Roll of Honour

Alexander (Ginger) McLaren

Alexander (Ginger) McLaren was born in Kirriemuir Scotland on 4th January 1927. He lived his early life in Glamis and later in Corbridge Northumberland. Enlisted as an apprentice tradesman at the Army Technical School Chepstow to train as a stonemason / bricklayer in April 1942.

He rapidly built up a reputation as an outstanding footballer (centre back) and hockey player (goalkeeper) an archetypal raw boned fearless Scot.

Leaving Chepstow in April 1945 and following his basic infantry and sapper training he volunteered for Airborne Forces with whom he was to spend the remainder of his 8 years colour service. Throughout this period he continued to demonstrate his football skills at all levels unit, divisional and corps in Palestine, BAOR and Aldershot.

Ginger Mac was a founder member of the newly reformed 9 Indep Airborne Sqn in Hameln where he met his wife to be Wilma.

At the end of his colour service Mac opted for life as a civilian married Wilma in Corbridge eventually settling in Chesterfield to rear his family, twins Gordon and Derek followed by Susan.

Mac was always a great team man and soon became an active member of the Chesterfield REA and PRA branches.

He died peacefully on 23rd November 2008. following a long battle with Alzheimer's.

The twins Gordon and Derek survive him. Farewell old pal. God Bless.