SCOTTISH REGIMENTS
Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Ne Obliviscaris · Sans Peur
DO NOT FORGET · WITHOUT FEAR
One of Scotland’s most celebrated regiments, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders served with distinction in two World Wars and across the globe. In 1939 the 2nd Battalion was sent to Malaya, and their story in the Far East is one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice and endurance.
1881
REGIMENT FORMED
500
MILES OF FIGHTING WITHDRAWAL
1942
FALL OF SINGAPORE
192
DIED IN CAPTIVITY
ABOUT THE REGIMENT
The Jungle Beasts
The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders were formed in 1881 by joining the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) and 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiments of Foot. Their motto, Ne Obliviscaris, Sans Peur (Do Not Forget, Without Fear), defined a regiment that carried its traditions and its pride through every campaign it fought.
In 1939 the 2nd Battalion was posted to Malaya. Under Lieutenant Colonel Ian Stewart they trained relentlessly in jungle warfare and became known throughout Malaya Command as The Jungle Beasts. When Japan invaded in December 1941, they fought a rearguard action of some 500 miles down the peninsula before being taken prisoner when Singapore fell in February 1942. The pages below tell their story in full.
EXPLORE THE REGIMENT
The Full Story
Follow the Argylls from their formation to their years of captivity in the Far East.
01
History of the Regiment
From its formation in 1881 through two World Wars: the full regimental story of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
02
Stirling Castle
The spiritual home of the Argylls, a fortress with centuries of connection to the regiment and the men who served.
03
The Argyll Museum
The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle, preserving the regiment’s story for future generations.
04
The Argylls in the Pacific
From the jungles of Malaya to the prison camps of the Japanese empire: the Argylls as Far East Prisoners of War.
“Ne Obliviscaris. Do not forget.”
— MOTTO OF THE ARGYLL & SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS