With the outbreak of World War II, Roy Urquhart’s military career
advanced rapidly. In September 1939 he was still serving in India, and
he was to remain there until 1941 before being posted to North Africa.
He was subsequently recalled to the United Kingdom to serve as a
staff ofcer with the 3rd Infantry Division.
Urquhart was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and took command of the
2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. In 1942 he served as
a staff ofcer in the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division, initially stationed
in the UK and later deployed to North Africa.
Urquhart was appointed brigadier of the 231st Infantry Brigade, after
his return from North Africa. The Brigade became part of the Allied
forces pushing up through Sicily and into mainland Italy, a campaign
that tested his tactical skill and leadership under some of the most
challenging conditions of the war.
The Italian Campaign was dened by difcult terrain: rugged mountains,
narrow valleys, and heavily fortied enemy positions. Urquhart’s
brigade often had to navigate steep ridges and river crossings while
facing determined German defenders. He quickly gained a reputation
for meticulous planning and personal courage, frequently moving to
the front lines to coordinate attacks and reassure his soldiers. He had
a “lead from the front” style which would often see him in a jeep with
just a radio and his batman for company, driving off to assess the front
line situations. This tactic was not without risk however, and during his
time in Italy nearly ended in disaster after he came under attack on one
such sortie, and a member of his jeep was killed and his intelligence
ofcer badly injured.
During the Sicilian landings, Urquhart’s brigade played a key role
in capturing strategic towns and securing vital supply routes. He
demonstrated an ability to adapt rapidly to changing battleeld
conditions, coordinating with infantry, artillery, and engineers to
overcome obstacles such as mineelds, destroyed bridges, and
entrenched enemy positions.
As the campaign moved into mainland Italy, his leadership was further