Awards MiD & Military Cross Lt. D.I. McCallum, RAMC (France 1940 & Rhine Crossing)

brithm · Oct 12, 2024

Lt. Donald Ian McCallum, No. 13 Casualty Clearing Station, Royal Army Medical Corps, B.E.F.

Service No: 115488
Award: Mentioned in Despatches

This Officer rejoined this Unit on 30th September 1940 after escaping from Marseilles.

With Sgt. R. Wilson, R.A.M.C., he was ten weeks in occupied France, and, during his journey across France on foot he showed great resource, courage and powers of Leadership.

With nine other ranks he succeeded in crossing to the South of the Somme, where unfortunately, seven for them were arrested by the enemy.

He continued his journey with Sgt. Wilson, crossing the Seine Loire and other large rivers, by swimming.

They were once arrested by the enemy, but by skilful use of examining officer's lack of French, were allowed to go on.

They eventually reached Marseilles and Lieut. McCallum, after several adventurous attempts, succeeded in getting away via Morocco and Lisbon. It is respectfully submitted that the energy, courage, and resource of this young officer be suitable recognised.
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WO 373/89/780

Robert Leslie Wilson, Sergeant, 7259787, Royal Army Medical Corps.
Evaded: Aux-le-Chateuax [via Sierra Leone], 19 October 1940.
Arrived in UK: 9 November 1940.
WO 208/3299/95

153 (Br) Field Ambulance, RAMC, 227 (Highland) Infantry Brigade, 15 (Scottish) Infantry Division, 12 Corps
Award: Military Cross

On 25th March 1945 153 Field Ambulance, RAMC was in support of 227 (H) Infantry Brigade in the assault across the RHINE in the area VYNEN (0845). On the right one section of the Field Ambulance, under an officer, was to assault with the second flight of Landing Vehicle Tanks carrying the Highland Light Infantry and establish a C.E.P. on the EAST bank of the river.

Major McCALLUM although 2ic of the unit volunteered to cross with this officer and his section and coordinate at first light evacuation through this and another C.E.P. Casualty Evacuation Post

At 02.00 hrs this section crossed with the 10th Highland Light Infantry. The LVsT landed on the EAST bank some 50 yards SOUTH of the selected spot and the whole Battalion on landing was pinned down in a very small area on the river flats by sweeping crossfire from two Spandaus, dug in to the land which dominated the entire area. Grenades were thrown over the bund into he concentration of troops and at one point within a hundred yards of the medical post, hand to hand fighting took place. Casualties were heavy. On three occasions the C.E.P. had to be moved short distances on account of the fire.

Major McCALLUM moved about in this fire collecting and tending to the wounded at times when even the infantry were pinned to the ground. Often he had to dress casualties lying on his belly so accurate was the small arms fire. He also organised the digging of slits in the bund for casualties which had to be held for about four hours. During this period casualties were well dressed and calmly cared for until evacuation was possible at first light. Throughout the day the wounded continued to be evacuated swiftly under sporadic mortar and artillery fire.

Major McCALLUM was an inspiration to his men and the infantry alike. His bravery under close range fire set a fine example.

By his devotion to duty morale was maintained at a critical time and many lives were save.
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WO 373/54/809

brithm · Oct 12, 2024

Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser 25th October 1941

brithm · Oct 12, 2024

Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser 29th November 1941

brithm · Oct 12, 2024

His interesting ts memoir (My Experiences in France, 6pp), recording his active service with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in France and Belgium (May 1940 – August 1940), including his evacuation on foot as an officer with the 13th CCS (Casualty Clearing Station) from Domart near Amiens in France towards St Pol (20 May 1940); being cut off by German motorised units at Doullens and, having divided into three parties each under an officer, taking command of a small party of 12 men which attempted to break out of the German encirclement and re-establish contact with Allied Forces (May 1940 - June 1940), including coming under fire from a German tank, swimming the River Authie, marching through the Forest of Crecy (May 1940), and being sheltered by "a kindly French official" in a hut (May 1940 – June 1940); escaping occupation of the area around Le Crotoy by the Germans, swimming across the mouth of the Somme, and marching to Mers near le Treport, where the majority of the party were captured by the Germans (June 1940); marching to and swimming with his Sergeant across the Seine and the River Orne to reach the coast opposite Jersey (June 1940), managing to talk their way out of an interrogation by a German officer near Caen by pretending to be French refugees; learning that Jersey had also been occupied they now made for the Pyrenees and into Unoccupied, Vichy France passing through Tours, Chateauroux and Montpellier to Marseilles where they were interned and held in Fort St Jean (June – July 1940); he subsequently escaped and got back to the UK (August 1940); and commenting on the assistance given by the Belgian and French population during their journey across France; the lack of food; the conditions; being surrounded by German troops; how he and his companions managed to cross rivers, helping the non-swimmers; and escaping German sentries during his journey.
Private Papers of Major D I McCallum MB

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Awards MiD & Military Cross Lt. D.I. McCallum, RAMC (France 1940 & Rhine Crossing)

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Awards MiD & Military Cross Lt. D.I. McCallum, RAMC (France 1940 & Rhine Crossing)

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