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Nazi-hunter turned journalist dies aged 85

A former Scottish journalist who was known in the industry as a ‘famously fast and accurate editor’ has died at the age of 85.

John Dron, known in his local area of Stonehaven by his middle name of Graham, spent his career at the Sunday Post where he became a highly respected member of the Scottish newspaper world.

During his time with the Post he worked his way up to sports editor, news editor and political editor.

Before he started his career he was was conscripted to the Army where he served in Austria with the intelligence corps in the period immediately after the end of the Second World War, helping track down Nazis who were trying to keep a low profile.

An obituary in the Kincardineshire Observer said the Sunday Post had a policy of not giving its journalists by-lines which meant John was unknown to readers but was much respected by colleagues and generations of young reporters who learned their trade under him. He was also a famous in the area for being a fast and accurate editor.

As political editor he was well thought of by politicians of all hues for his impartiality.

John’s writing skills were recognised at an early age when teachers would hold up his work as examples of good essay writing.

When he left school he was prevented from taking up a place at Aberdeen University because of the Second World War.

Instead he was sent down the mines as a Bevin Boy where his 6ft 3in frame made hacking coal from 2ft seams hard work and conscription to the army came as a relief.

John died at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. He was married to Betty, now deceased, and leaves children Alan, Jacqueline and David.