George VI’s Scottish Infantry Officer’s Broadsword, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders

This antique broadsword is a unique example of the craftsmanship and tradition of the Scottish Highland regiments. The sword belonged to an officer of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders during the reign of King George VI (1936-1952).

Features and Description:

Blade: The blade is etched with the inscription “A T.A. Thompson, Dover St, Piccadilly”, indicating a famous sword maker who supplied high quality weapons to British officers.
Handle: The sword is equipped with a distinctive basket-shaped guard, which provides excellent hand protection. The guard is decorated with exquisite ornaments reflecting the traditional style of Scottish regiments.
Handle: Wrapped in shegrin leather (shark skin) and decorated with silver wire for a comfortable grip and aesthetic appeal.
Scabbard: Made of leather with metal overlays for additional strength.

Historical background:

The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, founded in 1793, was one of the most famous Scottish regiments. They took part in numerous military campaigns, including World War II during the reign of King George VI. Highland regiments were renowned for their strong cultural identity, and the broadsword was a symbol of their heritage and valor. The regiment bears the name of Clan Cameron, one of the most famous Scottish highland clans.
In the early days of the regiment, swords were worn by sergeants, pipers, drummers and bandsmen, as well as officers. Drummers wore them until 1872, and pipers stopped wearing them after 1780. Staff sergeants wore them until the First World War, and since then they have been worn by officers, Royal Marines, the bandmaster and the drum major. When the regiment went to war in 1914, officers were armed with broadswords, but these soon proved inadequate for trench warfare and were replaced by the Webley revolver.

After the First World War, full dress was not revived for the Highlanders, except for drummers. Officers, Royal Marines etc. wear No. 1 uniform on formal occasions, and the sword is carried in a steel scabbard.

Early history

The regiment was originally called 79th Regiment of Foot (Cameron Volunteers). It was raised in Inverness to meet the threat of Napoleon’s invasion. The regiment quickly earned a reputation as a disciplined and brave unit, renowned for its loyalty to the Crown.

Battle Record

Napoleonic Wars: The regiment was heavily involved in the battles of Waterloo, Aboukir and other historically significant battles, where it demonstrated heroism.
Crimean War: Fought at the Battle of Alma and participated in the siege of Sevastopol.
World War I: The regiment served on the Western Front and in other combat zones, where it showed outstanding courage in trench warfare.
World War II: During this period, under the command of King George VI, the regiment participated in operations in North Africa, Italy and Normandy.

Crimean War – Battle of Alma

The Highland Brigade served in the Crimean War (1854–56) as part of the 1st Division; it was initially under the command of Major General Sir Colin Campbell (Lord Clyde). It played a significant role in the Battle of Alma.

This Highland Brigade consisted of:

42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot
79th (Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders) Regiment of Foot
93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot.

Traditions and Features

The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders were renowned for their unique highland style, including their traditional dress (kilt) and bagpipe music. They were one of the few regiments that retained their ancient Scottish traditions even as the army modernised.

In 1961 the regiment amalgamated with the Seaforth Highlanders to form a new regiment called the Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Cameron). However, the heritage and fighting traditions of the Cameron Highlanders continue to this day.

Interesting fact:
The regiment received the title Queen’s Own in 1873 as a sign of respect and recognition of services to the Crown.

George VI's Scottish Infantry Officer's Broadsword, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

The 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in Wadi Halfa, circa 1897.

Collector’s Value:

Swords with the A T.A. Thompson hallmark are highly prized by collectors, especially those associated with prestigious regiments such as the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. This sword represents not only military value but also the embodiment of Scottish martial tradition.

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