Photograph of the Ballachulish Escapees from German-occupied France
Glencoe Folk Museum

This photo shows three friends from Ballachulish, Sandy MacDonald, Ginger Wilson, and Willie Kemp (left to right).  

The three men served in France during World War Two, along with Willie’s brother Callie. In June 1940, they found themselves cut off from the 51st Division near Abbeville, surrounded by German soldiers. Under very heavy fire, they were eventually forced to surrender.   

Callie, who had been injured, was taken away by German ambulance whilst the others were marched off as prisoners of war. After a daring escape and many months of travel, the three returned to Scotland. They were each awarded the Military Medal for their escape. This photo was taken during their short visit home before returning to active service.    

Callie spent the remainder of the war in Stalag 9 Prisoner of War Camp.