52 Infantry Brigade
HQ 52 Infantry Brigade is based in Edinburgh Castle and commands Regular Army units in Scotland and the North West of England. 52 Infantry Brigade is a relatively new formation, created on 1 April 2002, but has a long associated history. Its previous incarnations have been as 52 Lowland Division until 1968 and as 52 (Lowland) Brigade until recently. Its current role has more in common with the former formation than the latter.
During the Second World War 52 Lowland Division trained as a Mountain Division for the possible re-invasion of Norway. In the event it fought gallantly in Holland and Germany, taking part in the famous crossing of the Rhine.
In 1968 the Divisional Headquarters was reduced to Brigade level and has been based in Hamilton, Glasgow and now Edinburgh Castle. The Brigade is currently commanded by Brigadier RL Scott-Bowden MBE. He is the commander of the Edinburgh Castle Garrison and is also responsible for the security of the Key to the Castle.
At the time of writing the Brigade consists of the HQ and four regular Infantry Battalions: 1st Battalion The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) based in Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh. 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) based at Dale Barracks, Chester. 1st Battalion the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) based at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh (to be replaced by 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry in March ’04) and 1st Battalion The Royal Green Jackets based in Weeton Barracks near Blackpool.
2003 was a very busy year for the Brigade with units deploying to Iraq, Bosnia, Norway, and Northern Ireland as well as many training exercises in Scotland and England. The Brigade is the Land Proponent for Mountain and Cold Weather Warfare, which has led to some interesting exercises. Elements of the Brigade have undertaken Arctic survival courses similar to those of the Royal Marines. In the past months the first Mountain Warfare Instructors have been trained allowing Company Groups to exercise in the Highlands of Scotland. This is developmental work and is ongoing.
The Brigade is under the command of 2 Div but also has a training affiliation with 3 (UK) Div based in Bulford. The role is to provide light forces to support the division by securing key areas and routes and conducting operations in terrain unsuited to the divisions armour.
52 Infantry Brigade is a new formation which still has much to do to define its position within the Army. As part of 2nd
