Walcheren Barracks
Encyclopedia
Walcheren Barracks is a Drill hall
located at Hotspur Street in Maryhill
, Glasgow
, Scotland
. The current building was originally constructed in 1935 as the new Headquarters of the 9th (Glasgow Highlanders
) Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry
, which moved from 81 Greendyke Street (now demolished and replaced by apartments) near Glasgow Green
. It later became the Headquarters of the 52nd Lowland Volunteers
in 1967, which was partly formed via the amalgamtion of the redesignated 1st (Glasgow Highlanders
) Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry and the 5th/6th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry (Formed via the previous amalgamation of the 5th, 6th, 10th and 11th Battalions of the Highland Light Infantry in 1947), which was based at 24 Hill Street, Garnethill
(now known as the Haldane
Building, part of the Glasgow School of Art
).
Street, which was originally built in 1900 with funds provided by Sir Thomas Lipton
, who became its Colonel-in-Chief
. In 1947 the drill hall was taken over by the new 15th (Scottish Volunteer) Battalion
, The Parachute Regiment under Brigadier Alastair Pearson
and was subsequently converted into apartments in 2000http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20000625/ai_n13948581/?tag=content;col1. A former Territorial HLI Battalion in Glasgow, the 7th (Blythswood) Battalion, the Highland Light Infantry was based at 69 Main Street, Bridgeton
(now demolished and replaced by a tenement), it was converted to Royal Artillery
in 1938, becoming the 83rd AA Regiment.
, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
, the regular recruitment team for the Royal Highland Fusiliers
, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as detachments of the Army Cadet Force
and Air Training Corps
. Lowland House, headquarters of The Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association is also located at the site. The facility is the only one in Glasgow and the West of Scotland to be formally designated as a Barracks
, although there are several other Territorial Army Centres in the area, including 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment
at Kelvinside
, 105 Regiment, Royal Artillery in Partick
, the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
at Finnieston
and Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps
in Hillhead
.
The Barracks was named Walcheren Barracks in 1985 by Princess Margaret, on the occasion of the presentation of Colours
to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Lowland Volunteers. The designation Walcheren, was in recognition of Operation Infatuate
, part of the Battle of the Scheldt
in which the Glasgow Highlanders
of 52nd (Lowland) Division were involved in the capture of Walcheren Island on November 8th 1944. It could also refer to the infamous 1809 Walcheren Campaign
that involved the 71st Regiment of Foot, which later became part of the Highland Light Infantry
.
, which was built on the Garrioch Estate in 1872, replacing the previous Infantry Barracks at Duke Street
in the East End, which dated from 1795. Maryhill Barracks became the depot of the Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow) regiment after the Childers Reforms
of 1881. It also famously held Hitler's
second-in-command Rudolf Hess
during World War Two
after his supposed "Peace" flight to the UK. Maryhill Barracks was closed and largely demolished in 1960, to be replaced by the Wyndford
Housing estate, although the guardroom and boundary walls remain.
Drill hall
A drill hall is a place such as a building or a hangar where soldiers practice and perform military drill. In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, the term was also used for the whole headquarters building of a military reserve unit, which usually incorporated such a hall...
located at Hotspur Street in Maryhill
Maryhill
Maryhill is an area of the City of Glasgow in Scotland. Maryhill is a former burgh. The population of Maryhill is about 52,000. Maryhill stretches over along Maryhill Road...
, Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. The current building was originally constructed in 1935 as the new Headquarters of the 9th (Glasgow Highlanders
Glasgow Highlanders
The Glasgow Highlanders was a former Territorial Army regiment in the British Army, it eventually became part of The Highland Light Infantry regiment in 1881, which later became The Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1959...
) Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry
Highland Light Infantry
The Highland Light Infantry was a regiment of the British Army from 1881 to 1959. In 1923 the regimental title was expanded to the Highland Light Infantry ...
, which moved from 81 Greendyke Street (now demolished and replaced by apartments) near Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green
Glasgow Green is a park situated in the east end of Glasgow on the north bank of the River Clyde. It is the oldest park in the city dating back to the 15th century.In 1450, King James II granted the land to Bishop William Turnbull and the people of Glasgow...
. It later became the Headquarters of the 52nd Lowland Volunteers
52nd Lowland Regiment
The 52nd Lowland Regiment now forms the 6th Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, also known as 6 SCOTS. Due to its erstwhile association with the 1st Regiment of Foot, it is the senior Territorial line infantry battalion in the British Army...
in 1967, which was partly formed via the amalgamtion of the redesignated 1st (Glasgow Highlanders
Glasgow Highlanders
The Glasgow Highlanders was a former Territorial Army regiment in the British Army, it eventually became part of The Highland Light Infantry regiment in 1881, which later became The Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1959...
) Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry and the 5th/6th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry (Formed via the previous amalgamation of the 5th, 6th, 10th and 11th Battalions of the Highland Light Infantry in 1947), which was based at 24 Hill Street, Garnethill
Garnethill
Garnethill is a predominantly residential area of the city of Glasgow, Scotland.-Geography:Located in the city centre, the area borders Cowcaddens to its north, Sauchiehall Street to its south, Cambridge Street to its east and the M8 motorway to its west....
(now known as the Haldane
Richard Haldane, 1st Viscount Haldane
Richard Burdon Haldane, 1st Viscount Haldane KT, OM, PC, KC, FRS, FBA, FSA , was an influential British Liberal Imperialist and later Labour politician, lawyer and philosopher. He was Secretary of State for War between 1905 and 1912 during which time the "Haldane Reforms" were implemented...
Building, part of the Glasgow School of Art
Glasgow School of Art
Glasgow School of Art is one of only two independent art schools in Scotland, situated in the Garnethill area of Glasgow.-History:It was founded in 1845 as the Glasgow Government School of Design. In 1853, it changed its name to The Glasgow School of Art. Initially it was located at 12 Ingram...
).
Former Drill Halls
Before it was amalgamated and moved to Hill Street in 1947, the 6th Bn, HLI was based in a Drill hall at 173 YorkhillYorkhill
Yorkhill is a district in the Scottish city of Glasgow. It is situated north of the River Clyde in the West End of the city. It is known for its famous hospitals; the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill and the Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital....
Street, which was originally built in 1900 with funds provided by Sir Thomas Lipton
Thomas Lipton
Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, KCVO was a Scotsman of Ulster-Scots parentage who was a self-made man, merchant, and yachtsman. He created the Lipton tea brand and was the most persistent challenger in the history of the America's Cup.-Parentage and childhood:Lipton was born in Glasgow...
, who became its Colonel-in-Chief
Colonel-in-Chief
In the various Commonwealth armies, the Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment is its patron. This position is distinct from that of Colonel of the Regiment. They do not have an operational role. They are however kept informed of all important activities of the regiment, and pay occasional visits to its...
. In 1947 the drill hall was taken over by the new 15th (Scottish Volunteer) Battalion
4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
The 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment is a Territorial Army unit of the British Army. It is based across the U.K. Originally the Battalion covered the North of England with its Headquarters located in Pudsey, West Yorkshire...
, The Parachute Regiment under Brigadier Alastair Pearson
Alastair Pearson
Brigadier Alastair Stevenson Pearson CB, DSO & Three Bars, OBE, MC, TD was a baker, farmer and one of the most highly-regarded soldiers of the British Army who served in World War II. During his distinguished military career he was known as Jock Pearson to the men of his command.-Early...
and was subsequently converted into apartments in 2000http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20000625/ai_n13948581/?tag=content;col1. A former Territorial HLI Battalion in Glasgow, the 7th (Blythswood) Battalion, the Highland Light Infantry was based at 69 Main Street, Bridgeton
Bridgeton, Glasgow
Bridgeton is a district to the east side of Glasgow city centre. It is bounded by Glasgow Green to the west, Dalmarnock to the east and south and Calton to the north-west at Abercromby Street/ London Road...
(now demolished and replaced by a tenement), it was converted to Royal Artillery
Royal Artillery
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Royal Artillery , is the artillery arm of the British Army. Despite its name, it comprises a number of regiments.-History:...
in 1938, becoming the 83rd AA Regiment.
Current Use
The Barracks today forms the base of the Headquarters and two Companies of 52nd Lowland52nd Lowland Regiment
The 52nd Lowland Regiment now forms the 6th Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, also known as 6 SCOTS. Due to its erstwhile association with the 1st Regiment of Foot, it is the senior Territorial line infantry battalion in the British Army...
, 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British Army Infantry. It consists of five regular and two territorial battalions, each formerly an individual regiment...
, the regular recruitment team for the Royal Highland Fusiliers
Royal Highland Fusiliers
The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland....
, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as detachments of the Army Cadet Force
Army Cadet Force
The Army Cadet Force is a British youth organisation that offers progressive training in a multitude of the subjects from military training to adventurous training and first aid, at the same time as promoting achievement, discipline, and good citizenship, to boys and girls aged 12 to 18 and 9...
and Air Training Corps
Air Training Corps
The Air Training Corps , commonly known as the Air Cadets, is a cadet organisation based in the United Kingdom. It is a voluntary youth group which is part of the Air Cadet Organisation and the Royal Air Force . It is supported by the Ministry of Defence, with a regular RAF Officer, currently Air...
. Lowland House, headquarters of The Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association is also located at the site. The facility is the only one in Glasgow and the West of Scotland to be formally designated as a Barracks
Barracks
Barracks are specialised buildings for permanent military accommodation; the word may apply to separate housing blocks or to complete complexes. Their main object is to separate soldiers from the civilian population and reinforce discipline, training and esprit de corps. They were sometimes called...
, although there are several other Territorial Army Centres in the area, including 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment
32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment
The 32nd Signal Regiment is a British Territorial Army regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals.- Regimental heritage :The 1st Lanarkshire Engineer Regiment were raised in Glasgow on 5 December 1859 as part of the Volunteer Force. The regiment was formally registered with the War Office on 27...
at Kelvinside
Kelvinside
Kelvinside is a district in the Scottish city of Glasgow. It is situated north of the River Clyde and is bounded by Dowanhill, Hyndland and Broomhill to the South with Kelvindale and the River Kelvin to the North...
, 105 Regiment, Royal Artillery in Partick
Partick
Partick is an area of Glasgow on the north bank of the River Clyde, just across from Govan. To the west lies Whiteinch. Partick was a Police burgh from 1852 until 1912 when it was incorporated into the city.-History:...
, the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment
The 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment is a Territorial Army unit of the British Army. It is based across the U.K. Originally the Battalion covered the North of England with its Headquarters located in Pudsey, West Yorkshire...
at Finnieston
Finnieston
Finnieston is an area of Glasgow, Scotland, situated on the North bank of the River Clyde and between the city's West End and the city centre. It is home to the SECC, where many musical concerts and important conferences are held...
and Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps
Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps
Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Officer Training Corps is one of nineteen University Officer Training Corps in the United Kingdom and one of four in Scotland, drawing recruits from higher education institutions in and around the city of Glasgow and the wider Strathclyde region in west-central...
in Hillhead
Hillhead
Hillhead is a district of Glasgow, Scotland. Situated north of Kelvingrove Park and to the south of the River Kelvin, Hillhead is at the heart of Glasgow's fashionable West End, with Byres Road forming the western border of the area, the other boundaries being Dumbarton Road to the south and the...
.
The Barracks was named Walcheren Barracks in 1985 by Princess Margaret, on the occasion of the presentation of Colours
Colours, standards and guidons
In military organizations, the practice of carrying colours, standards or Guidons, both to act as a rallying point for troops and to mark the location of the commander, is thought to have originated in Ancient Egypt some 5,000 years ago...
to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Lowland Volunteers. The designation Walcheren, was in recognition of Operation Infatuate
Operation Infatuate
Operation Infatuate was the codename given to Anglo-Canadian operation during the Second World War to open the port of Antwerp to shipping and relieve logistical constraints. The operation was part of the wider battle of the Scheldt and involved two assault landings from the sea by the 4th Special...
, part of the Battle of the Scheldt
Battle of the Scheldt
The Battle of the Scheldt was a series of military operations of the Canadian 1st Army, led by Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds. The battle took place in northern Belgium and southwestern Netherlands during World War II from 2 October-8 November 1944...
in which the Glasgow Highlanders
Glasgow Highlanders
The Glasgow Highlanders was a former Territorial Army regiment in the British Army, it eventually became part of The Highland Light Infantry regiment in 1881, which later became The Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1959...
of 52nd (Lowland) Division were involved in the capture of Walcheren Island on November 8th 1944. It could also refer to the infamous 1809 Walcheren Campaign
Walcheren Campaign
The Walcheren Campaign was an unsuccessful British expedition to the Netherlands in 1809 intended to open another front in the Austrian Empire's struggle with France during the War of the Fifth Coalition. Around 40,000 soldiers, 15,000 horses together with field artillery and two siege trains...
that involved the 71st Regiment of Foot, which later became part of the Highland Light Infantry
Highland Light Infantry
The Highland Light Infantry was a regiment of the British Army from 1881 to 1959. In 1923 the regimental title was expanded to the Highland Light Infantry ...
.
Maryhill Barracks
Walcheren Barracks is located adjacent to the former site of Maryhill BarracksMaryhill Barracks
Maryhill Barracks were built on of the Ruchill estate, in the Maryhill area of northern Glasgow, Scotland. They were opened as Garrioch Barracks in 1872. Built to accommodate an infantry regiment, a squadron of cavalry and a battery of field artillery, it dominated the area which is now the...
, which was built on the Garrioch Estate in 1872, replacing the previous Infantry Barracks at Duke Street
Duke Street, Glasgow
Duke Street is a street running to the East End of Glasgow from the High Street in the City Centre, through the residential district of Dennistoun, running past The Forge Shopping Centre, before terminating at a junction with the Great Eastern Road , Westmuir Street and Springfield Road, to form a...
in the East End, which dated from 1795. Maryhill Barracks became the depot of the Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow) regiment after the Childers Reforms
Childers Reforms
The Childers Reforms restructured the infantry regiments of the British army. The reforms were undertaken by Secretary of State for War Hugh Childers in 1881, and were a continuation of the earlier Cardwell reforms....
of 1881. It also famously held Hitler's
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
second-in-command Rudolf Hess
Rudolf Hess
Rudolf Walter Richard Hess was a prominent Nazi politician who was Adolf Hitler's deputy in the Nazi Party during the 1930s and early 1940s...
during World War Two
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
after his supposed "Peace" flight to the UK. Maryhill Barracks was closed and largely demolished in 1960, to be replaced by the Wyndford
Wyndford
Wyndford is an area of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. Located in the Maryhill district in the Northwest of the city, Wyndford is bounded by Maryhill Road to the north and the River Kelvin to the south. The area comprises council housing that is typical of that which was built throughout Glasgow...
Housing estate, although the guardroom and boundary walls remain.