Kilts, Highlanders at Dunkirk

**OC Richard** · 30th July 17, 01:27 PM

The new movie Dunkirk is creating more interest in this period.

The question arises, how many Highland troops were part of the evacuation?

I don't pretend to be an expert, and real experts should chime in and set me straight.

When one thinks of Highland troops in WWII they might first think of the 51st (Highland) Division.

In The 51st Highland Division At War it's stated that though the bulk of the division was captured at St Valery the 154 (Highland) Brigade "pushed through to Le Havre and taken off from there."

154 Brigade consisted of the 1st Black Watch and 7th and 8th Argylls.

On another thread someone stated that the following non-51st Division Scottish regiments were part of the evacuation:

Highland regiments:

6th Black Watch
6th Seaforths
4th & 6th Gordons
1st Camerons (said to be the last regiment to wear kilts in action)
6th Argylls
1st Highland Light Infantry

Other Scottish regiments:

1st Royal Scots
2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers
1st KOSB
2nd Cameronians

Pipers tended to retain their kilts throughout the war, so there being around 200 pipers represented above (if all those regiments had pipe bands with them) there could well have been plenty of kilts. There are photos showing kilted pipers playing in the days leading up to the evacuation.

**Jock Scot** · 30th July 17, 02:04 PM

Many make the mistake in thinking that Dunkirk, was the only evacuation from France in 1940. As OCR correctly says St. Valerie was another, (amongst other places)where an evacuation took place some weeks later. I get the impression that this evacuation was rather more of an orderly(less confused) event. I understand that 51HD(Highland Division) were ordered to be the rearguard to allow others to escape, which did include some Scottish elements too.The fact that much of HD was taken prisoner caused some real consternation at home in the Highlands, but the fact was, that it was a deliberate choice made by the Officer Commanding the British Expeditionary force that the HD was considered to be the best Britain had in France and were still an effective and co-heasive unit and they were sacrificed so others could get away to fight another day. It is to the everlasting credit of the HD, the French and others who held out far longer than expected and only surrendered when the ammunition ran out, thus allowing more to escape back to England.

**Bruce Scott** · 30th July 17, 04:11 PM

The ORBAT (Order of Battle) of the entire BEF is listed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britis..._battle_(1940)

Highland / Scottish units are represented in many of the various formations.

**48HofC** · 30th July 17, 05:42 PM

The 48th Highlanders were sent into France 2 weeks after the evacuation of Dunkirk and progressed 300 km inland until they were recalled. Not as popular or publicized as Dunkirk the main event, but still a great achievement for a Highland regiment.

**Jock Scot** · 30th July 17, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Bruce Scott

The ORBAT (Order of Battle) of the entire BEF is listed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britis..._battle_(1940)

Highland / Scottish units are represented in many of the various formations.

This information should answer OCR's question comprehensively, well done.

If you google "Operation Ariel", you will also see more information on other French ports that were used as evacuation points well into August 1940.

**figheadair** · 31st July 17, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce Scott

The ORBAT (Order of Battle) of the entire BEF is listed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britis..._battle_(1940)

Highland / Scottish units are represented in many of the various formations.

What is singularly missing from the ORBAT is any medical support. In its former designation the current 225 (Scottish) Medical Regt was there - post 4.