The Second Battle of El Alamein – which took place in Egypt in 1942 and marked a major turning point in the Western Desert campaign – was commemorated with a reception at Queen’s Barracks in Perth, the HQ of 7 SCOTS.
The event – held on October 24 – paid tribute to the 51st Highland Division, one of the key formations to play a part in the battle. The 51st was made up of regiments from Highland Scotland; The Black Watch, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, The Gordon Highlanders and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. 51st Highland, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland has proud lineage to all of those regiments.
During the First Battle of El Alamein in July 1942, General Auckinleck had stopped Field Marshal Rommel’s Panzerarmee in its tracks. After a series of smaller battles General Montgomery’s reinvigorated 8th Army delivered a decisive blow against the Panzerarmee, turning the tide of the war in North Africa and hastened the defeat of German forces in that theatre.
Music at the event was provided by 7 SCOTS’ Pipes and Drums and an ensemble from the Highland Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Lieutenant Colonel Piers Strudwick, Commanding Officer of 7SCOTS speaks during the event.
The Pipes and Drums of 7SCOTS provided music.
