Cameron of erracht military kilt

[Mainer In Exile]

I realize that it's not necessary to mention that in 1944, in the battles in Normandy, the Cameronians would have been wearing battle dress (as would the Gordons fighting right slongside them in some of the actions).

But I'm curious, as I've rarely seen photos of Highlanders in a WWII combat theater wearing kilts "outside" of action; not even officers. In fact, for Normandy post D-Day, I can't think of a single instance. Anyone have any pertinent photos or links? I'd be very interested to see them.

Allen

[Downunder Kilt]

Kilts being worn "in action" during WWll has been the subject of a previous thread. Apart from Lord Lovats' piper I don't think you will find any further evidence. I believe that that there was in fact a war office directive that kilts were not to be worn in action

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Good information about the officers' kilts here. Thanks for those that contributed.

[Jock Scot]

Kilts being worn "in action" during WWll has been the subject of a previous thread. Apart from Lord Lovats' piper I don't think you will find any further evidence. I believe that that there was in fact a war office directive that kilts were not to be worn in action

For those that have not seen that thread,the Cameron Highlanders were the last unit to see action wearing the kilt, in France in 1940. A battle damaged kilt from that action is on display at the Cameron museum at Achnacarry.

[Downunder Kilt]

Thanks for the correction Jock, my memory of that particular thread isn't as good as yours, neither is my knowledge of scottish military history, ancient or recent Cheers to you Sir

[Jock Scot]

Thanks for the correction Jock, my memory of that particular thread isn't as good as yours, neither is my knowledge of scottish military history, ancient or recent Cheers to you Sir

Actually, I have to confess that I am not altogether sure that the thread you had in mind is the same one that I have in mind, but it could be! Nevertheless the military history bit is correct.

[macwilkin]

I realize that it's not necessary to mention that in 1944, in the battles in Normandy, the Cameronians would have been wearing battle dress (as would the Gordons fighting right slongside them in some of the actions).

But I'm curious, as I've rarely seen photos of Highlanders in a WWII combat theater wearing kilts "outside" of action; not even officers. In fact, for Normandy post D-Day, I can't think of a single instance. Anyone have any pertinent photos or links? I'd be very interested to see them.

Allen

Just a slight clarification Allen, but the Cameronians were a Lowland regiment that did not wear the kilt (save the pipes & drums). The Cameron Highlanders did wear the kilt. Given that the Cameronians were named for the Covenanting Presbyterian leader Richard Cameron and his followers, who made up the bulk of the first members of the regiment, it can be somewhat confusing.

Regards,

T.

[Mainer In Exile]

Just a slight clarification Allen, but the Cameronians were a Lowland regiment that did not wear the kilt (save the pipes & drums). The Cameron Highlanders did wear the kilt. Given that the Cameronians were named for the Covenanting Presbyterian leader Richard Cameron and his followers, who made up the bulk of the first members of the regiment, it can be somewhat confusing.

Regards,

T.

Yessir, you are of course abolutely correct; and I am now extremely irritated with myself becuase I've made the same error before when discussing specific battles around Caen! Two different brigades, in two different divisions; coincidentally, both the Cameron Highlanders and the Cameronians had a battalion of the Gordons in the same division with them, albeit diferent divisions.

Allen

[HenryT]

I realize that it's not necessary to mention that in 1944, in the battles in Normandy, the Cameronians would have been wearing battle dress (as would the Gordons fighting right slongside them in some of the actions).

But I'm curious, as I've rarely seen photos of Highlanders in a WWII combat theater wearing kilts "outside" of action; not even officers. In fact, for Normandy post D-Day, I can't think of a single instance. Anyone have any pertinent photos or links? I'd be very interested to see them.

Allen

There is this photo, that around the net is titled "Arnhem"

[Jock Scot]

I think, understandably perhaps, that many of you fail to understand that the British military, particularly Officers, have a certain amount of non military and non regulation leeway with their attire when in action and is regarded by some---not all--- Commanding Officers as a necessary eccentricity to get the required results. Our history is littered with such examples.