John Thompson McKellar Anderson

Who was John Thompson McKellar Anderson?

Major John Thompson McKellar Anderson VC DSO was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Anderson was 25 years old, and an acting major in the 8th Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 23 April 1943 at the Battle of Longstop Hill, Tunisia, Major Anderson assumed command of the battalion when his commanding officer was killed and although he himself was wounded in the leg he went on and eventually occupied the objective. His force was reduced to about 44 officers and men, but 200 prisoners were taken and he had personally led successful attacks on several machine-gun posts and mortars.

He was killed in action at Termoli, Italy on 5 October 1943.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, Stirling Castle, Scotland.

‘Jock’ Anderson was educated at Stowe School where he was in Chatham House along with Leonard Cheshire, who was also awarded the VC, and at Trinity College, Cambridge.