大象传媒

It was very difficult to get my father to talk about the war. I was into my twenties and a history teacher before I was able to cajole him into any detailed reminiscences. The following account was built up over a number of conversations slowly piecing together a picture of what part my father played.

TS McConnell enlisted in the army in 1936, travelling to Carlisle to sign up with the Border Regiment. He spent some time in Palestine, as it was then. The country and the people left a lasting mark. He was even baptised in the River Jordan. He also had a physical reminder in the shape of a metal plate in the back of his head.

With the declaration of war, he was part of the force sent over the Channel. He was in Belgium when the retreat began and passing through one town or village, he never said exactly where, they found that the local school had been bombed. He and his friend had helped rescue the children and, as he had some medical experience, of sorts, he was able to deal with the needs of many of the children.

Scottie, as he was known, reached Dunkirk and like many others returned, disheartened to England. His friend Blackie also made it and they remained together. When the Commando unit was being set up Blackie was one of the first to volunteer and their CO put Scottie's name down too, saying where one went the other would also go.

The training for the Commandos was strenuous. Part of it took place in Scotland. Swimming Loch Lomand in full kit was one exercise. There was also an exercise in Portsmouth when...But that is another story. Scottie McConnell was a Commando and would take part in a number of important events.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.