My friend Mac Mackenzie

[wyldathart]

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.

[Mipi]

Sometimes friend are coming and going. But they stay in your memories at least.

[ForresterModern]

"Teufelbrigaden" is what the Germans called them after a couple of their very successful commando raids, and that is how they got their name--The Devil's Brigade---from one of the captured german commandants. Great movie about them by that name with scenes reflecting precisely the events you relate that Mac described when the canadians in kilts entered the compund to meet their american comrades. Several good books on the topic around as well.

Thanks for sharing Mac's story with us. Seems like good memories for you.

[macwilkin]

"Teufelbrigaden" is what the Germans called them after a couple of their very successful commando raids, and that is how they got their name--The Devil's Brigade---from one of the captured german commandants. Great movie about them by that name with scenes reflecting precisely the events you relate that Mac described when the canadians in kilts entered the compund to meet their american comrades. Several good books on the topic around as well.

Thanks for sharing Mac's story with us. Seems like good memories for you.

There used to a very good article on the 'net by a member of the Calgary Highlanders that discussed the historical background of the movie, yet I see he's revamped his site and the article is no longer there -- pity.

http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/

The pipe band in the movie, if I remember correctly, was a Salt Lake City band.

T.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Mac Mackenzie - I salute you.

[wyldathart]

Mac was a great guy. He was one of those people who all ways had a twinkle in his eye. He all ways had a witty remark to say to the bosses. His stories sounded like the stuff of legend. He told me of an assault they had made entrenched German position. He and another guy crawled over 50 yards in the open and lobbed a grenade into the position.
He did mention a movie about the devils brigade, He said there were spots that did happen as they portrayed them. He told me that for the most part the movie was light compared to what the fighting was really like. He said it was faster, dirtier and bloodier.
Every Memorial day I remembering him and others. I usually play "The Flowers of the Forest" sometime during that day.

[thescot]

A toast all round to a fine gentleman, a mentor to a young boy, a warrior, and a highlander of the first order.

Gentlemen, charge your glasses. . . . To Mac!

[wyldathart]

Cheers

Anyone else have stories about friends or families?

Might be an idea to have a Veterans section for folks to remember those who served or are serving