These two regimental histories are rather hard to obtain, in some cases fetching almost $700 US at online booksellers. I would like to ask if any members have a copy of either or both. They are: Bird, Will R. No Retreating Footsteps: The Story of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. Kentville, N.S.: Kentville Publishing Company, 1954. Bartlett, Jack Fortune. Highland Light Infantry of Canada, 1st Battalion, 1940-1945. Galt, Ont: Highland Light Infantry Association, 1951. I am interested in the sections of the book from August 26th, 1939 up until the active battalion shipped overseas for England. In the case of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, this would be from August 26th, 1939 until July 18th, 1941. For the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, this would be August 26th, 1939 until July 21st, 1941. The battalion actually mobilised on May 31st, 1940, but any details on the NPAM unit before mobilisation would be helpful. I can exchange information since I have a number of Canadian Regimental histories and war diaries as well as all WWII British Regimental histories. Thanks in Advance, David
David, Klambie put me in touch with a very good researcher in Ottawa. I am not sure if he has access to regimental histories but if you want his email addy, please send me a PM. Randy
David, I am new to this forum but I share your interest. My father fought with the Highland Light Infantry during WWII and I know how difficult it is to find information on this unit but I might be able to help. I have contacted a professor from Wilfred Laurier University about this and he has a grad student working on this. Also this professor is trying to obtain a legible copy of a thesis written on the HLI. I may be able to find a copy of the book you are looking for as my father had a copy but I do not know where it currently is and my father passed away in 1989. Feel free to contact me. Glen
Thank you very much. I am generally interested in the period of time the HLI of Canada spent in Canada. For the Highland Light Infantry of Canada, this would be August 26th, 1939 until July 21st, 1941. The battalion actually mobilised on May 31st, 1940, but any details on the NPAM unit before mobilisation would be helpful.
David, I have some information: on how my dad joined HLI, and some pics of training at Debert prior to embarkation. Roger
David, I am not sure where you live, but I have found most of the books that you listed at the Toronto Reference Library. Their photocoping is reasonable.
John S: I live in Southern Connecticut so a trip to Toronto is a major adventure. I have actually done some research at the Toronto Reference Library back in the 1970s. Thanks for the information. quicker: Any details on command, location, movement dates, etc. for the HLI would be appreciated. dryan67
DRyan Do by chance you have any of the perths diaries from Jan 1 44 to say end of feb 44? I am curious to find out if it might mention any Battalion level brawl between them and the Loyal Edmontons or the Seaforth Highlanders. Some kind of fracous appears to have happened but it is not well documented, as far as I can see. Matt
I will see what I have tomorrow morning. I just shut down for the night and I m on my iPad. I will get back to you.
I have war diaries for the Perths for 1939-40 and 1945, for the Seaforths for 1939-40, and none for the Loyal Edmontons. I could find no mention of the incident in the Perth's Regimental History or the Cape Breton's history, who served with the Perths. The only reference to a potential problem was that the Perth's did not do well in their first battle in January and there may have been some resentment when they were pulled out of the line.
Thanks dryan the only reference i have been able to find is one sentance in the Seaforths history which says "Their (11th Bde’s) new equipment, cocky cheerfulness, and eagerness for battle caused considerable banter as they passed by the Seaforth’s who felt that the infantry men from the 'mighty maroon machine' would learn their lesson soon enough without any advice form them. The 11th brigades attack towards Arielli on the 17th brought with it a more modest demeanour when next the 2 brigades met". Stan scislowski talks about someone slagging the Edmontons on the way into the line. It has been reported as a full out brawl between the battalions; but, I still have yet to see a report by someone who was there.
