The 9th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) during Operation Epsom- a survey of photographs and original documents
Version 1.0
This article will discuss the 9th Cameronians' appearance during the opening phase of Operation Epsom 26th through 30 June 1944. Through original photographs, film, documents, and personal accounts we will attempt to highlight the items and manner of wear distinctive to the 9th Cameronians during this time. This document is not intended to be an in depth study of individual uniforms and equipment.
(This is a living document and can be updated if additional information is found.)
Fig 1
Rifleman O’Hare 9th Cameronians escorting SS-Ustuf Hermann Meyer, officer of the Stabsbatterie of the SS-Pz.Art.Rgt.12 back for interrogation 26 June 44
Table of Contents
Brief History Insignia Uniform Weapons Vehicle Markings Acknowledgement Notes Appendix A - Order of Battle Appendix B - Minimum impression requirements
Brief History
The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) lineage comes from both the 26th Regiment of Foot and the 90th Perthshire Light Infantry. These two regiments were joined together during the Childers Reforms of 1881 then being redesignated as a Rifle Regiment. With this the 1st Battalion preferred to be called “The Cameronians” taking its lineage from the 26th Regt of Foot, while the 2nd Battalion preferred “The Scottish Rifles” taking its lineage from the 90th Perthshire Light Infantry. The base of recruitment centered around Lanarkshire and Glasgow Scotland, as the 26th Reg of Foot were mustered into service at Douglas Parish Kirk, Lanarkshire on 14th May 1689. The ties to Lanarkshire remained until the Regiments disbandment in 1968.
The original 26th Reg of Foot traced its ties back to the Covenanters of the early mid 1600s. There members willing to fight for their right to openly worship and stems from the guards or pickets posted around services to defend against persecution. Their religious ties were so that at the mustering of the 26th of Foot this statement was recorded: "All shall be well affected, of approved fidelity and of a sober conversation. The cause they are called to appear for, is the service of the King’s Majesty and the defence of the Nation, recovery and preservation of the Protestant Religion; and in particular the work of reformation in Scotland, in opposition to Popery prelacy and arbitrary power in all its branches and steps, until the Government of Church and State be brought back to that lustre and integrity which it had in the best times." [1]
Fig 2
Illustration of the 26th Regt of Foot’s first uniform circa 1689.
The Cameronians derived their name from Richard Cameron, 'The Lion of The Covenant'. The unit's religious beginnings stayed with them until disbandment. Traditionally they would post sentinels at church parades and the sermon would not commence until an officer notified the minister that 'the pickets are posted, there are no enemy in site'. [1] (For additional information on the Regiments formation and history look here) The 9th Battalion itself can trace its roots back to the 9th Service Battalion raised in 1914 and first seeing action in World War One under the Territorial Forces with the 27th Brigade, 9th Division starting in May 1915. The 9th was raised again in 1939 as a second line Territorial Battalion and served in the Defense Forces. It was assigned to the 46th Highland (H) Brigade in 1942 and remained in England training until arriving at the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches France on 17 June 1944. The 9th Cameronians were the senior Battalion within the 46th (H) Brigade, of the 15th Scottish (S) Division at the time of Operation Epsom. Their tactical identification number was 60 on a green square background for vehicles and signs. Their uniforms and kit were fairly standard minus a few subtle variations. We will now attempt to break down those subtle differences in appearance as it relates to Operation Epsom.
Insignia
Cap badge : The badge of The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) incorporates one of the oldest insignia in Scottish heraldry - the Douglas star. Its first use dates from circa 1350. More properly called a roundel, the wheel of a spur. Below the roundel is a bugle and ribbon signifying a Light Infantry - or Rifle - regiment. They are surrounded by a wreath of Scottish thistles. [1] There were several variations of this badge with the biggest visual differences being in the thistles. One version being called ‘thin’ and another ‘fat’ respectively by collectors. Both styles appear in original photos of the 9th in WWII. Additionally the hunting horns and stars differed slightly. The two examples shown below are not the only versions, however they demonstrate the noticeable differences.
Fig. 3 'Thin'
Fig. 4 'Fat'
Pipers Cap Badge: The cap badge worn by the pipers of the 9th Cameronians was of a simpler design. It maintained the use of the Douglas star but lacked the thistle and hunting horn. Instead it had a scroll with the words ‘The Cameronians’ at the base.
Fig. 5
Cap Badge Backing: The Douglas tartan was not adopted by The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) until 1890, prior to this they utilized the Government tartan. During WWII each battalion differed in its use with either the cap badge backing or as shoulder insignia. The regulation called for a 3" x 3" square, the original Tam O'Shanter (ToS) seen in figure 7 is a 3" x 3" square in Douglas tartan. It is backed by white canvas and is secured to the ToS by black stitching running along the entire edge. Another method of attaching the backing to the ToS seen on original examples is the use of the cap badge without any stitching.
Fig. 6 Pair of Cameronian Regimental trews (trousers) showing a great example of Douglas Tartan.
For the 9th battalion photo evidence suggests that only officers wore Douglas tartan backing behind their cap badges on Tam O’Shanters. ORs (Other Ranks) appear not to have worn any backing of any kind at the time of Epsom. It is worth noting that even after VE day ORs within the 9th are still seen without cap badge backing when wearing Tam O’Shanters.
Fig. 7 Top: modern reproduction of an officers Tam O‘Shanter complete with Douglas tartan backing
Bottom: original officers Tam O’Shanter of 9th Battalion [3]
Fig. 8 LT Welch briefing his Platoon in the Assembly Area (A.A.) 25 June 1944. Showing the use of Cap badge backing.
Fig. 10 Rifleman in the A.A. 25 June 1944 without backing
Fig. 11 Mortarman cleaning a 3 inch Mortar in the A.A 25 June 1944 without backing
Fig. 12 Rifleman John (Dutch) Holland 1946 at Demobilization.
Note the lack of backing on the Tam O’Shanter even though they have started to utilize the Douglas tartan on the shoulder in place of the “Cameronians’ rifle green title.
Battle Dress titles and badges: The 9th Battalion wore a Rifle Green shoulder title with ‘Cameronians’ in black. There is a surviving set (see Fig. 13) held at the South Lanarkshire Museum worn by Rifleman Charles Tupper who was killed in action on 28 June 1944 the third day of Operation Epsom. The insignia was cut off of his uniform and sent back to his mother with a letter. The set consists of a printed canvas shoulder title and a woven embroidered division badge.
Fig. 14 Top: original Cameronians title
Bottom: A reproduction title. Note the size difference [4]
Fig. 15 Top: original Cameronians title. [4]
Bottom: Typical reproduction on the market. Note the color difference
Formation Badge: The 15th (S) Division badge consisted of a black square with a Red Lion Rampant on a yellow circular background surrounded by a white border. During the war both woven/embroidered and printed versions were produced. Through photos and surviving examples it appears the 9th Battalion at the time of Epsom most likely predominantly wore a woven/embroidered divisional badge.
Arm of Service Stripe (AoSS): The AoSS denotes the arm of service an individual was in. For example Infantry wore red, Rifle Regiments rifle green, Artillery red and blue, and so on. The AoSS is worn directly underneath the formation badge and could consist of either 1, 2, or 3 stripes stacked vertically. The number of stripes depended on what Battalion within a Brigade you were in. The Senior Battalion wore 1, the next 2, the junior 3. Note: there are instances where this practice could be adjusted due to the seniority of a Battalion. Since the 9th was the second Battalion in the 46th (H) Brigade which was second in order of seniority they wore two rifle green AoSS directly below the Division badge.
Placement of insignia: The regulation placement of insignia on the sleeve of the Battledress blouse is seen in figure 15. Though this was typically followed, original photos of members in the 9th Cameronians show various placements. The Division badges seem to be cropped and closer to the regimental title and the AoSS spacing varies under the Division badges. The titles all seem to follow regulation minus one example where it is directly against the shoulder seam.
Photographs suggest that insignia within the 9th Cameronians prior to Epsom were sewn directly to the Battledress blouse without backing. (see Fig. 18-20)
Fig. 17 Showing insignia placement with regulation measurements.[10] (measurements not to scale)
Officer Rank- Rank for Officers were displayed on the epaulet of the Battledress blouse. They consisted of stars 'pips' and Kings Crowns, in various combinations to designate Lieutenant through Lieutenant- Colonel for battalion and below. The pip or crown could be metal or cloth with the cloth being seen predominantly in the field. The cloth insignia could be white/buff or black in color and could be raised or flat. The Rifle Regiments were to wear a rifle green backing which would protrude around the edges. Before and during Epsom only white/buff insignia is seen on a rifle green backing, though post Epsom surviving original Battledress do show black metal rank applied (see Fig. 22).
Fig. 22 No 12 Plt, and LT Welch in the AA 25 June 44
Shows the use of non subdued rank on rifle green backing.
Non- Commissioned Officer Rank - The enlisted NCO rank was seen on Lance Corporal, Corporals, and various levels of Sergeants. It consisted of black chevrons made of herringbone weave tape on a rifle green wool backing. The majority seen are of the 'straight' V Chevron, however a photo from 1942 shows a Corporal with a 'curved/arched' variant.
It is worth noting that the 44th Lowland (L) Brigade were instructed to remove rank on the 25th of June. At this time we are unable to say with any certainty if the 46th (H) Brigade or the 9th Cameronians followed this. We do have Officers with visible rank in the 9th, yet we cannot find any confirmed rank on NCOs at this time.
'From the moment we landed, the Brigadier [44th (L) Brigade], whose famous sprint will be remembered, had spent his time going forward to the battle to see other brigades and glean what he could for us. Now he visited us in our field and gathered every officer and N.C.O. to a corner around him. Officers and N.C.O.s, he said among other things, would not wear their badges of rank into battle. Too many leaders had been lost through advertising their rank to enemy snipers. We would not go into this battle conspicuous in any way from the private soldiers. "Now, I don’t want to lose any of my officers or N.C.O.s because of carelessness.” [8]
Tam O’Shanter: The Tam O’Shanter or ToS for short. Was made of khaki serge wool with a large round crown, a toorie of green or brown, and was secured or adjusted by a tie made of silk, grosgrain, or herringbone tape that ran the circumference of the headband and protruded from two metal eyelets at the back. A unit cap badge was typically worn with or without backing between the left eye and ear.
Fig. 26 Original ToS as worn by ORs of the 9th Cameronians
without backing
Photo credit Tommys’ Militaria [6]
Glengarry: The Cameronians in WW2 mainly wore black glengarries. Though there are rifle green examples dating back to WWI it is thought the official change to rifle green by the regiment occurred after WWII. The main body was black wool, with a leather or grosgrain ribbon band and black grosgrain or silk ribbon tail with black toorie. Both the Douglas tartan and black silk rosette on the left side were seen in use. These were mainly used for parade and there is no evidence to suggest they wore glengarries in the field.
Battle Dress: Photos of the 9th Cameronians during Epsom with a clear view of Battledress are very limited. Therefor we must rely on pre-Epsom photos and the limited photos during Epsom to make our observations. Prior to and during Epsom the Battledress pattern seen is most likely the 'late' Serge (P40) or the 'early' Serge (P37) with the latter being limited in issue by this time. The visible differences between 'early' and 'late' Battledress Serge patterns is almost impossible to detect through photos and film, though the easiest way to tell is the 'late' Serge has a lined collar. Though not viewed in photos before or during Epsom it is plausible that the 1940 Pattern (Austerity/P42/exposed button) were issued and worn by members of the 9th during Epsom, but would most likely be in fewer numbers. For more information on the different battledress patterns during WWII look here. (All P designations are modern collector or reenactor terms)
Fig. 28 From left to right- 'Early' Battledress Serge (P37), 'Late' Battledress Serge (P40), 1940 Pattern (Austerity/P42). Photo curtesy of Rifleman Moore.
Equipment
Blanco: The British Army used a type of pigmented webbing cleaner to color their webbing in order to create a smart appearance. It was first introduced by the Pickering family in the 1870s and then adopted by the Army in 1880, finally through a patent named it ‘Blanco’ by 1900. Originally in white, but as the turn of the century led to new uniforms and equipment so was the need for additional colors. (For further information on the history of Blanco see Blanco and Bull.) [9]
By August 1943 a color designated KG3 or Khaki Green No 3 (Dark) had been introduced. This color is thought to have been widely used by the units in England training for the invasion of France. Though additional colors such as 97 and 103 were used by units, it appears that the 15th Division utilized the KG3 shade.
The Blanco was used to coat the outside of the Pattern 37 webbing, and applied on all individual webbing items to include but not limited to- belt, basic pouches, bayonet frog, water bottle carrier, haversack, cross straps, anklets, entrenching tool carrier, and large pack. Each item was typically only blancoed on the outside and the portions that did not make contact with the body. For example the belt was only blancoed on one side, and the haversack (small pack) was blancoed on the outside minus the back that rested against the uniform. Note that unit issued equipment such as the Bren auxiliary pouches, spare parts wallet, and other unit issued equipment not directly issued to the individual were typically not blancoed.
Configuration: The 9th Cameronians wore the standard Pattern 1937 webbing equipment already in use by the British Army. During studies of original photos we found that the Cameronians were the only battalion within the 46th (H) Brigade and possibly the Division to wear the entrenching tool and carrier at the center of the back. Looking at other units within the Division it would appear they wore this item on their left hip.[7]
Fig. 29
Top and left: 9th Cameronians
Bottom right: 6th Royal Scots Fusiliers 44 (L) Bde Photos courtesy of Jordan Bonardi
Celanese Triangles- The 9th is filmed utilizing what is thought to be Celanese triangles folded up and worn on the back of the Haversack, These triangles typically are referred to as anti strafing, aerial recognition, or identification scarfs/panels and derives its name from the manufacturer of the acetate silk they were made of. It was once thought only to be used by Airborne forces, however this myth has been disproven by documentation and early use by various troops operating in North Africa during 1942. This item was typically carried in the Respirator, Anti-Gas Light (RAG-L) haversack, aka ‘gas mask bag’
Fig. 30 Original Celanese Triangle [6]
Fig 31 9th Cameronians advancing 26 June 1944 showing what is thought to be Celanese triangles or fluorescent panels folded up and purposefully displayed on the haversack.
IWM film collection
Fig. 32
At this time, no documentation or accounts have been found to confirm their actual use or intended purpose. One hypothesis is we could be seeing footage of A Company, 9th Cameronians. The 9th was the far right lead battalion of the Div. in turn A Coy was the far right lead company on 26th June. They were directly on the divisional boundary between the 49th and 15th Division. The 49th had started Operation Martlet the day prior. Also in turn C Squadron, 7th Royal Tank Regiment was to support the 9th Cameronians on the 26th working with the carrier Plt of the battalion to help secure the divisions right flank. [12]
With this information it is plausible that they were marked from the rear with a visible identifier to mark the right lead edge of advance or front line trace. Aircraft were scheduled for support that day but were not able to make a heavy impact due to weather.[12] It is unlikely the sole purpose of this marking was intended for aerial recognition as only a small portion of the men filmed from the 9th Cameronians on 26th June have these suggested markings. The method of marking in a similar fashion dates back to WWI when the British Army started using insignia and other objects on the back of equipment, helmets, and uniforms to help identify how far the advance had progressed. Further the 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers (RWF) are seen with similar markings during Operation Greenline on 15 July 44, and a soldier from the Highland Light Infantry is seen on July 30 1944 with a X type marking on his haversack.
Fig. 33 4th RWF 15 July 44 showing similar markings [11]
Fig. 34 Highland Light Infantry escorting POWs of the 326th Infantry Division on July 30 1944 . IWM Film collection
Absence of RAG-L: Original photos of the 9th during Operation Epsom show the lack of the RAG-L with haversack/carrier being worn. One explanation for this can be found in the 15th (S) Division HQ War diary. An entry at 1130 25 June 44 reads- “Message O 87 that respirators would be carried in unit tpt during Op EPSOM, but that they would be available at short notice.”
Fig. 35 Respirator, Anti-Gas Light (RAG-L) MK II with haversack/carrier and accessories. [6]
08 Pack (Large)- original footage of Operation Epsom shows the use of the 'large pack' by some in place of the haversack with L straps 'small pack'. The footage does not show the haversack worn on the belt in conjunction with the 'large pack'. There is no documentation or accounts that can currently explain this observation. They appear in multiple battalions within the 15th (S) Division on 26th June 44.
Fig. 36 Pattern 08 Pack (large pack). There was never a designated Pattern 37 pack, as the previous 08 pattern was used. It's designation did not change until 1946. Click on this photo for additional information.
Weapons
Rifle: The main service rifle in use by the 15th (S) Division and the 9th Cameronians was the Enfield Rifle, No 4 MK I and MK I*. This included a spike bayonet vs the longer sword type bayonet of the No 1 MK III.
Fig. 37 Rifle No 4 MK I* with Spike bayonet attached [6] Note the sling is incorrectly fixed- the 'clips' should be facing to the outside.
Sten: Through original footage we are able to determine that the primary model of Sten used by the 9th Cameronians was the Sten MKIII. This model also appears throughout the 15th (S) Division. This particular model had a reputation of being unreliable due to the simplification from previous models. The barrel is also non removable requiring the entire weapon to be scrapped if any major component breaks.
Fig. 38 Sten MK III with sling [6]
Fig. 39 9th Cameronian in the AA 25 June 44 cleaning a Sten MK III
IWM Film
Fig. 40 9th Cameronians 26 June 44 escorting a prisoner with a Sten MK III
IWM Film
Fig. 41 9th Cameronians 26 June 44, moving up. The first 4 individuals in this column have Sten MK III.
(The first two are shown)
IWM Film
Vehicle Markings
Fig. 42 Arm of Service tactical marking for the senior battalion in the second brigade of a regular Infantry Division.
Tactical markings: The markings discussed here and most relevant to our survey are the Arm of Service and the Formation markings. The British Army's tactical marking system varied throughout the war, but there was a standard created for regular infantry and armored units. The 15th (S) Division was a regular infantry division and so followed this standard. Shown above in Fig. 42 , the 9th Cameronians were the senior battalion in the second most senior brigade within the division. Therefore their Arm of Service marking was a 60 in white on a green background in the form of a square. Their Formation marking was the Division badge.
Examining original photos of 9th Cameronian vehicles before and during Epsom it appears they outlined both the Arm of Service and Formation markings. The Arm of Service marking appears to be outlined in white with an additional smaller box at the bottom creating a rectangle rather than square (see Fig. 43). The Formation marking has either a yellow or possibly white outline, with yellow being most probable when compared to the known color of the center circle of the Divisional Badge in the photo (see Fig. 44). It is worth noting that a Jeep from the 9th Cameronians is visible in film of Epsom on 26th June 44, showing regulation markings without any outline as observed on other vehicles of the battalion.
Fig. 43 Graphic showing the Arm of Service tactical marking seen on 9th Cameronian vehicles in Normandy
Original photos and film are not clear enough to determine what is written in the lower box [10]
Fig. 44 Formation tactical marking shown with with possible yellow border [10]
Fig. 45 Carrier from the Carrier Platoon moves up on the right of the battalion 26 June 44
Clearly showing the outlined tactical markings unique to 9th Cameronian vehicles seen in Normandy.
Fig. 46 A 9th Cameronian Fordson WOT2 15cwt lorry showing the outlined tactical markings 23 June 44 Normandy
Notes
[1] 'The Scottish Regiments' Diana M Henderson , Published by Harper Collins. [2] Barrie Duncan - Curator South Lanarkshire Council Museum. [3] Sean Foster, Foster and Foster Clothiers [4] Sean Foster, Foster and Foster Clothiers and J&T Limited reproductions [6] Google images fair use [7] Jordan Bonardi, Historian [8] Lion Rampant, Robert Woolcombe pg. 41 [9] Blanco and Bull website [10] Authors rendition [11] Lewys Phillips, Historian [12] LTC Villiars' diary, Long Ago and Far Away, Pgs 137-141
All items must be original or correct period reproduction. All uniform, insignia and equipment must fit properly. All participants are required to send in a photo to event staff of your impression before paying for registration. Any participant can be turned away at the gate regardless if pre approved or not.
MKII Helmet (with net, scrim preferred but optional, per photos)
Battledress blouse (later serge pattern preferred, early serge pattern, or 1940 pattern-austerity )
Battledress Trousers (later serge pattern preferred, early serge pattern, or 1940 pattern-austerity )
Issue Collarless Shirt
Ammo Boots
Anklets (must be blancoed)
P-37 Webbing- belt, basic pouches, braces, haversack, water bottle and carrier, e-tool and carrier, bayonet frog (must be blancoed), including entrenching tool and water bottle carrier.