Major JOHN THOMSON McKELLAR ANDERSON
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
8th Bn.
Died 05 October 1943
Age 25 years old
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order
- Additional Info Son of John and Mary Anne McNicol McKellar Anderson; husband of Moira Anderson, of Chessington, Surrey. B.A. Hons. (Cantab.).
- Personal Inscription AS HE TROD THAT DAY TO GOD, SO WALKED HE FROM HIS BIRTH IN SIMPLENESS AND GENTLENESS, IN HONOUR AND CLEAN MIRTH
- Additional Citation note
The citation in the London Gazette of 29th June, 1943, gives the following details : During the attack on Longstop Hill, Tunisia, on 23rd April, 1943, Major Anderson, as leading Company Commander, led the assault on the battalion's first objective. Very heavy casualties were incurred, including the Commanding Officer killed and all other Company Commanders killed or wounded. Major Anderson re-organised the battalion, led the assault on the second objective, and, despite a leg wound, captured Longstop Hill with a total force of only four officers and less than forty other ranks. He personally led attacks on at least three enemy machine-gun positions and in every case was the first man in the enemy gun-pits. It is largely due to this officer's bravery and daring that Longstop Hill was captured, and it was the inspiration of his example that encouraged leaderless men to continue the advance.
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