TEN YEARS AGO Friday March 2, 2012
Territorial decoration for Duncan
Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, a 94-year-old retired army major from Campbeltown received a medal years after leaving service.
Such a thing is uncommon as normally soldiers receive an honour like this whilst in service.
Duncan McMillan, who is well known in the town, joined the army during the Second World War as a private in the Argylls.
He was mobilised to France and was at Dunkirk and, after returning to the UK, was later mobilised to North Africa where he was awarded the Military Medal at the Battle of Longstop Hill. He was commissioned in the field in Africa.
Later advancing through Italy, Germany and Austria, he ended his service in an Austrian town called Dolsech, after which his home in Campbeltown is named.
During discussions on his war service with Lt Col Donald Ross OBE and Col Robert Steele, it became apparent that he had not been awarded the Territorial Decoration to which he was entitled.
The army medals office was approached and it was agreed Maj (Ret) McMillan should receive this honour and he was awarded the Territorial Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
At a ceremony last week, his family joined him, including son James who travelled from Canada to witness the medal presentation at the former RAF airbase at Machrihanish.
Major McMillan said: ‘I am delighted to see some of my oldest friends here and as well as receiving this medal, it has made my day.’