Talk: Kilts and Cavalry: The Battle of Arras [Fort George]
22 February 2018, Starts: 18:30
The Highlanders’ Museum would like to invite you to a talk by Derek Bird, Chair of the Western Front Association Scotland (North) Branch entitled
'Kilts and Cavalry: The Battle of Arras'
A talk covering the Third Army's attack especially the part played by the Highland Division on April 9, 1917, and the 3rd Dragoon Guards riding into action two days later.
The Battle of Arras (also known as the Second Battle of Arras) was a British offensive on the Western Front during World War I. From 9 April to 16 May 1917, British troops attacked German defences near the French city of Arras on the Western Front. The British achieved the longest advance since trench warfare had begun, surpassing the record set by the French Sixth Army on 1 July 1916. The British advance slowed in the next few days and the German defence recovered. The battle became a costly stalemate for both sides and by the end of the battle the British Third and First armies had suffered about 160,000 casualties and the German 6th Army 125,000 casualties. The Highland Division was heavily involved with some Battalions suffering over 90% casualties.