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Comm. John Ian Steven RD

Discussion in 'Roll of Honor & Memories - All Other Conflicts' started by GRW, Jun 23, 2014.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    "JOHN “Ian” Steven was born exactly seven years before the start of the Second World War. He was the youngest child of Catherine and John Steven, originally from Thurso but who had come to Edinburgh to work. John was a train driver at Leith Docks.

    At the time of their marriage Ian’s parents lived at Lochend Road South but by the time Ian arrived the family had moved to Craigmillar.

    Ian was baptised in Bristo Memorial Church and attended primary locally. At the age of 11, he sat and passed the Qualifying Exam, or “quali”, and went on to win a bursary to attend George Heriots.

    The headmaster of his school was not enthused, telling Ian: “There is no point in you going there Steven, your father couldn’t afford the uniform.”

    At Heriots until his sixth year, Ian became so proficient in playing the bagpipes that he eventually reached the standard to be an examiner. Ian left at 18 and entered banking.

    But this promising career was interrupted by the “call-up” to national service.

    Ian underwent initial training at Dreghorn Barracks before being posted to the Royal Scots, which he disliked so much he transferred to the Royal Signals, a move that would change his life forever.

    At this time Britain was involved in peace-keeping in what was known as the Malayan Emergency where communist insurgents were attempting to overthrow the government.

    Ian by now found himself attached to British Special Forces as a signaller in the SAS.

    It was noted on his records Ian had completed a jungle warfare course with the Royal Scots and so was ready for a posting to Malaya.

    When he pointed out to the brigadier interviewing him prior to his posting that he had been trained in the Pentland Hills in midwinter, he was told not to be insolent.

    Ian saw active service in the Malayan jungle, but the only injury he sustained was a fractured nose after colliding with a tree in a parachute drop. He was however awarded the General Service Medal for the Malayan Emergency which he proudly wore next to his Reserve Decoration, a Royal Naval Reserve medal."
    http://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/obituary-commander-john-ian-steven-rd-1-3452827
     

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