Cameron Highlanders & Spandau Prison?

[Roy]

Hi Folks,

Is anyone aware of a connection between the Cameron Highlanders and Spandau Prison?

I'm attempting to research a knife which has just some in on consignment (so full disclosure - will be offered for sale) which has blades etchings indicating the above but can't find anything, so thought I would ask.

I'm guessing that the Camerons may have been there post war with some connection Nuremburg Trials? But that is just a total guess.

Cheerio,
Roy

[grey_green_acorn]

Spandau Prison after WW2 was guarded on a monthly rota basis by the four occupying powers: UK, USA, France and the USSR.
Likely that the Cameron Highlanders took their turn when stationed in Berlin.

Tim

[Roy]

Thanks Tim,

That's along the lines of what I was thinking but found no evidence as yet.

Cheers,
Roy

[grey_green_acorn]

Only a theory but:
The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders were amalgamated with the Seaforth Highlanders in February 1961.
The amalgamated regiment The Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforth & Cameron) were stationed in Berlin at Wavell Barracks from August 1966 to September 1968. They would have taken their turn to provide a Platoon to guard Spandau Prison.
So your knife owner was a former Cameron unhappy with the amalgamation and loyal to his old regiment.
or
He could have been an ex Cameron employed as civilian warden (Prison Officer) at any time after 1947 until 1987 when the prison finally closed.

We may never know!

Tim

[mike_vee]

Queen's Own Highlanders

1966.08 - 1968.09 Berlin: Wavell Barracks

From an article "Gone but not forgotten- celebrating 60 years of the Queen’s Own Highlanders" :

Lieutenant Colonel Bob Towns

Guarding Rudolf Hess

he was in Berlin in 1966 when the Cold War was at its height, and one of his duties was to guard Hitler’s notorious deputy, Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison.

Bob said: “If my memory serves me correctly we did two hours sentry duty at a time in the watchtowers placed around the prison.

“In some of the towers you had the chance of spotting Hess as he walked or sat in the garden.

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp...n-highlanders/
.

[Peter Brydon]

The Manchesters and The King’s Liverpools at different times were on guard duties at Spandau.
P.

[Roy]

Thanks Chaps,

Some really great information there and a great help.

All this fits in well with the knife, which is clearly post war. It's got a fabulous etching on it with the details already mentioned, so a nice, interesting and somewhat historic find.

Very much appreciated.

Cheerio,
Roy