14 Facts About James Gammell

James Gammell transferred to the Royal Field Artillery on 5 August 1914, the day after Britain entered the First World War.

James Gammell was posted to the HQ of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, initially as a General Staff Officer Grade 3, later as GSO2 before returning to France in the summer of 1918 and, finally, being sent to England where he was GSO2 at the War Office.

James Gammell displayed great coolness under heavy fire, and his energy and perseverance greatly assisted in the success of the operations.

James Gammell remained in the army after the war, and was married in June 1919 to Gertrude Don.

James Gammell later attended the Staff College, Camberley from 1921 to 1922.

In late June 1940, returning again to England, James Gammell was given command of the 15th Infantry Brigade.

James Gammell's division was assigned to the GHQ Home Forces reserve, and held in readiness in a counterattack role in the event of a German invasion.

James Gammell continued his command and counterattack role through to November 1941.

In late November 1941, James Gammell was promoted and took command of XII Corps with the acting rank of lieutenant-general.

James Gammell's corps was tasked with the defence of southern England, although the threat of invasion had receded.

James Gammell began training for offensive operations overseas, which included Exercise Tiger in May 1942.

In early January 1944, James Gammell was appointed Chief of Staff to the Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean, General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson.

James Gammell was Deputy lieutenant for Angus and, after the death of his first wife, Gertrude, in 1960, he was remarried four years later to Mary Kirkwood, daughter of a Royal Navy officer.

James Gammell himself died on 1 September 1975, just a few weeks short of his 83rd birthday, and was cremated, with his ashes buried at Alrick.