9th Battalion Cameronians ( Scottish Rifles )

Information seems to be very hard to find on the internet in regards what this Battalion did during WW2.

All I have found is this:

The 9th Battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) was raised in 1939. They undertook training in the UK and formed part of the UK defensive force. They joined the 46th (Highland) Infantry Brigade on 28 December 1942 and began training and preparations for D-Day.

The 9th Cameroonian's set sail for Normandy, France on 17 June 1944, they did not land until 23 June, as their motor transport was delayed due to a storm. They finally disembarked at the British Mulberries at Arromanches. Their first objective was the village of Haut Du Bosq, which was captured on the 26th of June.

In is however the time between July and the attack on Fortress Blerick I am interested in. Can anyone tell me what they were doing on the 31/10/1944? I am not sure if they were in Holland at this time?

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Ask Lee to copy the war diary for you. Reference number in the link below or search for 9 Cameronian in the war diary search engine.

War Diary Search Engine - Arcre

 

Yes, they were in the Netherlands at this time. They were in the area of Liessel and Slot (just south of Deurne) helping the US 7th armoured Division push back a counterattack by the Germans. In Delaforce (Monty's Northern Legions) it says that on 31/10/44 "ID Company of the Cameronians lost nearly seventy casualties including their CO Lt-Col Sir Edward Bradford". As already stated, the War Diary is the place to look for more info.

 

Thank you for the replies. Most helpful.

I had a feeling that date was an action for the Battalion but had no idea that there were so many casualties. This is probably going to be very interesting research.

 

From the battalion war diary

 

Thank you, so much for this Drew. So helpful.

 

earlier in the war, 1939-41 9th Cameronians, along with 10th and other battalions, were employed on coast defence in North East Essex (Clacton area) and then Suffolk. They were both Territorial units formed at the outbreak of war in 1939, and in 15th Scottish Infantry Division. Between their coastal postings the battalions spent brief periods in reserve, or on exercise, on the inland part of the Essex-Suffolk border.

 

https://www.15thscottishdivisionwardiaries.co.uk/

 

I have a touching story of a soldier (Walter Senior) with the 9th Cameronians that died on 31.10.1944. I have connected his primary school with the one in Holland situated opposite his grave. A contact in Holland has researched his story, the lead up to the fighting at the end of October and the events of the 31st. Happy to send you if interested. Chris.