Cambridgeshires in the Far East

2nd Cambridgeshires at Folkestone Camp

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Originally formed in June ,1939, the 2^nd Battalion finally became a separate entity when embodied on 1^st September of that year; it was not ,of course , purely a battalion of new recruits, for with the reorganisation of the Regiment on a geographical basis those companies of the1st Battalion which existed in the northern half of the county were transferred over to the 2^nd .

On the outbreak of war ,Battalion H.Q. moved from Cambridge and joined Headquarters Company and “C” Company at Wisbech; “A” Company was at March and “B” Company at Ely and “D” at Charteris.

To begin with , shortage of equipment , arms, clothing and boots, with a lack of instructors, considerably hampered the companies in their efforts to turn themselves into full-time soldiers, but the task was tackled with great keeness by everyone and the fullest use made of the limited instruction available.

By David Langton

Enlisting, Training and Sailing (1938 - 1941)

Malaya Action

Singapore Action

Escape Party

Epilogue

Honours

Acknowledgements

This information was supplied to the Fepow Community by David Langton

Honours and Awards for Services in the Far East

1 Malaya and Singapore

D.S.O 1
Bar to D.S.O. 1
O.B.E. 1
M.C. 2
D.C.M. 1
M.M 1
Mentioned in Despatches 11

2 . As Prisoners of War, 1942 – 1945

M.B.E.1
British Empire Medal 1
Mentioned in Despatches 4

3 . Other Theatres of the War

Many Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment served on othe fronts, including Norway, France, and Belgium 1940, Middle East, Crete, East Africa, Sicily, Italy, Burma and Nort – West Europe 1944 – 1945; unfortunately, the record of awards made to members of the Regiment for these campaigns is not yet complete, but the list includes the following:-