Somaliland Scouts facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Somaliland Scouts
Somaliland Scouts shoulder sleeve insignia and emblem
Country	British Somaliland
Allegiance	British Empire
Branch	Army
Type	regiment
Insignia
Flag

The Somaliland Scouts was a special military group, like a team of soldiers, that belonged to the British Army. It was created after British Somaliland was freed from Italy in December 1941. Before this, another group called the Somaliland Camel Corps protected the area. But that group was ended in 1942, and the Somaliland Scouts took over.

How the Somaliland Scouts Started

The Somaliland Scouts began as the Somali Guard Battalion. Their first job was to protect the border between British Somaliland and French Somaliland. This group quickly grew bigger and became very important.

In June 1942, they changed their name to the Somali Companies. Then, in August 1943, they were finally renamed the Somaliland Scouts.

Becoming Independent

On June 26, 1960, Somaliland became an independent country. During the special ceremony, nearly 1,000 British-trained Somaliland Scouts were officially given to the Prime Minister. This was done by Brigadier O. G. Brooks, who was a high-ranking officer.

Just a few days later, on July 1, 1960, British Somaliland joined with Italian Somaliland. Together, they formed a new country called the Somali Republic. The Somaliland Scouts then combined with police forces from the south. They became the main part of the new Somali National Army.

See also

• East African campaign (World War II)
• Somaliland Army