ON OCTOBER 23, Dutch high school history teacher Dirk Paagman will travel to the war cemetery in Schijndel, in the Netherlands, to lay a flower on the grave of a fallen Glasgow soldier.

He is hoping to tell the young hero’s story and find a photograph of him to place beside the tribute – but he needs Times Past readers to help.

“It was a cold and dark night on Monday, October 23, 1944, when four companies of the 5th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders lined up next to Hell’s Highway, also known as the corridor of Market Garden near Veghel,” he says.

“The soldiers were ready to liberate the village of Schijndel. But the attack on the front line of German Fallschirmjagers - the paratroopers of the Luftwaffe - was repelled in a bloody fashion.”

Glasgow Times:

It was a terrible night for the battalion. Eleven British soldiers were killed during the battle and five more died from their injuries in the following days.

Dirk says: “One of them was Private John Anderson, 3325672, who was just 24 years old. He was born, or lived, in Glasgow.

“He was heavily wounded and transported to a field hospital in the village of Sint-Oedenrode, near to Schijndel, but sadly, he died there a few days later, from his injuries.”

“He was buried with two other 5th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in the Martinuskerk War Cemetery in Sint-Oedenrode.”

In addition to the 16 killed, 60 men were severely wounded.

Dirk’s investigations over the last few years have uncovered details about seven of the 16 men killed but, he says, his investigation has stalled.

“There are so many John Andersons in Glasgow.,” he says.

“I am really hoping Glasgow Times readers can help.

“I want to tell these men’s stories, so none of us will ever forget what they gave up for us.”

READ MORE: 'I was proud to survive National Service' - memories of conscription, 60 years on

For Dirk, the story of the Scottish soldiers who liberated his home town in the southern Netherlands, has always been a fascinating one.

He has published a book on the subject, which includes lots of detail and some fascinating photographs.

That night, the 5th QOCH were given the task of taking the German positions west of Schijndel from midnight at the small village of Wijbosch.

“I have a map, drawn by the officers of the 5th QOCH in preparation for the attack on Schijndel, and a photo of the 5th Black Watch troops taking over the attack,” says Dirk.

Glasgow Times: Glasgow Times:

“That photo was taken on the day of the attack.

“I have a photo, too, of Major Parker, who was killed in the attack on October 23. As Commanding Officer of D-Company, John Anderson was likely one of his men.

“And George Sands, who survived the attack, is pictured in his QOCH kilt, while I also have an image of one of the pastures the 5th QOCH attacked, taken after the attack.

Glasgow Times:

“John Anderson must have been wounded here and transported from the battlefield to Sint-Oedenrode.”

The last two photos in his book are particularly moving – they depict the 5th QOCH’s field graves where soldiers were temporarily buried next to the attack area.

“If John had died, he would have been lying here,” says Dirk. “His comrades were.”

READ MORE: 'Very poignant and sad' shocking documents reveal truth about Glasgow's links to slavery

He adds: “As well as commemorating John Anderson, I also want to put up a photograph of all the Cameron Highlanders who are buried at the Uden War Cemetery, and to write articles about them for our local press.

“It is my way of honouring these fallen Scottish soldiers, who gave their lives for our freedom.”

If you have any information about Private John Anderson from Glasgow, please get in touch and we will pass it on to Dirk – email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow East Investment Park, Glasgow G32 8FG