A landmark event to mark the 80th anniversary of a battle which featured a brave Strathaven man and his dog will be supported by South Lanarkshire Council at the end of the month.

Lance Corporal Jimmy Muldoon of the Cameronians took part in the Battle of the Scheldt, which helped pave the way for the liberation of the Netherlands in October 1944.

And Provost Margaret Cooper and the local authority’s civic officer will fly to Holland at the end and will take part in some events at the Liberation Museum in Nieuwdorp – eight decades after the crucial battle.

A family pet on loan to the War Office, Khan was assigned to the Sixth Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), where Lance Corporal James Muldoon became his handler.

The Imperial War Museum revealed that the landing assault craft which Rifleman Khan and Muldoon were travelling in came under heavy fire.

The boat capsized and the soldiers and Khan were thrown into the icy seawater.

Khan swam to shore, searching for his master, but Muldoon could not swim owing to the weight of his kit and was sinking in the muddy waters.

READ NEXT: Councillor calls for 'better' transport links to local area

Under heavy shelling, Khan swam 200 yards back to pull his master from the sea, dragging him through solid ground. Both then collapsed, exhausted but survived and returned home.

The dog was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal – the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict for his heroics in Holland for saving his master from drowning.

Rifleman Khan and Lt Cpl Muldoon spent their remaining years together in Strathaven.

Lanarkshire regiment The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) played a significant part in the liberation of Holland in 1944, and the activities will include visits to a number of locations where the regiment was involved in active duty. 

The activities will also include the unveiling of the statue of Rifleman Khan, and attending the Field of Honour in Bergen op Zoom, where many liberators of the Battle of the Scheldt are buried. 

Approximately 50 veterans of The Cameronians are also understood to be attending the commemoration.

A statue of Lance Corporal Muldoon and Rifleman Khan can be found at Strathaven Common Green.