History of the 15th Scottish Division 1939-1945, by H.G. Martin

Published by William Blackwood & Sons in 1948, 383 pages. Hardback with Dust Jacket - c.19cm by 25cm (A1W)

From the introduction: The writer, who has tried to describe events which he did not see, offers his thanks to all those whose descriptions of what they saw have gone to make his tale. To the authors of histories, whether brigade or regimental, battalion or battery, to the writers also of personal narratives and of diaries-to all these, too numerous to name, he offers thanks. If they should think that, here and there, he has followed their text too closely, he asks their forgiveness for such plagiarisms. It is so hard to improve on the mot juste.

Two names, however, the writer must mention. To Brigadier Harry Clark and to Captain C. G. Lawton he owes especial debts. It was Brigadier Clark who, from the first day in Normandy, set to work to gather material for the history to be. Without these records the history could never have been written. And it is Brigadier Clark who has given the writer the story of the Division's years of preparation -the story which makes the first three chapters which follow.

Captain Lawton's part was to complete that labour of love, 'The Path of the Lion.' His was a detailed chronicle of the campaign in North-West Europe in general and of the I5th Scottish Division's part in it in particular, compiled with infinite care by an officer who served on Divisional Headquarters throughout the campaign. As a work of reference it is beyond price.

Finally, there are the maps. For these Brigadier Dick Villiers relieved the writer of all responsibility. To him and his draughtsman all credit is due for these superb maps which elucidate the story.

Condition of the book is generally ok. The dust jacket is tatty and worn with several scuffs and blemishes, and wear, nibbling and tears along the outside spine and edges and corners, but the spine is intact and all pages are intact, unblemished and tightly bound. Their is foxing to the outside page leaves and first and last few inside pages.