Award Military Cross Lt. J.A. McKee, Royal Scots attd “A” Force (Escaper & Evader North Africa 1942)

brithm · Aug 20, 2024

Lt. John Alec McKee, The Royal Scots, attached Advance H.Q. “A” Force
Service No.: 107296
Award: Military Cross

Capt. McKEE was captured on 3rd February 1942 near MARAWA during the withdrawal from BENGHAZI while attached to the L.A.F.

He was determined the escape at the first opportunity and hid his maps, which afterwards proved invaluable, successfully and maned to keep some rations.

The following morning the were taken to the P/W/ camp at BENGHAZI from whence Capt. McKEE intended to escape after a few days’ rest, but as he heard that they were to be moved to TRIPOLI the next day, decided to escape that night, 5th February 1942 with Capt. H.C. BUCK, 3/1st Punjab Regiment., (who was awarded an M.C. – Appendix , List 99, ME Gen. Orders; 17th April 1942). The others were not fit to make the attempt.

After a quick reconnaissance they chose the most feasible of two excellent escape plans. They slipped into an empty shed with a window blown in, overlooking the wire, and, having timed the sentry’s beat, escaped through the wire in two to three minutes. They had maps, a compass and a spanner with them which looked like a pistol in the dark.

They intended to hold up a car outside BENGHAZI, but as Capt. McKEE knew there was check post in BARCE, decided to make their way to a spot East of BARCE, living with the Arabs. Capt. BUCK could speak German and Capt. McKEE some Arabic. They made for the hills North East of the town, but had some difficulty in getting clear there were troops everywhere and a very heavy air raid began as they were crossing BENINA aerodrome, causing fires everywhere.

On 12th February they took up positions on the main road in the wooded holly country West of TAKNIS, at dusk. Capt. BUCK, wearing an improvised German cap and armed with a spanner stood on one side: Capt. McKEE with an old German rifle, on the other. After half an hour, they stopped a Ford 15cwt truck, gagged and bound the drive left him in a bush and set off for GEZIA via LAMLUDA, where they hoped to find petrol. While scouting for petrol at LAMLUDA they were seen, but escaped into the scrub followed by pistol shots – but they had lost the lorry.

They wandered about on foot from 12th February 1942 till 20th February 1942 and were joined by two officers of the Norfolk Yeomanry a Sergeant and four O.R’s of the Welch Regiment and a F/Sgt. Of the R.A.F. On 20th February 1942 they reached the main DERNA-TMIMI road, about 3 miles West of UMMA AL RIZAM and 400 yards. East of a German camp. Here they held up a truck. Capts Buck and McKEE gagged the two Germans, the others checked the petrol, etc., they climbed into the front of the lorry wearing the Germans’ caps. Within five minutes they were on their way and after driving by devious routes, reached the British lines at dawn on 21st February 1942.

Undaunted by the hardships he had undergone, Capt. McKEE volunteered to work for the British escape organisation, and returned to an area behind the enemy lines. It was overrun by the British advance, but he continued rescue work under Capt. GRANDUILLOT (who has also been recommended for an M.C.) in his area. They successfully rescued 4 Imperial Service personnel, then this area too was overrun.

Capt. McKEE, however, volunteered a second time – and when a rescue scheme for the area behind the AGHEILA line did not materialise owing to British advance, he left for a special rescue operation in TUNISIA, 150 miles behind enemy lines.

Thus this officer not only did an excellent escape, showing courage and level headedness, but undeterred, volunteered for rescue work, involving great risk and hardship. It is indeed to his credit that after experiencing so much he has again departed for a further operation of this nature. An excellent example of perseverance, initiative and spirit.
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WO 373/46/100

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Award Military Cross Lt. J.A. McKee, Royal Scots attd “A” Force (Escaper & Evader North Africa 1942)

brithm Senior Member

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Award Military Cross Lt. J.A. McKee, Royal Scots attd “A” Force (Escaper & Evader North Africa 1942)

brithm Senior Member

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