Tributes paid to D-Day veteran Jim Glennie BEM, Legion d'Honneur
Aberdeenshire Council has paid tribute to Private James “Jim” Glennie BEM, Legion d'Honneur, one of Scotland’s last surviving D-Day veterans, who has died aged 100.
Born in Turriff on August 19, 1925, Jim dedicated his life to service. He joined the Home Guard at 16 before enlisting with the 5th/7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders in 1943.
On June 6, 1944, he landed in Normandy during the D-Day invasion, serving with ‘A’ Company as part of the first unit of the re-formed 51st (Highland) Division to reach France.
Jim fought in the fierce battles that followed before being wounded and captured by German forces. He spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner at Stalag IV-B, enduring hardship and forced labour until liberation in 1945.
After the war, Jim worked as a welder and raised a family with his wife Winnie, to whom he was married for almost 60 years until her death in 2012.
Provost Judy Whyte said: “Jim Glennie embodied the courage, resilience and humility of his generation.
“A proud Gordon Highlander, devoted family man and treasured volunteer, he spent his life serving others and ensuring the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom would never be forgotten.
“Whether sharing stories with visitors, carrying the Standard with pride or representing his regiment with distinction, Jim inspired everyone who met him. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Jim remained a proud Gordon Highlander throughout his life, serving as a Standard Bearer with the Royal British Legion and volunteering at The Gordon Highlanders Museum from its opening in 1997, where he shared his experiences with visitors for almost 30 years.
In recognition of his service, Jim received the British Empire Medal in 2025 and an honorary Master of the University degree from the University of Aberdeen.
A celebration of Jim’s life was held in Kaimhill chapel in Aberdeen, where Gordon Highlanders veterans lined the route.
He is survived by his son James, daughter Juliet, son-in-law Paul and granddaughter Erin.