Formed as a Territorial Force Division following the Haldane reforms of the army of 1908, this Division was to become one of Scotland’s most famous formations and, by the end of the First World War, the 51st had gained such a reputation for themselves that they were considered the finest Division in France, Regular or Territorial.

They did not however have a good start. They moved to France in April and May 1915 and were more than upset that their number was changed from 1st to 51st Division, with three Brigades numbered 152, 153 and 154. In a period of initial inactivity, and consigned to the reserve, the Division was nicknamed “Harper’s Duds” after the name of their Divisional Commander and the Divisional sign which appeared on their vehicles, “HD”.

On the 13th November 1916 however the 51st took part in the Battle of the Ancre and were assigned an area in front of Beaumont-Hammel. The ground that they had to cover was already littered with dead from the July offensive and was intersected by a deep fold in the ground known on the battle maps as Y Ravine. The Division stormed the position with such determination and momentum that it was without doubt on of the greatest feats of the war. Between six and seven thousand prisoners were taken.

The 51st maintained this fearsome reputation to the end of the 1st World War in spite of total casualties which amounted to almost seven times the divisional strength. The French took them to their hearts and to the end they were considered one of the most reliable Divisions on the Western Front. Their Divisional Commanders, Bannatyne-Allason, Harper (known as “Uncle Harper”) and Carter Campbell were national heroes and household words.

The 51st was again mobilised at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 made up of both Regular and Territorial soldiers and they were sent to France and Belgium. In 1940, under French command, they fought a series of bold and stubborn rearguard actions against the German advance, but they were isolated and cut off at St Valery and under their great commander, Victor Fortune, were forced to surrender before they could be evacuated. This original Second World War Highland Division wore as their divisional sign the old “HD” of the First World War.

After St Valery, the duplicate Highland Division, the 9th Highland Division, formed in 1938 as a second line formation, was redesignated as the 51st Highland Division and the few survivors from France joined the new 51st.

To inherit such a reputation was more than a challenge for the newly formed force. Instrumental in forming, training and preparing this Division for war were Major Generals Neil Ritchie of the Black Watch and Douglas Wimberley of the Cameron Highlanders. The Division now wore the HD patch and was again formed into Highland Brigades numbered 152, 153 and 154.

Once more the 51st gained for themselves a formidable reputation in the field. By June 1942 they were trained and ready and they embarked for Egypt and the North African campaign. Renowned for their organisation, morale, fighting efficiency and staff work, they were great favourites with Montgomery. Their North African battles included El Alamein, Mareth, Medenine and Wadi Akarit.

After North Africa they landed in Sicily and were then moved back to the United Kingdom to prepare for the landings in North West Europe. Here in the hedges and narrow lanes of Normandy they had a difficult time and they deeply felt the change of command from their beloved Douglas Wimberley.

They fought on however through France, Belgium, Holland and across the Rhine into Germany. In August 1945 the 51st Highland Division ceased to exist as a separate formation and became part of the 51st/52nd (Scottish) Division. Their wartime battle casualties in killed wounded and missing from D-Day to 5th May 1945 totalled 9051.

The 51st was revived as a separate Territorial Division in 1948 and survived as such until 1967 when it was redesignated as a Brigade of the Scottish Division and later as a brigade number in 2nd Division.