George McIntosh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George McIntosh
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![]() Private McIntosh is presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V
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Born | 24 April 1897 Buckie, Banffshire |
Died | 20 June 1968 (71 years old) Aberdeen, Scotland |
Buried |
New Cemetery, Buckie
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Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ |
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Rank | Flight Sergeant WWII Private WWI |
Unit | The Gordon Highlanders No. 1 Squadron RAF |
Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
Awards | Victoria Cross |
George Imlach McIntosh was a brave Scottish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. This special medal is given for incredible bravery when facing the enemy. George McIntosh was born on April 24, 1897, and passed away on June 20, 1968.
His Amazing Bravery
George McIntosh was only 20 years old during the First World War. He was a private in the 1/6th Battalion of The Gordon Highlanders, a famous British Army unit. His incredible act of bravery happened on July 31, 1917, during the Battle of Passchendaele in Ypres, Belgium.
During a battle, his company was trying to secure a position. Suddenly, they came under heavy machine-gun fire from a very close distance. Private McIntosh didn't hesitate. He immediately ran forward, even though bullets were flying everywhere.
He reached the enemy's machine-gun spot and threw a grenade inside. This brave action killed two enemy soldiers and wounded another. Then, he went into the enemy's dug-out (a small shelter) and found two light machine-guns. He carried these important weapons back to his own side.
George McIntosh's quick thinking and fast actions saved many of his friends. Because of him, his unit could continue their work without being stopped by the machine-gun fire. For this incredible bravery, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
George McIntosh was born in Buckie, a town in Banffshire, Scotland. After the First World War, he continued his service. He joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) and served during the Second World War as well.
In 1942, he was a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) with No. 1 Squadron. He eventually reached the rank of Flight Sergeant in the RAF.
Today, George McIntosh's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen, Scotland.