Hero famed for Scottish sword named among greats

A WA R hero who captured 42 German troops armed only with his trusty Scottish sword has been ranked as one of the world’s greatest adventurers.

Lt Colonel John Malcolm ‘Mad Jack’ Churchill is featured in a new book compiled by the Norwegian RoyalExplorersClub (REC) which honours the finest adventurers of all time.

Churchill’s exploits included making the last recorded bow-and-arrow kill in wartime, saving 500 people in Jerusalem from certain death and capturing German soldiers with the only his Claybeg sword.

When once asked about his blade, Churchill said: “In my opinion, any officer who goes into action without his sword is improperly dressed.”

Espen Lazarus, REC co-founder and researcher of the book, said: “When we first read the stories of Jack Churchill, it immediately become obvious that it would strengthen the book greatly to tell his tale.

“The common trait for all our club members is a desire for adventure and the book we are writing is a homage to the explorers that have inspired us.”

The book, which is to be released in summer, will see the Lt Col commemorated alongside A merican frontiersman Hugh Glass and biologist Charles Darwin.

“I would rate Jack Churchill as one of, if not the most, inspirational and impressive people we have researched in relation to the book,” added Mr Espen.

“His key traits that contribute to this impression are of course his resilience, somewhat demanding leadership style and obvious disregard for danger.”

Lt Col Churchill died in 1996 at the age of 89.

Pictures: HEMEDIA. Lt Colonel John Malcolm Churchill is featured in a new book.

‘Mad Jack’ with his bow.