207675 David Ian FYFE-JAMIESON, MC, 2 Scots Guards

Thanks so much to members who have submitted war diary entries. I have been trying to research Lt. David Ian Fyfe-Jamieson MC of the Scots Guards. The accounts give graphic descriptions of the conditions and the position of the men attempting to take Monte Camino, particularly the account by Lt Wheatley which details the wounds received by David which led to his death.

Can anyone give any details of the action in which David won his MC?

All I know is it was for an action on 10 Sept in the Tobacco Factory area near Battipaglia in which he led his platoon in clearing the building of 3 machine gun posts and then with his platoon sergeant giving covering fire, extricated his men under cover of smoke.
Many thanks.

 

I might have it. I will check.

The 'Tobacco Factory' was actually a tomato canning factory. It is still there in the urban area called Bellizi. I was there only a few weeks ago.

2 SG had a really tough time in that part of the beachhead.

Regards

Frank

 

That is a great help. I have been in contact with his step brother. They never met, but he has been amazed at the info I have, with your help, been able to give him. Thanks so much.

 

David Fyfe-Jamieson was my uncle and namesake. I have his MC, his wartime letters to my grandparents, photos, some obituaries and many letters of condolence which describe his character. He was a big man in every way and judging from the letters a real one off, an original. He joined the RAF first but was incapable of landing and so was discharged. I would be happy to share any of this if anyone is interested.

 

That is excellent news and I am delighted that his MC has not been lost. I have walked the ground many times and am always amazed at how stoic 201 Gds Bde were at both Battles of Camino. It is quite horrific country to fight over. Looking down from the small monastery on Monte Camino itself, it is so easy to appreciate the advantages that the Germans enjoyed. They could see for miles.

Quite a battle.

Regards

Frank

 

One must not forget Sgt Lumsden. Fyfe-Jamieson was suspended by his trousers on the railings at the Tobacco Factory and Lumsden, under fire, cut him free with his pocket knfe. He was awarded a Military Medal for his part in the action. My grandparents became friendly with him, but he was sadly killed in a car crash, in I think, 1946.

 

Yes, the description of the incident in the SG Regimental History is a good one.

FdeP

 

It was a DCM he was awarded, he got a MM earlier in North Africa !