Billy's War

My father William Edwards was born in 1907 originally from Wolverhampton. During The Second World War he was called up in 1942 (he had a reserved occupation as a plumber and was originally involved in bomb damage work for Wembley Council)  and joined the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and served at Monte Cassino, Sicily and Egypt. He was on guard duty at Casserta Palace during a major conference between Monty, Stalin and Roosevelt. My father drove bren gun carriers for a short time (the only motorized vehicle he drove in his life),  but as he had a sergeant/sergeant major instructor who was such a bully that he gave it up as a bad job. When in Rimini Italy, my father and half a dozen others were detailed to guard a pumping station but they took it in turns,  to guard the pumping station and the others to spend the day on the beach or at a local bar.  He also told me of  Crossing a river where most of the men were wiped out leaving a few remaining.  My father was hospitalized on 3 occasions, for a cartilage operation,  dysentery and malaria.  He claims that the only shot he "fired in anger", he accidentally hit a Canadian in the arse.

I would love to find out more about "his war", as like many of his comrades he seldom spoke of his wartime experiences.  Alas he is no longer with us (he died in 1988),  so one of my biggest regrets,  is that I did not press him about his war-time experiences and what he and his fellow soldiers did for us in such an appalling conflict. If there are any "Argyll's" out there who may recognize my father or themselves in these photos,  I would dearly love to hear from you.
 

Philip Edwards

Here are some of my fathers war time photos Click on thumbnail to see the full image

Bill 2nd from the left	Bill is furthest on the right in back row	November 1943 Bill 1st on the left	Florence June 11th 1945 Bill 4th from the left in back row
		November 1943

An anecdotal history of 2 A&SH in the Malayan Campaign 1941-2 and subsequent captivity. This new 232 page soft back book contains 40 previously unpublished photos. Click on the graphic to learn more

The history of the 1st Battalion A&SH Taken from the 1st  Battalions diary 1939 to 1945, new site by Chris Kelly M.B.A.

Tom Barker Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1938 to 1945 In 1938 I wanted to join the Navy for adventure and to see the world. Due to unforeseen circumstances I found myself enlisted in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. I did see some of the world, and I got more than I bargained for, but I was one of the lucky ones who returned to tell the story of an obscene war. I hope you enjoy sharing some of my adventures, trials and tribulations.  The site includes Tom photos and medals.

J S C Dunn Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders 1st Battalion C Company 1945-1953. this site has many photographs of the Post War Battalion in Korea and Palestine

SID'S WAR  From El Alamein to Cassino. The story of an Argyll at War. The war time memories of Pvt. Sid Martindale 1st Battalion Argyll  & Sutherland Highlanders As told in this own words and photos

Fact File: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's) Formation: Amalgamation: Disbandment: Other file references:

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders A new site by James Paul with a time line and lots more info

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum These pages are about the The Regimental Museum which is in the King's Old Building of the Castle. It is one of the most fascinating museums in Scotland with displays which include Pictures, Uniforms, Weapons, Silver, Documents, Dioramas, Colours, Pipe banners, Medals and Militaria. It is enjoyable for  young and old.

Memories of Pt. Tom Barker  Service No 2982252 Regiment. The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Service . Palestine 1939-40. Libyan Desert, Crete. Wounded and taken POW on Crete. June 6, 1941 Four years POW. Stalag 3D Teltow. Stalag 404 Grossbeeren. Stalag 4B Muhlberg. Left Muhlberg while the war was still raging in Berlin. Hiked across the Elbe river via Torgau. Picked up by American Officer in a Jeep and taken to an air strip. Transported from the air strip in Germany to France 1945 by Air Marshal Tedder. Landed at Reims France and interrogated by American Officer. Transported from Reims France to Buckinghamshire U.K. In the bomb bay of a Lancaster Bomber. Interrogated by British Officer.

The History of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders My Granddad's regiment by Tom Barker hosted by Robert Cull

2nd Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (A&SH)  Another 2nd Argyll site by Piper Patrick Chargo

2nd Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders This is a site on the history of the 2nd Battalion during  W.W.II by Chris Kelly

Scots at War These pages are respectfully dedicated as a tribute to the endeavors of all Scots who served their country in the armed and civilian services in the 20th century.