100th birthday surprise for war veteran

20.02.2019

A Second World War veteran celebrated his 100th birthday today with a special surprise.

Jack Adamson was delighted when the Commanding Officer of 7th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Sheldrick, arrived to congratulate him.

The battalion also provided piper Corporal Alan McDougall to play several tunes, including Happy Birthday.

Corporal McDougall plays for Jack.

Jack’s three daughters, son and son-in-law looked on as Lt Col Sheldrick marked the occasion by presenting Jack with a card, regimental tie and Brigade Coin.

Lt Col Sheldrick makes the presentations.

Highland RFCA Head of Engagement Dai John was on hand to congratulate the Falkirk resident on behalf of the Association.

Dai also presented Jack with a special print of one of the Association’s promotional posters featuring an image of Jack at the HRFCA tent during last year’s Stirling Military Show.

Dai John presents Jack with the HRFCA poster as Lt Col Sheldrick looks on.

Jack – who served in conflicts all over the world as a member of 1st Battalion The Black Watch – is also a recent recipient of France’s highest order of merit. He received the Legion of Honour medal at a special ceremony in the French Embassy in Edinburgh last May.

He has also been awarded six other medals for his military service. These are the 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Sicily and Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal and General Service Medal.

Jack’s medals.

Jack arrived with The Black Watch on the beaches of Normandy in June 1944 – just three days before the June 6 D-Day landings.

After being demobilised in 1946, he returned to civilian life with his wife Isabelle. He worked as an iron moulder at Falkirk Foundry before taking a job with ICI in Grangemouth.

Jack with his daughters, son, Lt Col Sheldrick, Dai John and Corporal McDougall.



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