Major Jack Elliot

Major Elliot, M.C., The King`s Own Scottish Borderers, was born on 14th January 1921, and at Loretto from January 1931 to December 1938. He was in the VI Form and the Fencing Team, Editor of the Lorettonian, and a Lance-Corporal in the O.T.C. In May 1939 he was commissioned into the K.O.S.B. (T.A.), and on the outbreak of war mobilised with his battalion and after long and intensive training crossed with it to Normandy in June 1944. At Le Haut de Bosq, where his regiment suffered heavy casualties, Captain Elliot was wounded and was awarded the M.C. for fine leadership and gallantry when their position was attacked by German armour; under intense fire and in considerable pain from his wound, by disregard of personal danger and the fine example he set he tided over the crisis. After a short period in hospital he rejoined his unit in August, was promoted Major, and took part in the severe fighting until he was killed on 18th February 1945, while leading his men during the attack on the German town of Goch.

"He had fought magnificently, and we were all terribly pleased when `Monty` himself decorated him last September. He never faltered, and was always a great example to all of us."
" I formed a strong attachment for his delightful happy personality and the highest opinion of his qualities. If I knew Jack`s company was doing a special job, I was certain with good reason that the job would be done in the best possible way. His loss will be very much felt."

Major Harold George Almond Elphinstone

Major Elphinstone, The Royal Engineers, grandson of Dr Almond and great-great grandson of Sir Howard Elphinstone, Bart of Sowerby, Cumberland, a Major-General of the Peninsular war, was born on 9th April 1910, and at Loretto from May 1922 to July 1928. He was a House Prefect, a Prizeman of the VI Form, in the XV, and a Corporal in the O.T.C. From School he went through the R.M. Academy, Woolwich, passing out 12th, and thence, having been commissioned into the R.E., to Jesus College, Cambridge, on an officers` course, and obtained 2nd class honours in the Engineering Tripos. He then served for some years in India, took part in the Waziristan (N.W. Frontier) campaign of 1937-38, and was promoted Major in 1940. At the beginning of the war he was with the PAI Force in Iran, Iraq and Syria, and in 1942 fought with the 8th Army in N.Africa, being present at the battle of El Alamein. He was now specialising in intensive assault training. On D day 1944, he landed in command of his Assault Squadron on the Normandy Beaches and was killed in the course of the engagement that followed. For his gallant leadership in this action Major Elphinstone was mentioned in despatches.

"He and his men did a wonderful job for those coming close behind. They were magnificent, and sacrificed themselves so that others might live and get through the defences."
"He was a very loyal and determined officer, and, with his quiet manner, a fine example of steadiness and steadfastness to his men. This was reflected in his unit, which was very efficient."

Sergeant Pilot Eric Milne Chalmers Fahmy

Sergeant Pilot Fahmy, The Royal Air Force (V.R.), was born on 26th March 1922, and at Loretto from September 1935 to July 1940. He was a Prefect, in the VI Form, Athletics Team, Shooting VIII (Captain) and Fencing Team, and a Sergeant in the O.T.C. After a period of training and service at home, he was posted to the Mediterranean. On 21st February 1942, at a time when German night fighters from Sicily were very active, he was taking a Wellington plane from Gibraltar to the Middle East to join an operational squadron. The aircraft was reported near Malta by S.O.S., but was not heard of again, and nothing was afterwards discovered of her or her crew. In November 1942 Sergeant Pilot Fahmy was officially reported: Missing on air operations, now presumed killed.