A very old one this*... stumbled across, forgot I'd ever written it although obviously the research must have been agony. No reason in particular for suddenly posting it, just that it's always fascinating and humbling to remember those who fought and died in two world wars.
Story mentions plans for a national memorial in honour of the Victoria Cross medal holders... ten years on and I don't believe it's ever happened.
Poignant anniversary next year.... Time to revive the idea, perhaps?
THEY were the bravest of the brave, men who fearlessly disregarded their personal safety to save the lives of others.
In remarkable acts of selflessness, displaying extreme courage and with incredible strength of character as enemy fire poured down, they revealed almost superhuman qualities.
Their reward for laying their lives on the line - and, indeed in many cases, sacrificing them - was to come in the form of a small but enormously precious medal, cast from the bronze of two Russian Crimean War guns captured after the siege of Sebastopol in 1855 and awarded in recognition of exceptional gallantry, regardless of rank or grade.
There have been just 1354 awards of the Victoria Cross since it was instituted in 1856, the merest glimpse of its distinctive crimson ribbon on the breast of a veteran enough to establish him as a military monarch - irrespective of whether he was a private or a colonel, a corporal or a major.
Its civilian equivalent, the George Cross, was instituted in 1940 to replace the Empire Gallantry Medal, the Albert Medal and the Edward Medal.
The decoration has been awarded to a mere 400 people, who, just like their counterparts in the armed forces, have all displayed incredible bravery for others.
While the courage of this select band of individuals could never be in doubt, it is only now that plans are being made to create a National Memorial in their honour and to establish a fund to ensure the restoration and upkeep of many of their far-flung graves - assuming, that is, that the necessary 250,000 pounds can be found.
Of course, such matters would have been far from the minds of the fearless fighting elite from around the Edinburgh area, whose split-second reactions, and fortitude in the face of almost certain death earned them the recognition and gratitude of an entire nation.
They include the likes of Lance-Corporal William Angus, the Great War light infantryman from Linlithgow who voluntarily left his trench in the face of enemy fire to rescue an officer, a deed accomplished despite him sustaining some 40 wounds for his troubles; Leith-born Sapper Adam Archibald, who in 1918 defied machine-gun fire and poison gas to persevere in the essential construction of a floating cork bridge across the Sambre-Oise Canal in France; and the remarkable Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter, a 21-year-old Royal Marine commando from Stenhouse, who sacrificed himself as a target to save his troop. It was April 2, 1945, when Cpl Hunter and his 43 Commando Royal Marine comrades were on the German Gothic Line defences at Lake Comacchio in Italy. Barely more than a teenager, Cpl Hunter was in charge of a Bren gun section when he spotted his men were devoid of cover.
Seizing his gun, he charged across 200 yards of fire-swept open ground towards a group of houses where three heavy machine-guns were lodged. Their gunfire was intense, yet so determined was his bid to detract the Germans from firing at his own men that the enemy was confused. Startled by the ferocity of Hunter's shooting, six of the enemy machine-gunners surrendered, while the remainder of them simply fled.
Cpl Hunter then cleared the entire house, changing several magazines of ammunition as he ran, firing accurately and continuing to draw the enemy fire away from his men. Most of his troops had reached cover by the time he was hit in the head, a single German bullet all it took to snuff the life out of a fighting hero.
Today, the VC which he never lived to see is on show at the Royal Marines Museum in Southsea. Closer to home, there is now a memorial plaque to remind pupils at the Capital's Tynecastle High School of his heroism, while eight cottages in Stenhouse Street West stand in his memory.
Almost 100 years separated him from Lieutenant Robert Blair of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, a 23-year-old from Avontoun in Linlithgow who found himself at Bolandshahr, India, in September 1857. Yet they are linked by the same indefatigable fighting spirit.
Lt Blair had been ordered to take a party of one sergeant and 12 men and bring in a deserted ammunition wagon. But as they approached, almost 60 Indian mutineers on horseback moved in.
It must have been a terrifying sight yet, without hesitation, Lt Blair formed up his men and gallantly led them through the rebels. He made good his retreat without losing a single man, leaving nine enemy dead in his wake. Two years later, however, he was himself dead, a victim of a far trickier foe - smallpox. Today, a plaque in his memory can be seen at the Covenanter's Prison Section in Greyfriars Cemetery.
In all, more than 30 military elite from around the Edinburgh area were awarded the VC, their heroic deeds stretching from October 1854 and the Crimean War, when Morningside-born Sergeant Henry Ramage of the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) galloped to the assistance of a private surrounded by seven Russians whom he duly dispatched, to Cpl Hunter's astonishing Second World War exploits.
Judging whether an act of valour is worthy of a VC is no easy task - the rules stipulate that the event should be witnessed by at least two others and that there should have been a 90 per cent chance of death. And, explains Didy Grahame, joint appeal director of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, these were no "brainstorm" incidents by battle-scarred men unaware of the risks they were taking. This is why 294 VCs have been deservedly awarded posthumously throughout the UK since the medal was first introduced.
"These awards are only given when it's known they understood the risks," she says. "Usually they are given to people who have already shown this kind of behaviour on frequent occasions, whose colleagues can confirm that he would have been fully aware of what he or she was doing. That is what underlies these awards."
Now is the time, Ms Grahame says, to ensure an appropriate memorial to VC and GC holders is established - it will be a two-foot square inlaid stone which will rest near the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, along with a fund which will help guarantee their graves are not allowed to be forgotten.
Of course, acts of supreme courage and bravery do not only occur on the battlefield. And for those civilians who put their own lives on the line for others, there is the George Cross.
There can be few better examples that than of David Brown, the West Calder mine overman, when in January 1947, he continually entered Burngrange Shale Mine pits after a massive explosion, braving raging fires and the threat of collapse, in a bid to reach trapped miners. Finally, while few of us would even be called upon once in our lifetime to commit such unselfish acts of bravery, perhaps it's worth remembering the supreme sacrifice of Private Charles Kennedy, 2nd Bn., The Highland Light Infantry.
Born in West Port, Edinburgh, he was just 24 and serving in Dewetsdorp, South Africa, in 1900 when he carried a wounded comrade three-quarters of a mile to hospital. The next day, he volunteered to carry a message across country over which it would be almost certain death to venture. He had gone barely 20 yards when he was severely wounded.
Pvt Kennedy was made of particularly sterling stuff. Seven years after receiving his VC, he was back home in Edinburgh, casually strolling along Leith Walk, when a runaway horse and cart thundered past. Realising it was heading straight for a group of children playing in the street, he again displayed astonishing courage as he tried to prevent disaster. Tragically, that heroic deed cost him his life.
In an age when footballers, pop idols and movie stars are often referred to as "heroes", Pvt Kennedy was the genuine article. Yet the man who put his life on the line for duty no fewer than three times today lies buried on common ground in North Merchiston Cemetery. His grave is unmarked.
Donations or requests for further information to: The VC and GC Memorial Appeal, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX.
Roll-call of honour for acts of bravery by Edinburgh's finest
VICTORIA CROSS
Captain William Bloomfield, of Broomfield, Edinburgh, 2nd South African Mounted Brigade, braved 400 yards of machine-gun and rifle fire to reach a wounded man in Miali, Tanganyika (now Tanzania), 1916.
Cpt Walter Brodie, Highland Light Infantry, of Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh, led charge to evict Germans from British trenches in Belgium, 1914. Eighty of the enemy were killed and 51 taken prisoner.
Lieutenant William Bruce, 59th Scinde Rifles, captured an enemy trench near Givenchy, France, 1914. Despite neck wound, encouraged men to hold out against several counter-attacks until he was killed.
Lt Thomas Cadell, 2nd Bengal European Fusiliers, born in Cockenzie. During siege at Delhi, India, 1857, defied enemy attack to bring in two wounded men.
Cpt John Cook, Bengal Staff Corps, Indian Army, braved heavy fire at Peiwar Kotal, Afghanistan, 1878, charging out of the trenches with such impetuosity that the enemy broke and fled. Fought a hand-to-hand battle to save a major's life.
Lt-Colonel Arthur Cumming, Commander of the 2/12th Frontier Force Regiment, Indian Army. In Kuantan, Malaya in 1942, Japanese soldiers attacked his battalion. Despite two bayonet wounds, led successful counter-attack. Wounded in heavy fire as he collected isolated detachments of men.
Lt William Dick-Cunyngham, Gordon Highlanders, born Prestonfield. Inspired faltering men during an attack on the Sherpur Pass, Afghanistan, 1879, by charging alone into enemy fire.
Pvt James Davis, 42nd Regiment, born in Canongate. At Fort Ruhya, India, 1858, offered to carry the body of a dead lieutenant back to the regiment.
Lt Robert Digby-Jones, Corps of Royal Engineers, at Wagon Hill, Ladysmith in South Africa, 1900. re-occupied a hill just as three leading Boers reached the summit.
Lt James Dundas, Bengal Engineers. At Dewan-Giri, Bhootan, India, in 1865 he climbed a 14ft wall and crawled through a 2ft-wide opening to reach around 200 enemy soldiers barricaded in a blockhouse.
Lt John Graham of the 9th Bn, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. At Istabulat, Mesopotamia, 1917, despite two wounds, insisted on carrying ammunition and operated his gun with fearsome accuracy.
Sergeant-Major John Grieve, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys), from Musselburgh. In Balaclava, Crimea, 1857, saved life of a Heavy Brigade officer, cutting the head off one Russian and dispersing others.
Surgeon Anthony Home, from Dunbar, 90th Regiment. 1857, Lucknow, India, protected wounded men from attack for more than 22 hours.
Lt William Hope, 7th Regiment. Sebastopol, Crimea, 1855, twice braved open fire to rescue an injured adjutant.
Cpt William Johnston, born Leith, 59th Field Coy, Corps of Royal Engineers. On River Aisne, Missy, France, 1914, worked two rafts with his own hands, returning with wounded from one side and taking back ammunition, while continuously under fire.
Lt Allan Ker, 3rd Bn, The Gordon Highlanders. In St Quentin, France, 1918, used a single Vickers gun to hold up the attack, inflicting many casualties. Surrendered only when out of ammunition and the situation hopeless. Single-handed, he held 500 of the enemy off for three hours.
Lance-Corporal John Mackay, 1st Bn, The Gordon Highlanders. Crow's Nest Hill, Johannesburg, 1900, repeatedly rushed forward under fire at short range to attend to wounded comrades.
Pvt John McDougall, 44th Regiment, born Old Town. Taku Forts, China, 1860, joined two others to swim through ditches to become the first British troops to mount the Fort walls.
Lt David McGregor from Craigs Road, Corstorphine, 6th Bn The Royal Scots. 1918 at Hoogemolen, Belgium, used his own body to successfully protect guns concealed on a limber from enemy fire. Killed in action later that day.
Cpl James McPhie, 416th (Edinburgh) Field Coy, Corps of Royal Engineers, born Rose Street, Edinburgh. In 1918, assisted troops to cross a floating bridge at the Canal de la Sensee near Aubencheul-au-Bac, France, under shell fire when it began to sink. Attempted vital repairs before being fatally wounded.
Pvt William Reynolds, Scots (Fusilier) Guards. At Battle of the Alma, Crimea in 1854, gallantly rallied the men round the Colours.
Commander Henry Ritchie, Royal Navy, of Melville Gardens, Edinburgh. On board HMS Goliath in command of the search and demolition operations at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika in 1914 when wounded eight times in 20 minutes. Carried on until fainting from loss of blood. Died at home in Craigroyston House, Davidson's Mains in 1958.
Pvt Same (John) Shaw, 3rd Bn, The Rifle Brigade, from Prestonpans, East Lothian. 1858 at Lucknow, India, confronted and killed an armed rebel, sustaining a sabre wound.
Quartermaster-Sergeant John Simpson, 42nd Regiment, born Edinburgh. 1858 at Fort Ruhya, India, twice went out under heavy fire to rescue wounded men.
Lt Harcus Strachan, from Bo'ness, served Fort Garry Horse, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Assumed command from dead squadron-leader at Masnieres, France, 1917, leading men through enemy machine gun and killing seven gunners with his sword.
Lance-Corporal Alexander Thompson, 42nd Regiment, born Tolbooth. Fort Ruhya, India, 1858, volunteered to retrieve the body of a lieutenant.
Pvt George Wilson, 2nd Bn, The Highland Light Infantry. 1914, Verneuill, France, located a German machine-gun by shooting six of the enemy and bayoneting the officer.
Cpt David Reginald Younger, 1st Bn, The Gordon Highlanders. Krugersdorp, South Africa, 1900, braved fire to drag an artillery wagon under cover. A later attempt to bring in the guns cost him his life.
GEORGE CROSS
John Alexander Fraser was Assistant Attorney General (Colonial Service) in Hong Kong, serving with the British Army Aid Group when the Japanese invaded in 1941. He was interned in the Civil Internment Camp in Stanley and immediately organised escape plans and a clandestine wireless service for his fellow prisoners. Despite being subjected to prolonged torture he refused to utter one word. Unable to break his spirit, the Japanese executed him on October 29, 1943.
David George Montagu Hay, later Marquess of Tweeddale, from Gifford, East Lothian, was serving on SS Eurylochus when it was sunk by an enemy raider 600 miles off Sierra Leone in 1941. He managed to reach a liferaft but - despite sharks infested waters - he dived back in to rescue a radio officer and survived.
Archibald Young, a chartered accountant, was working at Curtis & Harvey Ltd, an explosives factory at Roslin in 1916 when an explosion tore through the building. Aware that four girls were inside, Young and two colleagues defied the risk of explosion to rescue the occupants.
Eric Watt-Bonar, Flight Sergeant RAF (Voluntary Reserve), originally from Edinburgh, was based at a small airfield in Eccles in 1932 when an aircraft crashed and caught fire. From underneath the protection of an asbestos blanket, he unfastened the pilot's straps, released him and dragged him from the burning wreckage before administering first aid.
*This was written a while ago now, so it is entirely likely that the figures for medal holders has changed since then. Apologies and perhaps one day I'll get around to updating those figures.
Edinburgh Evening News 3 December 2002
Scotsman Publications.
