VC Action: John Thompson McKellar Anderson VC, DSO (12 January 1918 - 5 October 1943) was 25 years old, and was a lieutenant (with the temporary rank of captain, acting major) with the 8th Battalion of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (Prince Louise's Own) Regiment when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the attack on Longstop Hill, Tunisia, on 23rd April, 1943. Over a period of five hours Major Anderson led the attack through intense enemy machine-gun and mortar fire. As leading Company Commander, he led the assault on the battalion's first objective, in daylight, over a long expanse of open sloping hillside and most of the time without the effective cover of smoke. Very heavy casualties were incurred, including the Commanding Officer killed and all other Company Commanders killed or wounded. Major Anderson re-organised the battalion, led the assault on the second objective, and, despite a leg wound, captured Longstop Hill with a total force of only four officers and less than forty other ranks. He personally led attacks on at least three enemy machine-gun positions and in every case was the first man in the enemy pits; he also led a successful attack on an enemy mortar position of four mortars defended by over thirty of the enemy. Major Anderson's force on the hill captured about 200 prisoners and killed many more during the attack. It is largely due to Anderson's bravery and daring that Longstop Hill was captured.

John Thompson McKellar Anderson was killed in action later at Termoli, Italy on October 5, 1943.

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