57th (2nd WEST LANCASHIRE) DIVISION

The 57th Division was formed from the Home Service men of the Territorial Force units in the 55th Division, it was formed in Great Britain in February 1915. Many men volunteered for overseas duties and were drafted to units already overseas. The 57th Division was made ready for overseas in January 1917. Arrived in France in February 1917. Served in France and Flanders until the Armistice.

Battles and Engagements.

France and Flanders.

Second Battle of Passchendaele. 26 Oct-10 Nov 1917.

Battle of the Scarpe. 26-30 Aug 1918, including the capture of Monchy le Preux.
Battle of Drocourt-Queant. 2-3 Sep 1918.
Battle of the Canal du Nord. 27 Sep-1 Oct 1918, including the capture of Bourlon Wood.
Battle of Cambrai. 8-9 Oct 1918, including the capture of Villers Outreaux and Cambrai.
The final advance to Artois. 2 Oct-11 Nov 1918, including the capture of Douai.

Infantry Units

170th (2nd North Lancashire) Brigade.

2/4th Bn King’s Own. Feb 1915 - 20 Oct 1915. To Blackpool and absorbed by the 3/4th Bn.
2/5th Bn King’s Own. Apr 1915 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/4th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. Feb 1915 - 11 Nov 1918.
1/5th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. 04 Feb 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/5th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. Feb 1915 - 05 Feb 1918. Became the Pioneer Bn.
4/5th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. 22 Oct 1915 - 04 Feb 1918. Absorbed by the 1/5th Bn.

171st (2nd Liverpool) Brigade.

2/5th Bn King’s. Feb 1915 - 01 Feb 1918. Disbanded, personnel to the 2/6th, 2/7th, 11th and 12th Bns.
2/6th Bn King’s. Feb 1915 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/7th Bn King’s. Feb 1915 - 11 Nov 1918.
1/8th Bn King’s. 31 Jan 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/8th Bn King’s. Feb 1915 - 31 Jan 1918. Absorbed by the 1/8th Bn.

172nd (2nd South Lancashire) Brigade.

1/9th Bn King’s. 01 Feb 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/9th Bn King’s. Feb 1915 - 01 Feb 1918. Absorbed by the 1/9th Bn.
2/10th Bn King’s. Feb 1915 - 20 Apr 1918. To the 55th Division.
2/4th Bn South Lancashire Regt. Feb 1915 - 11 Nov 1918.
2/5th Bn South Lancashire Regt. Feb 1915 - 25 Feb 1918. Disbanded, personnel to the 1/5th and 2/4th Bns.
1st Bn Royal Munster Fusiliers. 20 Apr 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.

Pioneers.

2/5th Bn Loyal North Lancashire Regt. 05 Feb 1918 - 11 Nov 1918.

Attached Troops.

1/1st Kent Cyclist Bn. 1915 - Dec 1915. Formed a Brigade with the 1/9th Bn Hampshire Regt, 2/6th Bn Royal Sussex Regt and the 1/25th Bn London Regt. These four Battalions converted to Infantry. The 1/1st Bn now dropped the cyclist from its title. The Battalions then went to Indian the 1/1st Kent Bn joining the Southern Brigade, 9th (Indian) Division.

 

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