Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

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keith A
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Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#1

Post by keith A » 11 Sep 2022, 16:20

This officer is shown in one of the most iconic phtos of WW2. Formerly a Sergeant of the QOCH (Cameronians) he joins the SAS IN 1941. He is appa recipient of the DCM in February 1942. The photo is taken in January 1943. He disappears from mention after that. I have recently read he received a posthumous MiD for his part in the invasion of Elba, the location seems unlikely. Can anyone tell me was he killed in 1943?

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#2

Post by Richard Sands » 11 Sep 2022, 21:52

Queens Own Cameron Highlanders are a totally different regiment to the Cameronians. The Cameronians or Scottish Rifles were from Glasgow. The Camerons were Highlanders. H.Q'd Inverness. From 5th Camerons diary, Christmas 1942; " Lt. E. Macdonald, D.C.M., of the SAS (an old pre-war member of 'A' Company of the 2nd Battalion Camerons) called with his three companions in two Jeeps bristling with weapons, having returned from Tripolitania". He was taken on strength with 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders 27/07/1944. He was then 289442 Capt. E. Macdonald, D.C.M.


Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#3

Post by Richard Sands » 11 Sep 2022, 22:07

His D.C.M. was awardeed when he was a Sergeant for; "This N.C.O. was part of a small raiding party with Lt. Mayne, who, at SIRTE on the 12th/13th December 1941, destroyed 24 Aeroplanes, Bomb stores and Petrol stores. This N.C.O. was conspicuous throughout for his utter disregard of danger - His coolness and steadiness when faced with a superior number of the enemy. The example set by this N.C.O. was an inspiration to all, and was instrumental in the success of this operation. (24/2/1942)

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#4

Post by Richard Sands » 11 Sep 2022, 22:25

Checking my diaries etc.His number was 259442, He was wounded 23rd/ 24th/10/44 (5th Camerons at Schijndel, Holland). Rejoined 5th Camerons November 1944. then was attached to Somerset Light Infantry and was wounded with them 17/2/1945. but remained on duty. He was still with 5th Camerons 21/4/1945.

keith A
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#5

Post by keith A » 12 Sep 2022, 11:25

Superb Richard, many thanks. His change of number would be his officer 259442. I wonder when he left the SAS? I assume it was 1943. He was promoted Lieutenant (31.03.43. The West Yorks regiment in the ETO disappear in 1942 and so if he had left the SAS (perhaps when it re-organised into the SRS?) he would have been a platoon commander with another regiment. Any ideas which regiment this was? Where he was joins the Camerons it would possibly mention his previous regiment?

Service with the 51st Highland at Falaise and the Battle of the Bulge 1944-45, and two battle wounds, adds to an impressive war record.

K

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#6

Post by Richard Sands » 12 Sep 2022, 13:35

Just checked the5th Camerons war diary for 27th July 1944. " Lt. E. Macdonald, D.C.M. arrived at the battalion fron 2nd Seaforths and was posted to 'B' Company".

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#7

Post by Richard Sands » 12 Sep 2022, 13:41

2 entries on London Gazette website for his promotion. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notice ... ge-size=10

keith A
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#8

Post by keith A » 13 Sep 2022, 08:35

Cheers Richard. So he returned to the 2nd and was probably fighting in Italy with them 1943-44.

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#9

Post by Richard Sands » 13 Sep 2022, 11:29

Looks like he was with W.yORKS REG. when he was granted War Substantantive status. He is not listed on officers returns of 2nd Camerons in 1944. He might have been at Officer training somewhere in UK?

keith A
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#10

Post by keith A » 13 Sep 2022, 17:59

A mystery. Perhaps he was with the SAS/SRS longer than I thought?

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#11

Post by Richard Sands » 13 Sep 2022, 22:10

Don't forget he came to 5th Camerons in 1944 from the Seaforths. He may have been attached to them.

keith A
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#12

Post by keith A » 14 Sep 2022, 11:40

Sorry Richard, I misread your post. The 2nd Seaforths certainly seems to fit perfectly.

A friend who is a Scottish military historian wrote me this....

"Then appears in 5th Bn in NW Europe (August 1944 - as part 51st Highland Division) as OC ’Scout’ Platoon (interesting this, as there was no official status for such a sub-unit in an infantry battalion structure of the time, so must have been a 5th Battalion innovation, perhaps at MacDonald’s behest?) and is with them at least until Jan 1945. A few mentions in Battalion history, not least his having spent Christmas 1942 with the 5th Bn while still serving in the SAS - described as ‘Lieutenant’ and arriving in two heavily armed jeeps with three companions. This suggests his commission in the West Yorks was a paper exercise, and he served as an officer while still with the SAS."

all the best

Keith

keith A
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#13

Post by keith A » 14 Sep 2022, 12:38

Was MacDonald in 11 Commando? A biography of Paddy Mayne mentions a Sergeant MacDonald in 11 Commando.

keith A
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#14

Post by keith A » 14 Sep 2022, 13:05

http://www.commandoveterans.org/11CommandoNomRollI-O

Sergeant E. McDonald (sic), QOCH is a member of 11 Commando where he probably met Mayne.

Richard Sands
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Re: Lieutenant 2928608 Edward Macdonald West Yorks & SAS

#15

Post by Richard Sands » 14 Sep 2022, 18:58

5th Battalion had a scout platoon (mainly snipers) in every rifle company, from Normandy through to the end of the war. Also as the war diaries and officer return lists state He was a company officer from 27th July 1944., posted to 'B' Company. September he is on officer returns as Capt. Can't insert picture of Patrol reports or Officer returns.

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