Private John A McIntosh

John Alexander McIntosh was born in January 1949, son of Mr JA McIntosh of Nairn, Scotland. He enlisted to the Army on 1 March 1966, and joined Airborne Forces with 303 Platoon after completing his Basic Training and Parachute Qualification in late June and July 1966 respectively.

He joined The 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (1 PARA) and took part in the deployment to Aden by 1 PARA in January 1967.

From May 1967, 1 PARA was stationed at Radfan Camp in operational Command of “Area North”, the largest area of responsibility in Aden.  The Battalion occupied eight Observation Posts (OPs) in and around the town of Sheikh Othman, with the area of Al Qahira to the west of the town.  During June 1967 the area experienced increased terrorist activity and a number of general strikes by the local population. Several small-arms engagements occurred during this period, and Pte McIntosh was killed by a sniper on 18 June 1967. An extract from the INT Report that day details the events:
 
“Shooting Incident:  At 1530 Hrs automatic fire from a Kalashnikov was directed at a foot patrol in Al Qahira GR98272235 from GR 98362245.  The patrol took cover and returned fire.  Shortly afterwards rifle fire was directed at the patrol from a second pos[itio]n at GR 98522225 resulting in the death of Pte McIntosh.  Follow up action NTR.”

Private McIntosh was killed on 18 June 1967, aged 18 years old. He is now buried at the Silent Valley Military Cemetery, Aden. The image shows John Moran visiting the grave of Pte McIntosh.

In late 2010, representatives from the McIntosh family are due to receive the Elizabeth Cross in recognition of their loss.