The 1st Battalion The Cameron Highlanders served throughout the war in the 5th Infantry Brigade under command of the 2nd Infantry Division. They started the war in service with the BEF in France and Belgium, fighting in the battles of St. Omer - La Bassee from 23 to 29 May 1940. The majority of the battalion were evacuated from a beach near Dunkirk after being pushed back by repeated German air and armoured attacks; the rest were rendered into captivity.

    After being brought back to strength in the UK, the Battalion was shipped out to India. The battalion saw active service in India and Burma, notably in the lengthy battles for Kohima (27 March 1944 - 22 June 1944), Mandalay (12/13 February 1945 - 21 March 1945), and the campaign along the Irrawaddy River (29 March 1945 - 30 May 1945).