NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — EDITOR'S NOTE: As Canadians pause to remember the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we’d like to share a little bit about a Pictou County resident who died that day. This information is provided by Wendy MacDonald.
Major Hugh Murray MacLeod was with C Company of the 1st Canadian Paratroopers and was killed on June 6 in Normandy.
Born in New Aberdeen, Cape Breton, MacLeod spent his youth in New Glasgow and attended school and worked at a bank there.
Lt. Corporal John Ross was a signalman for Murray. He passed away last year, but said in correspondence with MacDonald in the past that Major MacLeod was a born leader.
“Morale in his C Company was top notch,” Ross had said in correspondence. “I was proud to have been associated with him.”
He stated that C Company performed so well that it was selected by the British Airbourne Division to take a very special role in the invasion of France on D Day.
"Before the invasion C Company held an all ranks party in the gymnasium at Bulford Camp and Major MacLeod led the singing at one point. He looked just like an 18-year-old teenager," Ross said.
MacDonald said Ross told her in a telephone conversation that Murray was well-liked and respected by the men.
“He also explained the rigorous selection process for the paras, he himself had an interesting background and abilities that qualified him.”
Murray's younger brother Bill once said that they could not believe Murray had been killed, MacDonald stated. “They felt he was destined for a great future as he had great intelligence, looks, and personality - everyone loved him.”
Murray's older brothers were also in the service. Donald, an officer in the Navy and Alex, who was a Sergeant with the 1st Hussars and landed on D-Day as well. He would later earn the Distinguished Conduct Medal while fighting in the Netherlands.
