SEAFORTH AND CAMERONS IN WWII

(1939 – 1945)

SEAFORTH AND CAMERONS IN WWII

(1939 – 1945)

In 1939, the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders were stationed in Shanghai; they were stationed in Malaya, Singapore, and India until 1942, and then remained on the Assam-Burma border until the end of the War.

The 1st Camerons formed part of the 5th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division of the British Expeditionary Force. On 5th December 1939, the battalion was inspected in the field by HM King George VI; he was so impressed with the regiment that they were permitted to wear a Royal blue hackle in the Balmoral bonnet. The 1st Camerons fought at La Bassée and Dunkirk, as well as in India (Kohima) and Burma.

The 2nd Camerons were initially stationed in Egypt, and when Italy entered the War in 1904, they were tasked with preventing an invasion in British North African territories. Throughout the War, they also fought in Eritrea, Libya, Italy, and Greece. 

The 51st (Highland) Division was created under the command of the British Expeditionary Force at the start of WWI and consisted of battalions from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Seaforths, Gordons, and Camerons. Part of the British Expeditionary Force, the 2nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders became the regular battalion 152 (Seaforth and Cameron) Brigade in the 51st (Highland) Division. Brigades from the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Seaforths were also amalgamated into the 51st Highland Division, alongside 4th and 5th Camerons.

In May 1940, the 51st Highland Division was holding positions in Abbeville, located in the in the Somme department of Norhtern France. Whilst the British Expeditionary Force was being evacuated from Dunkirk, the 51st faced an overwhelming German advance, forcing the battalion to withdraw down the southwest coast. At St Valéry-en-Caux, the 51st found itself completely cut off from its French allies and was forced to surrender on 12th June 1940.

Reforming in July 1940, the battalion became the 152 Highland Infantry Brigade, composed of 2nd Seaforth, 5th Seaforth, and 5th Camerons. They went on to fight in Egypt, Libya, Italy, France, The Netherlands, and Germany.