Joseph Malcolm Straughan MM

To the family of JMS,
I have known about your Father since I was a boy (now 55). My Dad, Allan Shepherd (now 85) knew him as 'Geordie' Straughan whilst serving in 1 Battalion Gordon Highlanders and has, over the years, spoken about him often and...

To the family of JMS,
I have known about your Father since I was a boy (now 55). My Dad, Allan Shepherd (now 85) knew him as 'Geordie' Straughan whilst serving in 1 Battalion Gordon Highlanders and has, over the years, spoken about him often and with great esteem.
My Dad joined the Gordons just after the war ended in 1945 as a regular soldier on his 18 birthday. Apparently had tried to get in earlier but didn't look old enough! His mate did and got in. My Dad is a Yorkshireman but was drawn to the Gordons when he joined up.
Once at battalion, my Dad used to pal up with your Dad. To my Dad, Geordie was an 'old soldier', probably in his early thirties then!
Dad has told me that Geordie had re-enlisted after the war ( having to come back as a private), having been a Sergeant before demob. As a result, he knew many of the NCO's who he had previously served with andhad their respect ( which the other rookies didn't !). Apparently, Geordie wouldn't answer roll call unless they said 'MM' after his name !
My Dad knew of your Dads escape from St Valery and of his MM exploits.
Sadly, my Dads memory is failing ( when I told him of seeing Geordie details on this site) but he could remember that he used to be know the Army with him.

Posted by M Shepherd on Thu 05 Sep 2013 14:24:25 BST