Unknown Unit to ID

Discussion in 'General' started by Nick P, Mar 11, 2022.

  1. Nick P

    Nick P Active Member

    I wonder if the incredible, collective knowledge on here could suggest any possible unit this photo may be?

    The photo was sent as part of my ongoing research into the units involved in the liberation and initial humanitarian effort at Bergen Belsen.

    The sender is the son of one of the men (in the photo) who says he suffered terribly after the liberation which would indicate an early involvement.

    The sender (with the name O’Connell) does not know what unit it is and indicated the man suffered mentally for the rest of his short life - which he ended at the age of 51.

    [​IMG]

    My thoughts could be 58TH LIGHT ANTI-AIRCRAFT (ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS) RA, but that is based purely on them being at Belsen rather than any evidence of uniforms/badges on the photo).

    Sadly not the best image and no insignias can really be identified although it is quite a large cap badge.

    It would be great to either discount this unit or suggest others. The distinctive background holds clues too, to a possible ID.
    Any help, suggestions or comments would be very welcome and thanks in advance.

    As a side note, several inmates from Belsen have stated they heard bagpipes upon the day of liberation, signalling the arrival of the Allies.
     
  2. Richard Lewis

    Richard Lewis Member

    In the absence of any replies, I’ll add a few observations. Bear in mind I know next to nothing about Scottish regiments, so please correct me if necessary.

    On arms that are visible there is a badge. This appears to be that of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division. The ‘Mountain’ scroll was added in about 1942. That would discount 58 LAA Regt which was in 11 Armd Div.
    52_inf_div.jpg

    Infantry battalions in 52 Inf Div:
    7/9 Bn Royal Scots
    4 & 5 Bns King's Own Scottish Borderers
    5 & 6 Bns Highland Light Infantry
    4/5 Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers
    6 & 7 Bns Cameronians
    1 Bn Glasgow Highlanders​

    52 Inf Div Badge 2.jpg

    52 Inf Div Badges.jpg

    That would appear to discount the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the Cameronians.
    What is the significance of the headdress? Tam o’ shanter not the glengarry.
    Tartan on the kilts: not really clear enough.
    As Nick says, a distinctive building behind.
     
    Charley Fortnum, 4jonboy and Tony56 like this.
  3. Nick P

    Nick P Active Member


    Thanks for getting back. Very interesting observations very much appreciated.
     
  4. Mark n

    Mark n New Member

    I think they are the argyle and Sutherland highlanders.
    On the back row second from right looks like my great uncle who served with them and talked about this place.
     
  5. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    On a quick read I think the answer is within this thread (from 2010) in Post 16:
    See: 63rd Anti-Tank Regiment, RA

    Post 19 has more.

    This thread (main for Bergen-Belsen ?) has more on a very quick look: Was my grandad really one of the first into Belsen?
     
    Last edited: Dec 31, 2023
  6. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Is the badge on his sleeve consistent with that? That is, is there another emblem that would match the photo? I gather 63rd was a Second Army level unit.
     
    JimHerriot likes this.
  7. hendog

    hendog Junior Member

    This photo is of the a unit of the 1st Battalion the Glasgow Highlanders. I have a copy of this photo and the Officer at the front is my father Major J. M. Gordon Hendry. Unfortunately it does not say where it as taken.. In the period immediately after the armistice my father who had started a law degree just prior to the outbreak of war, was appointed to preside over one of the military courts set up to try Wermacht personnel and any one guilty of offending the military law in the area of Germany controlled by the 52nd Lowland Division. I note that maany of the soldiers are wearing medal ribbons so wonder if this photo dates to this period. I do have a history of the 1st Battalion during WW2 written by himself and his great pal and fellow officer Leonard Dickson. It does not mention Belsen but...
    Hope this is helpful and happy to discuss further.
     
  8. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Hendog,

    It appears that Nick P. has not logged on since September 2023, might be best to send him a PM to alert him to your post. Or via his website visible via his Avatar.
     
  9. hendog

    hendog Junior Member

    Thank you for the suggestion.
     
  10. Nick P

    Nick P Active Member

    What a great result. Thank you for the info, John.
    Confirmation of email too that prompted me back.
     
  11. Nick P

    Nick P Active Member

    That worked a treat!
     

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