A WW2 'Abyssinia’ D.C.M. Group to Acting Captain W. J. McMillan, 2nd Bn The Highland Light Infantry

G.VI.R. Distinguished Conduct Medal, correctly impressed 3308515 A/W.O. Cl.II. W. McMillan. H.L.I

Indian General Service Medal 'Northwest Frontier 1935', correctly impressed 3308515 Cpl. W. McMillan.H.L.I

General Service Medal 1918-62 'Palestine' 3308815 W.O. Cl. 2 W. McMillan H.L.I.

1939-45 Star

Africa Star

End of War Medal

Condition VF ( Initial and first part of surname officially corrected on IGS)

William Joseph McMillan was a native of Glasgow. A pre-war regular, he saw service in India and Palestine.

McMilliam was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery during the Battle of Keren while serving as a Warrant Officer in the 2nd Bn HLI. 

The award was gazetted on on the 18th of July 1941;  

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the attack on Sanchil, on 17 March 1941, when the company came under heavy fire, this warrant officer was wounded and severely shaken by a shell which burst very close to him: nevertheless he remained at duty and gave the men a magnificent example of determination and indifference to danger. During the attack on Railway Bumps on the 25th March 1941, A/C.S.M. McMillan was again conspicuous. Finally, in the seizing of Plateau during the Battle of Massawa, this W.O. was an inspiring example to all in his dash and determination to close with the enemy, when his company seized its objective capturing many prisoners and machine guns.’

McMillan was presented with the Distinguished Conduct medal at Buckingham Palace in an official investiture by the King.

On the 18th of November 1941, he was commissioned as Lieutenant in the Camerons and had a training role in the UK. He had risen to the rank of acting Captain, according to newspaper reports. 

In the London Gazette on the 22nd of February 1944, it was announced that he had been dismissed from the service by general court-martial on the 20th of October 1943.