Springburn at War 1914-1918

Glasgow battalions

During World War One, in response to Kitchener's Call to Arms, the RSF and the HLI Regiments raised 23 volunteer battalions. The 15th, 16th and 17th Battalions of the HLI were known as the 'pals' battalions, as the recruits shared work or social associations. Men of the 15th Battalion were with the Glasgow Tramways, the 16th were ex-members of the Boys Brigade, and the 17th with the City of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

A parade of the 16th HLI in George Square

15th HLI Glasgow Battalion of tramway men, still in their Corporation uniforms. Lord Provost Sir Daniel M Stevenson Bt., escorted by Mr James Dalrymple, General Manager of the Corporation Tramways Dept.

Church Parade, 16th HLI

Officers of the 15th HLI

17th Battalion, HLI

A military haircut

Training camp at Gailes, Irvine, 1914

Tramway men on parade