Ian Garrow
Captain Ian Grant Garrow | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 August 1908 South Africa |
| Died | 28 March 1976 (aged 67) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Service years | 1930-1958 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit | Highland Light Infantry |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order |
Ian Grant Garrow DSO (24 August 1908 - 28 March 1976) was a British army officer with the Seaforth Highlanders of the Highland Light Infantry. During World War II, he was stranded in France when the British army withdrew in the Dunkirk evacuation in June 1940. He made his way on foot to Marseille. Rather than attempting to continue on to neutral Spain, he stayed in Marseille and founded what became known as the Pat O'Leary Line which was dedicated to helping Allied soldiers and airmen escape Nazi-occupied France.
Garrow was arrested by the Vichy French police in October 1941 and imprisoned. With help from the Pat Line he escaped in December 1942, was smuggled into Spain, and was flown back to Britain from Barcelona. He was honoured with the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) by the British government.