The Kings Schilling

[Jon Skagfeld]

Originally posted by Norm Cromie
Jon: you mentioned you knew Bill Elms. Here is a little bit of old history and if I am not correct I am sure there will be some old 39ers out there that will put me straight. At Aldershot during January 1940 we were aroused each morning very gently with revelry being played by either the pipes or the bugle. On one occasion we were stunned by I believe Bill Elms waking us up with a real swing version of revelry. A Captain Brown had paid Bill a few pence to do so. Col. Haldenby was mad as hell. I believe Bill was driver for Haldenby but his driving days were quickly over. Bill I believe at the time his nickname was jeep, why I do not know. I don't think you will find this in the daily history of the regiment. If there are any old 39ers out there of the regiment I would appreciate it if they correct me.

Futher to the Elm' family, Bill's son, Geordie, is Commanding Officer of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. He commanded the unit for a Trooping and presentation of new colours by none other than HRH. Ceremony was held in Vic Copps' coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario. That was in October 2002, part of HRH Golden Jubilee.