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THE SCOTTISH REGIMENTS

THE ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS (PRINCESS LOUISE'S)(91ST, 93RD)

The Argyllshire Highlanders, or 91st, were raised on the 10th February 1794. Five years after the raising of the 91st another Highland Corps came into being, this was the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders.

For the next eighty years both Regiments fought with distinction all over the world. The 91st served in South Africa and in the Peninsula against Napoleon, during the course of which nine battle honours were gained.

The 93rd's most famous actions were in the Crimea at Alma, Sevastopol and Balaklava where they earned the nickname of the 'Thin Red Line'. During the Indian Mutiny they took part in the relief of Lucknow and won seven Victoria Crosses, six in one day. They also played a heroic part in the Battle of New Orleans.

Between 1881 and 1914 the two Battalions continued to see active service in India and the Boer War in South Africa, where the 1st Battalion earned a further three Battle Honours.

During the First World War the Regiment raised 7 Battalions, of which 2 Regular, 5 Territorial and 4 service Battalions fought with great distinction in France and Flanders and the Middle East. A further 6 Victoria Crosses were won.

From 1919 to 1939 the two Battalions saw service in India, Egypt, Sudan, Jamaica, China and Hong Kong.

In the Second World War the 1st Battalion fought in Africa, Crete, Abyssinia, Sicily and Italy. the 2nd Battalion fought with great gallantry in Malaya and Singapore. A further two Victoria Crosses were won during the war.

In 1948 the 2nd Battalion was amalgamated with the 1st Battalion which then saw service in Palestine, Korea (where Major Muir won the Victoria Cross), British Guiana, Berlin, Suez, Cyprus, BAOR, Singapore, Borneo, Aden, Hong Kong and the Falklands.

Museum: Stirling Castle (web site)
Web site: Official Army Website