Normandy Beaches

I was born in 1923 and brought up in Dallfield Walk and attended Rosebank Primary School, then on to Stobswell, leaving there at 14 years of age.

I worked in a grocery shop for a spell as a message boy and assistant then left to join my brother in the CWS jute factory, weaving department in Arbroath Road as Assistant Yarn Dresser, eventually becoming qualified in charge at a machine.

At the age of 18 I received my call up to the Army in June 1942 and reported to the 9th Infantry Training Centre, Gordon Barracks, Aberdeen and after 4 months intensive training was posted to the 6th Battalion K.O.S.B., 44th Brigade, 15th Scottish Division.

We landed on the Normandy Beaches (Juno) on D+9 from a landing craft (infantry). From then onwards we were constantly in action, through France, Belgium and Holland and into Germany, involved in severe and heavy battles.

When the European war ended demobilisation started soon after and some divisions were disbanded and troops were dispersed to other areas depending on their demob number. I ended my service in India for the last 14 months.

I am the holder of the military medal and was also Mentioned in Dispatches.