Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Major

Unit:

1 Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment

Awarded on:

December 21st, 1944

On 4 Aug 44, Major Macgillivray was commanding A Coy, right forward company of the battalion … attack on LA HISTIERE. This village was … one or two tanks and infantry … during the approach to the startline … CHAPELLE, this company was shelled … by enemy mortars and artillery.

… casualties thus caused upset the cohesion of the company, but this officer seeing the situation and realising that something had to be done quickly immidiately went round his men, who had been ordered to ground whilst the shelling was on. By his personal example and courage he restered confidence and morale and got his company to the start line in good order and on time.

Later and throughout the action which lasted from 1400 hrs to 2130 hrs, Major MacGillivray was a model of the inspiring leader of men. Halted by heavy enemy fire from tanks, infantry with MGs and snipers, this officer moved when … from platoon to platoon, leading and … them on to their objective by his great … and disregard for his own …

… I was kept quite clear as to the situation and the success achieved was due in great degree … officer's tireless energy. For 5 hours he … company under constant fire with men dropping wounded and killed around him. Major MacGillivray's actions rank high amongst these deeds of valour performed by all ranks of his Regiment in this company.