Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1944

Citation:
"At ARNHEM on the 22nd September this officer who is G.S.O. 1 of the division, was sent from the perimeter across the River LEK to contact troops of the 2nd Army. The crossing was made in daylight in a rubber boat in the face of a certain amount of enemy fire.
He made his way to the formation headquarters south of the river through country which had not been completely cleared of the enemy. As a result of this vital information which he carried, plans were made for the relief of the division.
The following day Lieutenant-Colonel Mackenzie made his way back to the division again recrossing in daylight. The services rendered by this officer throughout the action at ARNHEM were of the highest order and his leadership and initiative both on the occasions mentioned and subsequently during the withdrawal were a contributing factor to the successful outcome of the operation.

The citation incorrectly states the crossed river was the river "LEK". This should read "RHINE" or better "LOWERRHINE" ("NEDERRIJN").