Ian McKay (original) (raw)

Sgt Ian McKay (died 1982) was a British soldier, and was posthumously awarded the highest award for British Military personnel - The Victoria Cross.

On the 11th\\12th June 1982, Sergeant McKay lead a grenade attack on an Argentine Bunker during the Falklands War, and was killed in the action. At the time he was Platoon Sergeant of 4 Platoon, B Company, The 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

3 PARA were at the time fighting Argentine opposition on Mount Longdon in 1982.

This battle lasted 10 hours against a well prepared and dug in Argentine enemy. The Battalion lost a total of 22 men during the battle. Having secured Mt Longdon they then held it for 48 hours under intense artillery fire

The McKay VC Competiton

Yearly troops from 3 PARA take part in a gruelling competition known as "The McKay VC". This involves long marches carrying heavy loads, assault courses and a shooting competition at the end.

Quite why this is inflicted on these troops in the name of Ian McKay is unclear, as it is widely rumoured Sgt McKay preferred playing football to any of the above activities!