Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘North West Europe’ M.M awarded to Sergeant J. McFadden, 6th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, for repeated gallantry from when the Battalion landed in France in June 1944, through to operations around Gheel, Belgium, September 1944, and during the attack on Blerick, Netherlands, 3 December 1944

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (2824965 A/Sjt. J. McFadden. R. S. Fus.) edge bruising, nearly very fine £800-£1,200

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1946

The original recommendation states: ‘Sergeant McFadden has served with this Battalion since it landed in France on 15 June 1944. As a Fusilier in a rifle section, he took over his section on more than one occasion when the section commander became a casualty. By his example, initiative and drive he always carried out any task allotted to the section. As a NCO he has shown the finest powers of leadership and the greatest devotion to duty. Never did he allow any consideration for his own personal safety to interfere with his duty.

Two examples are but typical of his high standard.

On 16 September 1944 during the heavy fighting in the Gheel bridgehead an officer was making his way back from an isolated position held by the company. At that moment a counter-attack developed. The officer was forced to ground by a sudden burst of automatic fire and he was quite unable to move. Sergeant McFadden saw the incident and quickly ordered all weapons of his section to engage the area from which the fire was coming. Under cover of this fire he rushed out to where the officer was lying and told the officer of his plan to get back. Then he indicated that more fire was required and under cover of this he and the officer got back.

Again in the attack on Blerick on 3 December 1944 Sergeant McFadden, who was a section commander, had to take over his platoon just prior to crossing the start line owing to the platoon commander being wounded. The Kangeroo in which his platoon was travelling became bogged before reaching the objective. Without hesitation he dismounted his platoon and led them to the objective which was under considerable enemy defensive fire. His leadership was such that he reached the objective without losing a single man.

Throughout the campaign his services have been worthy of the highest commendation.’

James McFadden was a native of Renfrew, Scotland. He served during the Second War with the 6th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers.