Personal info
- Name: John Thompson McKellar ANDERSON
- D.O.B: 12th Jan, 1918
- D.O.A: 23rd Apr, 1943
- D.O.D: 5th Oct, 1943
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Acting Major, 8th Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s)
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 3
Longstop Hill, Tunisia 23 April 1943
23 April 1943
The Second World War 1943
Longstop Hill (Hill 290) on the north-western side of the Medjerda Valley was also known as Christmas Hill after the unsuccessful attack on it by 8th Army between 22 and 24 December 1942. As part of Operation Vulcan, the final push on Tunis, it was attacked again on 23 April 1943.
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and outstanding devotion to duty during the attack on “Longstop” Hill, Tunisia, on the 23rd April, 1943. Over a period of five hours Major Anderson led the attack through intense enemy machinegun and mortar fire. As leading Company Commander he led the assault on the Battalion’s first objective, in daylight, over a long expanse of open sloping hillside and most of the time without the effective cover of smoke. Enemy infantry opposition was most determined, and very heavy casualties were sustained, including all other rifle Company Commanders, before even the first objective was reached. On the first objective and still under continual enemy fire, Major Anderson reorganised the Battalion and rallied men whose Commanders, in most cases, had been either killed or wounded. The Commanding Officer having been killed, he took command of the Battalion and led the assault on the second objective. During this assault he received a leg wound, but in spite of this he carried on and finally captured “Longstop” Hill with a total force of only four officers and less than forty other ranks. Fire had been so intense during this stage of the attack that the remainder of the Battalion were pinned down and unable to advance until Major Anderson had successfully occupied the hill. During the assault, he personally led attacks on at least three enemy machine-gun positions and in every case was the first man into the enemy pits; he also led a successful attack on an enemy mortar position of four mortars, defended by over thirty of the enemy. Major Anderson’s force on the hill captured about 200 prisoners and killed many more during the attack. It is largely due to this officer’s bravery and daring that “Longstop” Hill was captured, and it was the inspiration of his example which encouraged leaderless men to continue the advance.