In Canadian
Scottish War Heroes, Scottish history tour guide Bruce Fummey tells
the story of Jock MacGregor VC, MC and Bar, DCM. Any Canadian
Scottish Regiment would be proud.
John MacGregor was born in Cawdor, Scotland on 11 February 1888. He
served in the First World War with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles,
first as a private soldier and then as a commissioned officer.
MacGregor earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal as a private, the
Military Cross (MC) as a lieutenant, and a Bar to his MC as a
captain. MacGregor was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions
from 29 September to 3 October 1918. When the advance of his company
was stopped by intense German machine gun fire near Cambrai in
France, he continued to move forward until he had located the guns.
Despite their heavy fire, MacGregor then charged the machine guns
and dealt with their crews using rifle and bayonet, killing four of
the enemy and taking eight prisoners. Later, he gave useful support
to neighbouring troops by taking command of the leading waves of the
advance and continuing forward while under heavy fire and faced with
stubborn resistance. MacGregor subsequently undertook a dangerous
daylight reconnaissance that allowed his company to occupy
Neuville-St-Rémy.MacGregor died in Powell River, British Columbia on
9 June 1952.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and self-sacrificing
devotion to duty near Cambrai from 29th September to 3rd October,
1918.
He led his company under intense fire, and when the advance was
checked by machine guns, although wounded, pushed on and located the
enemy guns. He then ran forward in broad daylight, in face of heavy
fire from all directions, and, with rifle and bayonet,
single-handed, put the enemy crews out of action, killing four and
taking eight prisoners. His prompt action saved many casualties and
enabled the advance to continue.
After reorganising his command under heavy fire he rendered the most
useful support to neighbouring troops. When the enemy were showing
stubborn resistance, he went along the line regardless of danger,
organised the platoons, took command of the leading waves, and
continued the advance. Later, after a personal daylight
reconnaissance under heavy fire, he established his company in
Neuville St. Remy, thereby greatly assisting the advance into Tilloy.
Throughout the operations Capt. MacGregor displayed magnificent
bravery and heroic leadership.”
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