25/09/2026
in 1915, the Battle of Loos began.
The Battle of Loos was the largest British offensive of 1915 and marked the first time British forces used poison gas during the First World War.
Despite the use of gas and a massive commitment of troops, the German defences proved too strong. The British Army suffered more than 50,000 casualties, while making only limited territorial gains.
The battle also saw a huge Scottish contribution. Battalions from every Scottish regiment took part, with an estimated 30,000 Scots fighting at Loos.
The scale of the Scottish losses left a lasting mark on communities across Scotland, with many towns and villages losing large numbers of young men.
In Dundee, the sacrifice is remembered every year.
The beacon at the top of Dundee War Memorial is lit on 25 September, marking the anniversary of the opening of the Battle of Loos and remembering those who fell.
We will remember them.