Cameronians

Donnie MacKenzie – Recollections of a Cameronian Chindit

Donnie MacKenzie – Recollections of a Cameronian Chindit

In early 2019, we were delighted to be put in touch with Mr Donnie MacKenzie of Ullapool, Scotland, a Second World War veteran who had served with the 1st Battalion Cameronians and the Chindits in Burma in 1944. A most remarkable man, at the age of 95 Donnie, along with his son, had raised £3,500 for charity by walking the length of the Forth Road Bridge.

Donnie during his visit to Low Parks Museum, August 2019.

In 2019, at the age of 96, Donnie traveled across Scotland in order to rekindle connections with his old Regiment, visiting Low Parks Museum (home of The Cameronians regimental collections) and attending a Regimental service at Dunkeld. On all occasions, Donnie was generous with his time and spoke freely and with great humility about his wartime service. Donnie’s humour and humanity were apparent to all who were fortunate enough to meet him.

Donnie with Mrs Terry Patterson, widow of Fred Patterson, another Cameronian Chindit, at Dunkeld.

Donnie very kindly agreed to take part in an interview in which his wartime recollections would be recorded for posterity. This is Donnie’s story.

Donnie sadly passed away on 6th June 2021, at the age of 97. We hope that this recording will stand as a lasting tribute to and legacy of a truly remarkable man.

Donnie in his wartime uniform.

We are very grateful to Mr Cailean Maclean and Mr Andrew McMorrine for conducting and recording the interview with Donnie, and for their permission to reproduce it here. Additional thanks go to Andrew McMorrine for giving his permission for us to reproduce his wonderful drawing of Donnie. We would also like to thank Mr James Ingham for his continued help and support. Finally, we would like to extend our thanks and sympathy to the MacKenzie family.

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Posted: 06/08/2021 by BarrieDuncan in #WW2at75, News in General, Second World War


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