James Brannan

The Battalion arrived in France in May 1915 and were part of the 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. James was Killed in Action on the opening day of the German Spring Offensive of 1918 at the Battle of St. Quentin, 21st - 23rd March 1918. This was part of the 1st Battles of the Somme, 21st March - 5th April 1918 : After transferring very large forces from the now-collapsed Eastern Front, the German Army commits to a series of large-scale offensives. The first, Operation Michael, strikes the British Fifth and Third Armies. A deep advance is made and inflicts large losses, although the second phase, Operation Mars, at Arras on the 28th March, is soon held. In the crisis, the Allies decide at Doullens to appoint French General Foch as co-ordinator, and soon enough, as Generalissimo. Before enough French and British reserves are finally assembled to hold the German advance before it captures the critical railway junctions at Amiens. SEE PHOTOS x 6 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY MARCH 1918 and PHOTOS x 17 FOR THE 9th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION BOOK 1st - 22nd MARCH 1918. James is listed as BRENNAN on the Memorial. James was formerly with the Ayrshire Yeomanry (3410) and the Royal Scots Fusiliers (51910). He is also remembered in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his name on the Pozieres Memorial, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Pozieres Memorial Panel list, his former Regiments the Ayrshire Yeomanry and the Royal Scots Fusiliers Cap Badges, the Royal Scots Cap Badge and James' Pension Records x 2. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 3 (Coatbridge Leader x 1 and Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 2), Pozieres Cemetery and Memorial x 2 taken by myself in July 2023, Poppy placed by myself in July 2023 x 3, the 9th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 12, another photo of James' name on the Pozieres Memorial kindly donated by my friend in France, Thierry Dericbourg and a Newspaper clipping from the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 24/03/1923.