Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

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Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

Postby Lachlan » Sun Jul 10, 2011 7:36 am

Dear All

This famous photo shows soldiers of the 8th Argylls, 36th Infantry Bde, 78th (Battleaxe) Division, 1st Army, moving to their assault start-line at Longstop Hill, Tunisia, 23rd April 1943. Their advance is being covered by a Churchill Tank. A fierce battle for Longstop Hill resulted in its capture by the Argylls and the division, during which the 8th Argylls' CO, Major J.T.McK. Anderson, won the VC.

The second soldier you see advancing in the photo is a Tayinloan man. I met him about 1969 at the pub in Tayinloan, when our family and Highland friends from Edinburgh put on a ceilidh in the Village Hall. My dad knew who he was of course and introduced me. As a lad, I was somewhat in awe at seeing this veteran who had been in a famous war-photo and getting to shake his hand !

But unfortunately nowadays, I cannot remember his name, no matter how hard I try.

Can anyone please identify him for me (again !) ?

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Re: Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

Postby Ship called Dignity » Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:52 am

Great post and photo Lachlan. Perhaps Malky might be able to help? I've e-mailed him to highlight the thread.

PS - Welcome to the forum and enjoy reading your posts! 8)
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Re: Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

Postby Lachlan » Sun Jul 10, 2011 11:33 am

That's great thanks ! :D

I feel a real dunderheid for forgetting his name - I can still picture his face !
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Re: Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

Postby Malky » Sun Jul 10, 2011 7:57 pm

That'll be Willie Gillies. He served with the Argyll's. I remember he had shrapnel wounds in his leg from the war.
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Re: Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

Postby amron » Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:02 pm

Great photo.. interesting post..and great to get his name... :D
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Re: Who's The Soldier ? Longstop Hill 1943

Postby Lachlan » Mon Jul 11, 2011 3:55 am

Willie Gillies ! Yes that's him !!! Thanks for that - I'll remember from now on !
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