Warrant Officer II William James McCutcheon MM (7012822) served in 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles during World War Two. He was the son of Hugh McCutcheon and Rose-Ann McCutcheon of Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
On 13th July 1941, he married Vera Amy Archer in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England. William and Vera had a daughter Margaret Ann McCutcheon born in 1941 and a son Hugh Patrick McCutcheon born in 1943. Warrant Officer McCutcheon took part in the Normandy Campaign with 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles where he received the Military Medal for his actions. He was a Company Sergeant Major in C Company.
The citation in August 1944 read:
For gallantry, devotion to duty and conspicuous bravery in the field. Near Cabourg on 18th August 1944, the Reconnaissance Platoon while leading the Battalion, came under heavy fire from Machine Guns, mortars and rifles. It suffered casualties and with minefields on both its flanks was in a very difficult position. The Reconnaissance Platoon Commander called for assistance and CSM McCutcheon went forward with stretcher-bearers. Two hours ensued during which time the stretcher-bearers slowly dragged the wounded into what cover there was, immediate covering fire being provided together with 2″ and 3″ mortar smoke from “C” Company. The whole operation was organised by Captain Martin, the Reconnaissance Platoon Commander, who was frequently absent organising further smoke and covering fire. During these absences CSM McCutcheon took over command and assisted in the carriage of stretchers. He also repulsed an attack, on the Platoon flank, by a German patrol. Throughout the operation he showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, his coolness and tenacity made a difficult operation possible, and he finally came out himself carrying a stretcher with the Platoon Commander, crossing a minefield in the process. Over the whole period his bravery, as always with this Warrant Officer, was absolute, and he was an inspiration to all, officers and men alike.
He died during Operation Varsity on 24th March 1945 aged 28 years old. Despite the number of casualties sustained by the Rifles, the mission was successful. 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles quickly and effectively secured their objectives around the village of Hamminkeln.
William James McCutcheon’s grave is in Section 38, Row C, Grave 6 of Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. His headstone bears the inscription:
When the call came, he answered.
William’s battledress jacket is on display in the Royal Ulster Rifles Regimental Museum, Belfast, Co. Antrim.