6978128 J SCOTT, DCM, 1 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

Recommendation for Award for Scott, J Rank: Corporal Service No: 6978128 ... | The National Archives
Reference: WO 373/30/269
Name Scott, J
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 6978128
Regiment: 1 Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Burma
Award: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Date of announcement in London Gazette: 08 April 1943

 

From The Times, Wednesday, Mar 17, 1943
FUSLIERS IN ARAKAN
OLD ASSOCIATIONS IN GALLIPOLI

FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
G.H.Q., INDIA, MARCH 16

By a happy coincidence The Lancashire Fusiliers and the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who are fighting in the present campaign in Burma, were in the same brigade, forming part of the famous 29th Division, at the Helles landing in Gallipoli during the last war - The Lancashire Fusiliers won six V.C.s before breakfast on the same day, and they still talk about it down on the Mayu river. These two battalions have borne themselves with outstanding though sometimes reckless courage in Arakan, where the sniper and the artfully concealed machine-gun nest take their toll on any frontal move, and their casualties have not bee light.

The Inniskillings, who have been in the East since 1934 - they arrived in India four years later - had already been engaged in last year's Burma campaign, in which they suffered heavily. They were flown in as storm troops towards the end, and took part in a series of rearguard actions that covered the British withdrawal. Not counting many who were evacuated sick, they came out of Burma extremely depleted, and were brough up to strength mainly by drafts from other regiments. The little knew that they would have the opportunity to pay off old scores so soon on the Mayu Peninsula, where they have led some of the fiercest attacks on the Nullah, near Donbaik, in which the enemy's stubbornest defences are concentrated.


PRISONERS RETURN
Many Inniskillings have returned to their lines after having been taken prisoners. One non-commissioned officer did so after lying low for seven days with Japanese all round him; for three days they were so close that he dared not move. The regiment's Bren carriers, too, have been conspicuous in several assaults, and altogether you hear many a brave tale of the Inniskillings when you go down to Donbaik.

Some of the deeds for which men of The Lancashire Fusiliers and The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers have been decorated are related to-day in official citations. Lance-Sergeant J. Byrne, of The Lancashire Fusiliers, who receives the D.C.M., led his platoon with courage and coolness during an action in the Rathedaung area. It was caught in the open by a heavy crossfire, but Bryne reorganized his men and held on to some captured ground until ordered to withdraw four hours later. He withdrew from a difficult position skillfully, and although severely wounded, continued to command his platoon until moved to the rear.

Corporal J. Scott, of the Inniskillings, who is also awarded the D.C.M., volunteered to go out in a carrier to tow in another which was out of action and on fire in full view of the enemy. Under intense fire he reached he blazing carrier, dismounted and adjusted the tow chain. It took a long time and twice the chain came off, but Scott succeeded in bring the damaged machine in.

Fusilier W. Newman, the driver of Scott's carrier is awarded the M.M. as are two of The Lancashire Fusiliers for their gallantry as stretcher bearers.

See also

• 7046536 William James Newman, MM, 1 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers