It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing on Boxing Day 2017 of Major George Stewart, a long serving member of the Glasgow Highlanders, and former Chairman of the GH Association. George seen below preparing to lead the HLI and GH Associations on parade on Remembrance Sunday November 2010.
George’s funeral will be on Thursday 11th January 2018 at 12:00 at Lambhill Crematorium Tresta Road, Cadder, Glasgow.
The following Services of Remembrance in Glasgow were attended by members of the HLI Association with the HLI Association Standard carried.
(Remembrance Service George Square 2017)Bridgeton Cross Armistice Service Friday 10th November 2017
Jim Devine, Jimmy Urquhart and Billy Neilson (RHF Association) at the 7th (Blythswood) Battalion HLI Memorial at Glasgow Green after the Bridgeton Cross Armistice Service.Glasgow Remembrance Service George Square Sunday 12th November 2017
The Highland Light Infantry Association standard was paraded by Association members Jim Devine and Jimmy Urquhart for Victoria Cross commemoration events at Dumbarton on Saturday 23rd September (Assaye Day), and at a service in Cambuslang Parish Church on Tuesday 26th September for 1/9th (Glasgow Highlanders) Bn. Highland Light Infantry Victoria Cross recipient L/Cpl John Hamilton. Commemorative plaques were unveiled on the banks of the river Clyde and river Leven at Dumbarton, and in Cambuslang Parish Church.
Both events were well attended by local dignitaries and veterans organisations, and most importantly, John Hamilton’s grandson Gordon and granddaughters Meryle and Hazel had all made long journeys from around the country to mark this commemoration of their valiant grandfather.
On 25/26 September 1917 north of the Ypres-Menin Road, Belgium. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the enemy’s attack on the line held by our Brigades. The greatest difficulty was experienced in keeping the front and support lines supplied with ammunition. As it was of vital importance that this should be got forward Lance Corporal Hamilton on several occasions on his own initiative carried bandoliers of ammunition through the enemy’s belts of fire to the front and support line, and then passing along these lines in full view of the enemy’s snipers and machine guns distributed the ammunition. By his splendid example of fearlessness and devotion to duty he inspired all who saw him with fresh confidence and renewed their determination to hold on at all costs.
He later achieved the rank of Sergeant. Between the two World Wars he remained an active reserve and Territorial Army member. At the outbreak of World War II he was in hospital and missed mobilisation, and luckily missed his unit being captured at St Valery in the defence of Dunkirk. He eventually was promoted through the ranks and finished the war as a Colonel in charge of an Italian prisoner of war camp in England. He died at the age of 77. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle.
The Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the 3rd Battle of Ypres, took place on the Western Front, between 31 July and 10 November 1917. As was often the case, the Battle was a series of smaller battles that were fought during those 102 days.
Although, there were some initial successes, adverse weather conditions reduced the battlefield to a quagmire and the offensive became, quite literally, bogged down.
It was a very costly battle in terms of casualties on both sides: some 275,000 British and Commonwealth casualties and 220,000 on the German side.
All British and Commonwealth units were involved; in particular, the 9th (Scottish), 15th (Scottish), 51st (Highland) and Royal Naval Divisions.
A Service to commemorate this terrible, bloody Battle will be held at Glasgow Cathedral at 1100 on Sunday 30 July 2017 – conducted by the Reverend D J MacPherson CF RAChD.
All are invited to this service and we are keen that as many Service organisations as possible will bring Colours and Standards.
The timings will be as follows:
· 1015: Rehearsal Colours & Standards
· 1045: All seated in Cathedral
· 1100: Service commences
It was with great sadness that we learned on Thursday the 3rd August 2017, that Willie Blackwood (HLI and RHF) had passed away. Willie was a very well known and much respected figure who began his military career in the HLI and moved into the RHF on amalgamation in 1959. He was probably best remembered as one of the battalion boxing champions. A fine soldier and sportsman, and a true gentleman.
It is with great sadness that we heard from his son John, of the passing recently of Charlie Bryan. Charlie served in Support Company of the 1st Bn HLI in Palestine and in Egypt. Charlie was a welcome visitor to the Iron Horse Thirsty Thursday sessions, and our regular parades and gatherings when his health permitted.
The family have intimated that a private family funeral was Charlie’s wish.
Gone but not forgotten.
Robert Barbour Cameron enlisted into the Highland Light Infantry at Glasgow University Officer Training Corps on the 18th of September 1939. He was subsequently commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry (2nd Bn. Glasgow Highlanders).
Robert’s wartime service was spent as an officer in the 12th Frontier Force Regiment, a regiment comprised of British and Empire troops, serving in India and Burma. The 12th Frontier Force Regiment was part of General Slim’s 14th Army, the so-called “forgotten army”. This unfortunate moniker was due largely to the lack of contemporary press interest in the Burma campaign. So much so that General Slim is said to have told his troops…
“When you go home don’t worry about what to tell your loved ones and friends about service in Asia. No one will know where you were, or where it is if you do. You are, and will remain “The Forgotten Army.”
Dear All,
On behalf of his Son, I am hoping to trace the Army Career of my Father -in-Law Ernest William Brown. Ern died in 1975, but often spoke of his time in the Army. He was born and lived in Consett County Durham, and said that as a teenager he joined the HLI in Durham in the late 1920s. He often said, he thought he was joining the Durham Light Infantry!!! He served in India, and left the army in 1935/36 when he married.
The only personal possessions of his time in the Army are the photo’s shown below. One of Ern in uniform, and the other of his Regiment perhaps in India.
Is there someone who can confirm that the uniform is that of the HLI. It would also be helpful to know if the marching column is thought to be that of the HLI.
Any information would be helpful, including any link where we could find his Army Records.
Thanking you
in anticipation.
Owen Master
HLI Association Cyprus veterans Jimmy Urquhart and Jim Fury attended the presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers where Mrs Jean Andrew, the sister of their fallen HLI comrade John Beattie, was presented with the Elizabeth Cross.
The Herald 23rd February 2017
The Standards paraded at Craigton Crematorium on Saturday 19th March 2016 for the farewell to Drum Major Ronnie Hughes 1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers.
