James Bruce Scott

Who was James Bruce Scott?

Major-General James Bruce Scott, CB, DSO, MC was an officer in the British Indian Army best known for commanding the 1st Burma Division during the Japanese invasion of Burma in 1942. James Bruce Scott was born 25 December 1892 his surname is sometimes shown as Bruce-Scott, but this is not correct. He attended Exeter School and Sandhurst. He was commissioned onto the Unattached List for the Indian Army on 20 January 1912. He was appointed to the Indian Army on 13 March 1913.

During World War I he served in Egypt in 1914, France in 1915, Egypt & Aden in 1916, German East Africa in 1917. He was wounded and was awarded the Military Cross.

Back in India he served during the Afghanistan & North West Frontier 1919 operations.

He served in Waziristan during 1920-21 and was Mentioned in Despatches.

He joined the 1st battalion, 6th Gurkha Rifles on 20 July 1922 and appointed a company commander 8 July 1924

He served on North West Frontier during 1930-31 operations and was Mentioned in Despatches.

Served as a General Staff Officer grade 2 from 1 April 1932 and 1 January 1934.

He served on the North West Frontier (Mohmand) operations in 1933.