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George McIntosh
George McIntosh VC and King George V IWM Q 79799.jpg
Private McIntosh is presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V
Born 24 April 1897
Buckie, Banffshire
Died 20 June 1968 (71 years old)
Aberdeen, Scotland
Buried
New Cemetery, Buckie
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch Flag of the British Army.svg British Army
 Royal Air Force
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.

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