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Title:AN INFANTRY BATTALION IN RESERVE [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 174-2
Other titles:
Summary: A Scottish battalion welcomes reinforcement drafts and performs maintenance work on its equipment during 15th (Scottish) Division's rest period in Southern Holland.
Description: As part of their introduction to the 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, new recruits are issued with Glengarry caps, regimental cap badges and boots by the battalion's captain quartermaster. In the village of Bakel the battalion cobbler hammers studs into the boots belonging to one of the newcomers. A staff sergeant hands in a pair of worn-out socks. Men serving with the Argylls' 'C' company (?) are seen cleaning a selection of widely- used British infantry weapons, notably a two-inch mortar, a PIAT and a Bren light machine-gun. A fitter adjusts bolts on a sprocket wheel on a universal carrier, which then has mortar or PIAT ammunition containers and a Bren gun put on board.
Production Details: Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film and Photographic Unit (Production company)
Hewitt (Sergeant) (Production individual)
Notes: Summary: Refer generally to footage showing the 15th (Scottish) Division in action in Southern Holland, notably A70 174-6 which features the divisional pipes and drums on parade in Helmond. As with many British infantry battalions during this period, the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders ranks had been sorely depleted by casualties; even after reinforcement, its 'B' company was temporarily disbanded.
Remarks: Good footage. Best seen with A70 58-9 and 175-2 which feature infantry battalions preparing for battle.
Documentation/associated material: for a bibliography, read 'History of the Argyll an Sutherland Highlanders; 2nd Battalion (Reconstituted) European Campaign 1944-45 by Major McElwee and 'The History of the 15th (Scottish) Division 1939-1945' by Lieutenant-General H G Martin.
