Jock Pearson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jock Pearson
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| Birth name | Alastair Stevenson Pearson |
| Born | 1 June 1915 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | 29 March 1996 (aged 80) Gartocharn, Dunbartonshire, Scotland |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | 62792 |
| Unit | Highland Light Infantry Parachute Regiment |
| Commands held | 1st Parachute Battalion 8th Parachute Battalion 15th (Scottish Volunteer) Parachute Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Second World War
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| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order & Three Bars Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Territorial Decoration |
| Other work | Commandant of the Army Cadet Force in Scotland |
Brigadier Alastair "Jock" Stevenson Pearson, CB, DSO & Three Bars, OBE, MC, TD, DL (born June 1, 1915 – died March 29, 1996) was a baker, farmer, and one of the most highly respected soldiers of the Parachute Regiment and the British Army who served bravely in the Second World War.
Contents
Early Life and Army Start
Alastair Pearson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on June 1, 1915. He went to school at Kelvinside Academy. After leaving school, he worked as a baker. He also joined the Territorial Army, which is a part-time military force. He was part of the 6th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry. When the war started in 1939, his unit was fully ready for action.
Serving in the Second World War
Pearson first served in France in January 1940. He returned to France in June 1940 with his unit. He fought in the Battle of France with the British forces. He was evacuated from France on June 17 as part of Operation Aerial.
Joining the Parachute Regiment
After returning to the United Kingdom, Pearson's unit was assigned to defend the coast. In 1942, he volunteered to join the British Army's airborne forces. On August 1, he joined the Parachute Regiment. He was promoted to major. He first served as second-in-command of the 2nd Battalion, then moved to the 1st Battalion.
Fighting in North Africa
In October 1942, Pearson's 1st Parachute Brigade was sent to Tunisia. They were part of Operation Torch. Pearson took command of the 1st Battalion when his commander was badly wounded on November 23. For his brave actions under heavy fire, Pearson received the Military Cross.
At just 27 years old, Pearson was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He was given full command of the 1st Parachute Battalion. He earned the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his actions in early 1943. He then received a Bar to his DSO for his bravery during the Battle of Tamera in March. A Bar means he received the award again.
The Invasion of Sicily
Pearson earned a second Bar to his DSO for his role in the Allied invasion of Sicily. In July 1943, his brigade was tasked with capturing Primosole Bridge in Sicily. This was an important bridge for the British Eighth Army. Due to strong winds and enemy fire, less than 20% of the paratroopers landed on target.
However, the bridge was captured, and Pearson organized its defense. German forces counter-attacked the next day, forcing the paratroopers to pull back. Pearson then helped recapture the bridge. He guided another battalion in an attack on the German forces holding the bridge. After the Sicily campaign, he recovered from malaria.
D-Day in Normandy
In the summer of 1944, Pearson was given command of the 8th Parachute Battalion. He prepared his battalion for the Battle of Normandy. On the night of June 5, 1944, the battalion left England for France.
As part of Operation Tonga on D-Day, Pearson was shot in the hand upon landing. But he kept commanding his troops. The 8th Parachute Battalion destroyed several bridges and took up defensive positions. Pearson received a third Bar to his DSO in February 1945 for his contributions during the Battle of Normandy.
In September 1944, Pearson returned to England and gave up command of his battalion due to his health. He then married Joan Niven.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Pearson left the army to go back to his bakery in Glasgow. In 1947, he rejoined the Territorial Army. He commanded the 15th (Scottish Volunteer) Parachute Battalion. Later, he stopped being a baker and became a farmer.
In 1951, he became a Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Glasgow. In 1953, he was promoted to colonel. In 1967, he became a brigadier and the Commandant of the Army Cadet Force in Scotland.
From 1956 to 1961, Pearson was appointed aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II. This was a special ceremonial role. He received more honors, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1953. He also became a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1958. He served as Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire in 1975 and Lord Lieutenant in 1979.
Honours and Awards
Alastair Pearson received many awards for his bravery and leadership:
- Distinguished Service Order (DSO) – Awarded on May 4, 1943. He led a raid in Tunisia, capturing enemy positions and gathering important information. He showed great courage, even destroying an enemy machine gun post by himself.
- First Bar to the DSO – Awarded on May 18, 1943. In Tunisia, he bravely led counter-attacks when his battalion was pushed back. He inspired his men and defeated enemy efforts to break through their lines.
- Military Cross – Awarded on September 23, 1943. When his commanding officer was wounded in November 1942, Major Pearson took command and successfully completed the mission. He showed great leadership and calmness under fire.
- Second Bar to the DSO – Awarded on December 23, 1943. During the airborne attack in Sicily in July 1943, his battalion was scattered. He gathered his men and led a successful attack on their main target. He showed outstanding courage and leadership throughout the battle.
- Third Bar to the DSO – Awarded on February 1, 1945. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, he was wounded but continued to command his battalion. He led patrols behind enemy lines to rescue wounded soldiers and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. His brilliant leadership helped hold off a larger enemy force.
- Efficiency Medal – Awarded on September 3, 1948.
Television Appearances
In October 1961, Pearson was featured on the TV show This Is Your Life. He was surprised by the show's host, Eamonn Andrews.
