Major Duncan G Shearer MC

Duncan Gordon Shearer came from Inverurie, in Aberdeenshire, and was granted an emergency commission with the Royal Armoured Corps on 7 November 1943.

He took part in the Normandy campaign as a Lieutenant and Section Commander in B Squadron (Reconnaissance) in 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment. Shearer took off from RAF Brize Norton at 21:00 hours on 6 June 1944 in the Horsa glider group of 19 gliders, destined for Landing Zone N near Ranville, as part of Operation Mallard.

Shearer was awarded a Military Cross for his bravery during the later stages of the campaign while leading a motorised reconnaissance patrol in the area of Beuvron en Auge.

The citation states:
'Though in an unarmoured vehicle (Jeep) himself, this officer, in order to gain information which was required by the Divisional Commander probed deep into the enemy position.
By skilful handling of his patrol, he forced the enemy to withdraw, capturing one prisoner and an A/Tk weapon. Three out of the eight men of his patrol were wounded, but in spite of the heavy fire, brought to bear on him from the main enemy position, he succeeded in rescuing and bringing in all his wounded.
The action was carried out in very enclosed country and reflected the greatest credit on Lt Shearer whose gallantry and leadership was directly responsible for the gaining of important and badly wanted information.’

Shearer went on to serve as Adjutant with 6th Airborne Armoured Recce Regt for the Rhine Crossing in March 1945 and the subsequent advance to the Baltic.

He relinquished his commission in February 1951 and was granted the honorary rank of Major.