Ex Magpie Progress 25 - 2nd Battle of Ypres

 On the afternoon of 22nd April 1915 the Germans released chlorine gas East of Ypres, the first action in the Second Battle of Ypres, and the first use of gas on the Western Front. 

Gas attack Ypres 22nd April 1915

Their aim was to  breakthrough and capture the Channel ports severing British logistic support. The gas attack occurred in the French Sector and caused a immediate withdrawal to escape the effects of the gas. British troops conformed and also withdrew.  

Second Battle of Ypres
Area lost during Gas Attack

At the beginning of the attack the British front line was North of the village of Langemarck where the German cemetery is located.

German Cemetery Langemark

German Cemetery Langemark

German Cemetery Langemark

German Cemetery Langemark Cenotaph

German Cemetery Langemark Cenotaph

Thanks to the resolute defence of the Canadian Division, who improvised gas protection, the German onslaught was held.

Second Battle of Ypres

The Brooding Soldier Monument unveiled in July 1923 commemorates the Canadian First Division's participation in the Second Battle of Ypres. 

It was located in the area where the German assault after the gas attack was halted.

Brooding Soldier Memorial

Brooding Soldier Memorial

The battle would grind on another four weeks.       

The Germans were unable to exploit the momentum of the initial gas attack. They did force a British withdrawal from the higher ground, but the desired breakthrough and the capture of Channel ports was not achieved.

Ex Magpie Progress 25 - 1st Ypres Gheluvelt

 On Saturday 31st October 1914 the Germans attempted to break through the British defensive line at Gheluvelt 15km SE of Ypres. 

The initial assault was repelled. Around 10:00 after intense shelling a second attack was launched and by 11:30 German troops were in Gheluvelt and the British line had been pierced. 

Brigadier-General Charles FitzClarence VC, Commander of 1st (Guards) Brigade committed  last available reserves, the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and lead a counter-attack in the area of the Gheluvelt  Chateau . The counter-attack was successful and the line restored. 

Gheluvelt Chateau 2nd Worcester Counter Attack 1914

Gheluvelt Chateau 2025

Gheluvelt Battlefield Study briefing

Ex Magpie Progress 25 - Deployment

 Exercise Magpie Progress 25 deployment on board Pride of Hull from Hull to Rotterdam.

Pride of Hull

En route Rotterdam

Rotterdam

England V Scotland U20's Rugby

 England V Scotland U20's Rugby

Kingston Park Stadium

ENG v SCO U20s Kingston Park Stadium IJ

ENG v SCO U20s Kingston Park Stadium Team line up

ENG v SCO U20s Kingston Park Stadium

ENG v SCO U20s Kingston Park Stadium

ENG v SCO U20s Kingston Park Stadium

ENG v SCO U20s Kingston Park Stadium

Edinburgh 2025

 

Edinburgh - Royal Mile The Albabanach

Edinburgh - Grassmarket White Hart

Edinburgh - Grassmarket White Hart

Edinburgh - Grassmarket White Hart IJ

During World War One Germany launched Zeppelin attacks on the United Kingdom.  The first raid on Scotland took place pn the evening of 2/3 April 1916. It was part of an attack by 8 Zeppelins on the North East Coast of Britain, and the naval base of the Grand Fleet on the River Forth at Rosyth. The German intent included three Zeppelins attacking Rosyth. 

Only Zeppelin L14 dropped bombs which landed in Leith, Holyrood Park, and around the Castle. One of those bombs landed in the Grassmarket near the White Hart pub.  

Northumbrian Gunner: Edinburgh - Zeppelin Raid 1916

Edinburgh - Grassmarket White Hart

Edinburgh - Grassmarket Zeppelin Bomb marker

Edinburgh
Grey Friar's Bobby

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle IJ

NACF Banner Parade

 Northumbria Army Cadet Force

Banner Presentation

Tynemouth Army Reserve Centre

19th January 2025

NACF Banner Presentation Parade

NACF Banner Presentation Padre's Address

NACF Banner Presentation Padre's Blessing

NACF Banner Presentation

NACF Banner Presentation IJ

Falcons 2024/25 - Harlequins

 

St Barbara Commemoration 2024

 Northern Gunners… Cadet to Vet paraded at Gateshead Army Reserve Centre to        commemorate St Barbara, the patron Saint of Artillerymen. 

Serving members of 101 Regiment RA were joined by Royal Artillery Association veterans and cadets from the Gunner sponsored detachments of Northumbria ACF, Durham ACF together with cadets from the Combined Cadet Force.

The salute was taken by His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Lieutenant General Robin Brims CB, CBE, DSO, DL  representing the King, the Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

During the service which remembered fallen Gunners, wreaths were laid by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland,  Commanding Officer 101 Regiment RA, Mayor of Gateshead and Commandant  Northumbria Army Cadet Force.