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Blue Bonnets O'er The Border - Palestine by James McBey
Palestine. "Blue Bonnets O'er The Border."
Blue Bonnets O'er The Border - Palestine by James McBey
Blue Bonnets O'er The Border - Palestine by James McBey

Palestine. "Blue Bonnets O'er The Border."

Artist (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
Date1920
Mediumetching on paper
ClassificationsMcBey
DimensionsOverall: Height: 17.4 cm, Width: 31.6 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1959 by Mr H H Kynett.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG001909
About MeIn this etching McBey commemorates the crossing into Palestine of 52nd Division. A column of soldiers marches over the border to the traditional bagpipe tune 'Blue Bonnets o'er the Border'. Although it is inscribed '25th March 1917', McBey could not have witnessed this event, as he was still in London and only heard of his posting to Egypt on the following day.
The 52nd Division was formed from three Scottish Brigades and fought in Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine before returning to the Western Front. In March and April 1917 they took part in the First and Second Battle of Gaza.