James Alastair McGregor

James Alistair McGregor is a retired British Army Officer.

McGregor was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the Parachute Regiment on leaving Sandhurst on 2 August 1963. His Army number was 474006. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 2 February 1965.

Aden

McGregor was awarded the Military Cross on 23 January 1968 for his role in the Aden campaign.

His citation read:

Lieutenant McGregor was the Commander of a detachment of the Mortar Platoon, First Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, which was due to take over duties in the observation post in the tower of Sheikh Othman Police Station on 7th September 1967. As there was to be a general strike on that day, the detachment was ordered to its task twelve hours early at short notice.

At 2200 hours, when the detachment arrived at the Police Station, the observation post was under spasmodic fire, which continued throughout the night. At first light the enemy fire became both heavy and accurate. Four times armoured cars had to be deployed to relieve the pressure, and restore the fire initiative. During the day Lieutenant McGregor displayed great coolness and leadership. His professional skill, fire control and observation was an inspiration to all his men.

On 9th September 1967, Lieutenant McGregor was still with his detachment in the Police Station, when intense interactional fighting broke out. For long periods of time the observation post was in crossfire of small arms, blindicide rockets, and mortars, and the security of the garrison of the Police Station gave grounds for concern. Under Lieutenant McGregor's leadership his men maintained an extremely high standard of alertness and observation, and their reading of the situation provided much valuable information, which was gained often under heavy fire.

During 9th-llth September 1967, Lieutenant McGregor worked in very close liaison with the Civil Police in the preparation and production of a peace broadcast, which eventually led to a cease fire. He then volunteered to remain in the Police Station so as to make best use of the liaison, which he had set up during his stay, as another general strike had been called for on 12th September 1967.

From 6th September until he was relieved on the night llth-12th September, Lieutenant McGregor handled the situation with skill, firmness, tact and enthusiasm. During the first thirty-six hours his coolness, control and professional skill set a fine example under heavy fire. At no time did he show anything other than complete confidence, and his actions throughout showed a clear understanding of the military and political situations. Lieutenant McGregor's leadership, encouragement and the discipline of his men did much to maintain the morale and loyally of the Civil Police at a very difficult time.

External Resources

• Ciaran MacAirt, Post-War Counter-Insurgency from Palestine to Belfast: A Very British Family Affair Or Familiar Faces of the Same COIN (pdf), themcgurksbarmassacre.com, accessed 10 July 2010.