Is it true that in WW1 Scottish/Irish people were sent into battle first to basically bullet catch for the English?

Hello from Scotland,

The answer is 'no.' The question suggests a catastrophic lack of understanding as to what the U.K. is and how Britain and England aren’t the same thing. Throughout World War I, Scottish and Irish soldiers fought alongside their English counterparts, not as mere pawns in a strategic pawn set. Let's delve into the facts and debunk the myth.

Understanding the U.K. and UK Representation

During World War I, Britain and its dominions, including Scotland and Ireland, were united under one government and military command. It is crucial to understand that Scotland and Ireland were not merely subjugated territories but integral parts of the British Empire with their own representation and interests, albeit in different ways.

Scottish Representation: Scotland was heavily overrepresented in the government during this period. For instance, during the 1910-1915 period, the Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith, represented a Scottish constituency. Of his five immediate predecessors, four had been Scottish. Even Churchill, though not as consistently Scottish, still represented a Scottish constituency at the time.

Military Representation: In terms of military command, Scottish soldiers were very much present in senior roles. Notably, both Douglas Haig and William Robertson, two of the most senior generals, were Scottish. Other Scottish generals included Horne Fergusson and H.L.M. Hamilton. These leaders led substantial regiments from Scotland and influenced military strategies and tactics.

War Casualties and Political Influence

While it's true that Scottish infantry regiments supplied more troops compared to their population share, it would be incorrect to describe this as a purely sacrificial move. The high casualties among Scottish soldiers cannot be divorced from their significant contributions and leadership roles.

Regrettably, Niall Ferguson's book, "The Pity of War," makes a point that Scotland suffered more losses proportionate to its population than England. However, this statistic must be contextualized by the overall fighting strength of the British forces and the significance of their role in the war effort.

Scotland did, indeed, have much to say about its military engagement and had a substantial presence in positions of political and military leadership.

Realities of the Frontline

Myths about Scottish and Irish soldiers being sent as 'bullet catchers' for the English are far from accurate. In reality, English and British regiments were at the forefront of battles, with no distinction made based on nationality.

Mons, 1914: During the Battle of Mons, the Royal Fusiliers held the line, while the Royal West Kent’s stood next to the Scots Borderers. Both regiments suffered significant losses, along with the Bedfordshire, Yorkshire, and other English regiments.

Audregnies, 1914: The Cheshire regiment and the Norfolks were heavily engaged and suffered significant losses against a German brigade. There's no evidence to suggest the use of Scottish or Irish troops as designated 'meat shields.'

Gallipoli Landing, 1915: The first troops to land during the Gallipoli Campaign included regiments from various regions, including the Hampshire Regiment, Dublin Fusiliers, Lancashire Fusiliers, Royal Marines, and the Border Regiment—reflecting the diverse makeup of British military power.

First Day of the Somme, 1916: Regiments suffering the most casualties on the first day of the Battle of the Somme included the 10th (Royal Northumberland Fusiliers), 23rd (also Royal Northumberland Fusiliers), and 34th (also Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Battalions. These were predominantly English regiments, reflecting the overall strength and casualties among British forces.

Myth Debunking and Historical Evidence

These facts and evidence clearly show the myth of 'bullet catching' to be nonsense. It’s a propagandist fabrication often spread through unreliable sources. To get a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and the realities of World War I, it's essential to consult regimental histories and reputable historical texts such as A. J. P. Taylor's The Enclosure, 1914-1918: Warning the West.

For a deeper understanding of the British army's structure and experiences during WWI, Derek Anthony Batchelor's The British Army 1914-1918 or Winston S. Churchill's memoirs on World War I are also valuable resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Scottish and Irish soldiers were not merely cannon fodder but integral and capable members of the British forces. Their contributions and presence extended far beyond the myth of 'bullet catching.' Understanding the complexities of the British narrative during World War I provides a more accurate picture of the reality of the conflict and the role of all British soldiers in the war effort.