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Italy
The Italians had capitulated while the force was still at sea. The sinking of HMS Abdiel by a mine in the harbour, however, r...
George Scrimgeour was enlisted into The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in June 1940. He served at No 11 Infantry Training Centre for the Seaforth and Cameron Highlanders prior to joining the 7th Battalion The Cameron Highlanders shortly after it had been turned over to airborne forces and redesignated as the 5th (Scottish) Parachute Battalion. He was part of a cadre of 294 officers and other ranks from the battalion who attended course 26 at RAF Ringway for parachute training in September 1942.
George deployed with the battalion to North Africa in April 1943 and took part in operations in Italy, the South of France and Greece, latterly as Sergeant with 9 Platoon, B Company. On 28 Dec 1944 he was wounded in action in Athens, suffering a shrapnel injury to his thigh, and awarded a Mention in Despatches in February 1945.
George returned to the UK in 1945 and was demobilised into the Army reserve on 14 March 1946.
Service History
- 1940 The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders (Private)
- 1941 The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders (Lance Corporal)
- 1941 The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders (Corporal)
- 1942 5th (Scottish) Parachute Battalion (Lance Sergeant)
- 1943 5th (Scottish) Parachute Battalion (Sergeant)
