killed in Action on the 23/04/1917 at the 2nd Battle of the Scarpe (part of the Battle of Arras)

The Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 26/02/1915 and were then part of the 81st Brigade, 27th Division. On the 24/11/1915 they transferred to the 14th Brigade, 5th Division and on the 01/03/1916 they transferred to the 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. Dennis fell on the opening day of the 2nd Battle of the Scarpe, 23rd - 24th April 1917. The Division captured Guemappe. This was part of the Arras offensive (Battle of Arras), 9th April -16th June 1917 : Once again the British are called upon to launch an attack in support to a larger French offensive : the Battles of the Chemin des Dames and the hills of Champagne. The opening Battle of Vimy and the 1st Battle of the Scarpe are very encouraging, but once again the offensive - often known as the Battle of Arras - bogs down into an attritional slog. Final attempts to outflank the German lines at Bullecourt prove terribly costly. Dennis' Great Nephew Brian and his wife Cathy visited his Grave in 2015 and I have added a photo sent by Cathy. Dennis is also remembered on the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour and on the Prestonpans War Memorial (see photos). I've also added a photo of the Wishaw War Memorial (no men listed on it). It reads - "Donated by citizens of Wishaw, Erected 30th September 1986, In everlasting remembrance of the men and women from this area who gave their lives in the cause of freedom 1918 - 1945, And in honour of all who served, "Theirs shall be the glory" , At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember". See photos for Dennis' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his brother James' Service Record x 8, Browns Copse Cemetery, the Royal Scots Cap Badge and Dennis' Pension Records x 2. Also see photos for 8 kindly sent by Dennis' Great Nephew Brian whose Grandfather Hugh served with the Highland Light Infantry. Also a big thanks to Brian's wife Cathy for her help. Dennis' grave inscription reads "R.I.P".