WW1 Cigarette Silk 25th Division Messines 1917

A scarce silk commemorating the part played by the British 25th Division, showing the chequered formation sign which was for vehicle marking and also the big red horseshoe worn on the back of the battledress tunic. Not come across anything like this before. Some wear and fraying to the tails, but still ni its original protective grease proof paper envelope.

The Battle of Messines was a prelude to the Third Battle of Ypres. The Germans held the Messines Ridge, which gave them a favourable view of the surrounding terrain. The ridge had to be captured before the Ypres offensive could start. Extensive preparations were made for the attack. Messines would arguably be the best-prepared attack by the Allies on the Western Front. Three British corps were to make the attack on Messines Ridge, including the II Anzac Corps. An immense creeping barrage of artillery and machine-gun fire was designed to move ahead of the infantry.
The battle commenced just after 3am on 7th June 1917. Heralded by the intense detonation of the mines, the Allied troops made good headway up the ridge.

Coll

Code: 63707