A Union of South Africa Second World War 'East & North Africa' campaign medal group of 4: Private C. J. Long, 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish

- The 1939-45 Star (27453 C. J. Long)
- The Africa Star (27453 C. J. Long)
- War Medal (27453 C. J. Long)
- Union of South Africa: Africa Service Medal (27453 C. J. Long)

Important: Recipient is confirmed as having served with 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish, per the regimental other-ranks nominal lists published in the regimental history, reference 'The Saga of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment 1932-1950 (C. Birkby, 1950)

The recipients unique service number was in the regimental block 27201-27600 allocated to the 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish

During the Second World War, 2nd Transvaal Scottish, served in North Africa, in Egypt and Libya, where together with two South African Police Battalions they constituted the 6th South African Infantry Brigade. 2/TS sailed form Durban, South Africa on 10 June 1941, and disembarked in Egypt on 20 June 1941. Early deployment saw the 'Jocks' of 2/TS assist in the the construction of the famous "Alamein Box". 6th South African Infantry Brigade attacked the fortified town of Sollum on 11 January 1942 as part of Operation Battleaxe and went on to fight in the battles of Bardia, Acroma Keep and Gazala. At Bardia, Sollum and Halfaya both German and Italian troops were forced to surrender to the Brigade. The majority of the 2nd Battalion Transvaal Scottish, along with the entire South African 2nd Division, was captured when the "fortress" of Tobruk fell at the end of the Battle of Gazala

As Private Long was neither killed or recorded captured & interred as a Prisoner of War, he was possibly either a casualty or otherwise incapacitated before the fall of Tobruk, or was amongst the small band(s) of 'Jock's' who were able to evade / escape capture and made their way back to British lines

For their services in the Second World War, the regimental history records the below following decorations made to 2/TS

- DSO: x 1
- OBE: x 1 (for subsequent escape from POW internment in Italy)
- MBE: x 1
- MC: x 4
- DCM: x 2
- MM: x 19 (including 3 x awards for subsequent escape from POW internment in Italy
- MID: X 38

The Transvaal Scottish were an overseas affiliate regiment of the Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) of the British Army - and like the Black Watch wore the famous 'Red Hackle'

The medals mounted in the swing-style suspended from their original silk ribands and as-worn by the recipient. The reverse of the mounting bar retaining the long hinged pin & clip fittings

Condition: GVF

Code: 21758