Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1919

Period:

Russian Civil War (1917-1922)

Awarded on:

1920

Rank:

Major

Awarded on:

June 23rd, 1939

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

16th Parachute Field Ambulance, 1st Parachute Brigade, 6th Armoured Division, British Army

Awarded on:

September 23rd, 1943

"FOR DEVOTION TO DUTY AND CONSPICIOUS GALLANTRY IN ACTION ON Dj. MANSOUR (Tunesia; sheet 41. 0.7092, 2/5 FEB., 1943.

Under intense fire and extremely difficult conditions this officer organised the evacuation of casualties of 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, A.A.S.

Personally supervising the whole operation of his Field Ambulance, he made many visits to the top of the feature and attended numerous wounded and was responsible for the saving of many lives. When evacuation was ordered he (in spite of enemy heavy mortar and machine-gun fire) personally took a section over the whole position to search for casualties and succeeded in evacuating all wounded of the 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment; The Grenadier Guards; and Foreign Legion.

This gallant conduct was an inspiration to all ranks."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Colonel

Unit:

16th Parachute Field Ambulance, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

November 11th, 1943

"For most conspicuous gallantry in action and devotion to duty. On March 17th, 1943 the Advanced Dressing Station was at Tamera (G.S. Map 4225 - Nefza - Sheet 10 - 1/50000 - 099737). The surrounding area was being not only shelled constantly but was also dive-bombed eight times during the day. At the end of the day, during which 100 cases were treated, there was not a square yard of the Advanced Dressing Station site left untouched by splinters of bomb or shell. Lieutenant-Colonel MacEwan was on duty throughout the whole of this period and although all personnel were ordered to take cover Lieutenant-Colonel MacEwan remained at his post attending to the seriously wounded cases in spite of the fact that one bomb exploded a few yards away and shells were bursting all round the vicinity. This Officer's devotion to duty and complete disregard of personal safety was an example to all ranks. Again on the 31st March 1943 when the Advanced Dressing Station was re-established at the same position this Officer by his courage, cheerfulness and conspicuous devotion to duty set a very high standard under the most trying conditions and in spite of very heavy enemy shell fire and dive-bombing. His behaviour under fire in previous sectors at Argoub (G.S. Map 4225 - Bou Arada - Sheet 34 - 1/50000 - 715995), The Pimple (G.S. Map 4225 - Nefza - Sheet 10 - 1/50000 - 099737) and during the battle of Djebel Mansour has been the subject of previous commendation and has been an inspiration to his Medical Officers and Orderlies and a most steadying influence on the wounded under his care. No praise could be too high for the magnificent work and courage displayed by this Officer throughout the North African campaign. It has only recently come to my knowledge that my previous recommendation has apparently gone astray and even at this late date I feel I would by lacking in my duty if attention were not directed to the amazing and courageous work performed by this officer."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Colonel

Unit:

16th Parachute Field Ambulance, Headquarters, 6th Airborne Division, British Army

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1946

"Colonel MacEwan has been with the Airborne Forces for 3 years and after commanding 16 Parachute Field Ambulance in Tunisia, has been ADMS of this division since 1943. Under his strong and inspiring leadership, the divisional medical services have won the complete confidence of every man in the division. Colonel MacEwan himself has shown constant and outstanding gallantry.

Landing by glider in Normandy on the 6th June 1944, he was within 24 hours left with one other rank as the sole survivor of Medical Headquarters. In spite of this tremendous handicap he retained control of his field ambulances. Although working under continuous fire and being frequently isolated in the early stages the medical services continued to work perfectly. During the whole of the division's three months in Normandy, this high standard was maintained although casualties in the medical units exceeded 50%.

On return to England, it was entirely due to Colonel MacEwan's drive and determination, that all medical units were brought up to strength and again raised to the highest pitch of efficiency and spirit.

This officer's planning for the crossing of the Rhine was faultless. Prevented by my [Major-General Eric Bols] order from travelling by air on this operation, he was the first member of the division across the Rhine bridgehead, and first to make physical contact with the troops who had landed by air. After reaching divisional HQ he rapidly gained control of a difficult medical situation, and to do so he travelled freely over areas still full of enemy. From them on till the end of the campaign the medical units were handled admirably by Colonel MacEwan and with the greatest dash and energy.

It would be impossible to overpraise this officer's leadership and organising powers and good moral effect which his efforts have had throughout the division. His gallantry and invincible determination have been quite outstanding."

Second DSO received as bar

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Colonel

Awarded on:

January 10th, 1978

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th clasp awarded