In December 1932 Berney-Ficklin, having divorced his wife, transferred from the Norfolk Regiment to the Highland Light Infantry (HLI) as a major. In July 1934 he was promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel and, in December 1936, lieutenant colonel, and became Commanding Officer (CO) of the 2nd Battalion of his new regiment, which was then serving in India. While in India he was promoted to the local rank of brigadier and given temporary command of the Peshawar Brigade, holding this post in addition to commanding his battalion, from 27 June until 9 October 1938, reverting to lieutenant colonel. Soon afterwards the battalion was moved to Palestine where it remained during the Arab revolt. For his Palestinian service he was later mentioned in despatches.