Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Corps of Royal Engineers

Awarded on:

September 20th, 1945

Citation:
"Captain Mackay and Lieutenant Simpson were captured on 20th September 1944 after fighting for three days at Arnhem. When they were sent to a transit camp at Emmerich (Germany) the following day, they were not searched; Captain Mackay was thus able to retain a hacksaw blade and a map. Under his instruction two N.C.Os. filed through the bars in the cookhouse and through this aperture the party, accompanied by Lieutenant Simpson, escaped the same evening. Walking through the town they gained the open fields and proceeded west to cross the frontier into Holland near Elten. The Rhine was reached near Tolkamer. After keeping the river under observation throughout the day, they stole food and a small boat; in this they travelled down the Rhine to Nijmegen, where they encountered British troops."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Major

Unit:

Corps of Royal Engineers

Awarded on:

November 14th, 1947