I mentioned Mac in another thread so know I'll tell you guys about him. I met Mac when I was about 18 or so working at a hardware store in Ocala Florida. We instantly became friends even though he was in his late seventies. At the time I was into surfing like any young man in Florida, believe it or not Mac was a surfer as well and a decent one too. I went surfing with him once. One day I mentioned that my family was from Scotland and that started a conversation about where he was from. Mac was actually a Canadian who was retired from the Canadian Military.
Mac was member of the Canadian Black watch during WWII. I can't remember all the places he said he had been to and fought in but it was many. I saw pictures so I know it was true. He also told me ( again I saw pics ) that he was a member of the Devils brigade. It was also called the 1st. Special Service Force. To those who don't know. This force was a joint US and Canadian brigade made up of US troops and Canadian troops and was one of the progenitors of todays modern special forces groups. Let me tell you that I know first hand from what Mac told me that these guys were a tough and hardy bunch.
He told me about the time he and his Black Watch unit marched into camp with the Americans. Of course they were kilted. Most of the American troops made fun of them but in time alot of the American troops wore kilts too after seeing how well they functioned.
I used to love to listen to Macs stories while we worked together and I miss him sometimes. I contacted some online groups connected with the Devils Brigade and I've found that Mac passed away many years ago, but I'll never forget him. He was a great person and I thought I would share some memories of him to you guys. Some of you might find this an interesting bit of history.