16.05.1940 enlisted The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) [1].

25.10.1941 transferred to 10th Middlesex Regiment [1].

Volunteered for the Commandos. Awarded the Military Medal in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North Africa, February 1943 (Battle of Sedjenane) [2][3].

On 23rd February 1943 in the area of Cemetery Hill the Germans carried out an assault in force on the left flank troop of No. 1 Commando. The attack was put in with great determination from the Rear left. Cpl Scantlebury was the No. 2 of a M.M.G. supporting 'B' Sub-Section of Morgan's Troop on the left. When the attack opened up this N.C.O. immediately brought fire to bear on the enemy. However, as the Germans were advancing from behind they were outside the arc of fire of the M.M.G. Seeing this, Cpl. Scantlebury with complete disregard for his own safety took the belt box and sat on the parapet of the gun pit from which position he fed the gun. This action enabled the gun to be brought to bear on the enemy and the resulting fire was instrumental in beating off the attack. The gun position was under heavy fire throughout the engagement and the attack was so determined that some enemy were found dead within 20 yds of the gun. The great courage, coolness, and devotion to duty of Cpl. Scantlebury was instrumental in preventing the position from being over-run [3].