Major Ralph Douglas Cameron McCall
Unit : "B" Company, 5th (Scottish) Parachute Battalion
Army No. : 129038
Awards : Military Cross
This officer commanded "B" Company on a Parachute Operation in the area of La Muy, South France. On 17th August 1944, two days after landing, this company was detailed to destroy an enemy column moving along the road from Fayence to Draguignan in the area 3950. With a force of only about 50 men, Major McCall found himself attacking a force of over three times that number of enemy. In the first action he successfully led and attack on a house being used by the enemy as a strong point, killing nine and capturing an officer and four men. Later in the day, Major McCall's force, whilst on the move, was counter attacked on three sides by over 100 enemy, some making a bayonet charge, and supported by mortar fire.
In manoeuvring to counter this situation, Major McCall handled his Company so skilfully that he was able to inflict at least twenty casualties upon the enemy, destroying at the same time two of their vehicles for the loss of only one of his own men.
At all times during these actions against what proved unexpectedly to be a determined enemy, Major McCall's personal example and sound judgement contributed greatly to the success achieved.