David Liddell: podcast appearances and interviews

Major David Liddell was a Scottish soldier, insurance broker, and farmer born in Hankou, China, on 9 January 1917 and died on 20 March 2008. During World War II, he served with the 12th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and was awarded an immediate Military Cross for his exceptional actions in Italy. On 23 December 1943, he commanded reinforcements to the Essex 5th Battalion Regiment during an operation to capture the Italian village of Villa Grande near Termoli, which was held by the German 1st Parachute Division. His company initially gained a foothold but became separated across a bullet-swept area. When his leading platoon suffered severe casualties and was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire, Liddell charged a machine-gun post single-handedly, using hand grenades to neutralize it and enable his men to advance. During the engagement, his batman was killed, and Liddell was wounded in the eye; nonetheless, he continued his efforts until he linked up with the isolated platoon. Demonstrating leadership, he refused evacuation until his men were in secure positions and were fed. His wartime service included assisting with the capture of Rudolf Hess when he landed nearby. After the war, Liddell was associated with Liddell Consulting.