Cameron Highlanders 1940

Hugh MacLean · Post by **Hugh MacLean** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 6:51 pm

Hello,
I am trying to help a mate with his father's Army service. We have his records for WWII and, according to them, the 4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders embarked for France 26//01/1940 disembarked France 28/01/1940.

Does anyone know the name of the troopship that they embarked on?
Thanks in advance.

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:21 am

Hello Hugh,

I’ve had a good look around for an answer but didn’t really get anywhere. I guess the type of ship used would depend on the port of embarkation. If it was one of the Channel ports it might have been nothing more impressive than a ferry. If such was the case then possibly there’s a good chance its name would not have been noticed or recorded.

Just a thought. I thought also you might be interested in this snippet I saw in the London Times, 3 June 1940 concerning the Dunkirk evacuation.

CAMERONS' STAND
Stories of individual acts of bravery were told yesterday by men who have reached a London hospital. Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Higgs, of Leicester, who was blown up by a bomb and for a time paralysed, said that his battalion was withdrawing and had to pass through a large town where there was a battalion of Cameron Highlanders.
"We saw the Jocks in doorways and at corners with their bayonets," he said. "Whenever Jerry approached they just went for them. It was real hand-to-hand fighting. Several battalions withdrew safely through the town, and still the Camerons stuck it. It was a grand stand, and there is no doubt that it helped those other battalions to get away."

Alan

Hugh MacLean · Post by **Hugh MacLean** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:10 pm

Hello Alan,
Many thanks for taking the time to look for me. It is possible that you are right and I never thought about that possibility. I will keep looking for a lead.

I saw that cutting from the Times. I will pass it on to my mate who made the enquiry. I am sure he would appreciate it.

Thanks again

bleckie · Post by **bleckie** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:02 am

Hi Hugh

Have you seen this one.

http://home.clara.net/clinchy/neeb1.htm

It gives you some idea of the life the camerons had after St Valery

yours aye

Brucel

Hugh MacLean · Post by **Hugh MacLean** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:38 pm

Hello Bruce,

Thank you, much appreciated. I had not seen it and I will pass on to my mate.

Montrose Budie · Post by **Montrose Budie** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 4:05 pm

The War Diary of the 4th Camerons, if extant, will be held at The National Archives at Kew, and is sure to mention the name of the ship used for transport ofthe battalion to France with the BEF.

In addition, I'd be very surprised if there aren't both an official history and several unofficial histories that contain this info.

The regimental museum at http://www.armymuseums.org.uk/amot-sear ... 0000000084 may also be able to help.

MB

Hugh MacLean · Post by **Hugh MacLean** » Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:56 pm

MB,
Thank you for that information, I will check it out and pass the information on.

Hugh MacLean · Post by **Hugh MacLean** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 12:31 am

Thanks again to all who contributed and just to close the loop on this one.

The 4th Cameron Highlander's embarked for France on 26/1/1940 from Southampton and landed at Le Havre. The troopship was tss LADY OF MANN (I) official number 145307 built in 1930 for Isle of Man S.P.Co Ltd, Douglas. Broken up Dalmuir 30th December 1971.

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:15 am

Thanks for the feedback Hugh.

She’s a beautiful sight.
http://freespace.virgin.net/tom.lee/ladyofman.htm

Alan

TalkingScot.com

Cameron Highlanders 1940

Cameron Highlanders 1940

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