John McAulay

John McAulay (VC, DCM) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 28 years old, and a Sergeant in the 1st Bn., Scots Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 November 1917 at Fontaine Notre Dame, France, when all his officers had become casualties, Sergeant McAulay assumed command of the company and under shell and machine-gun fire successfully held and consolidated the objectives gained. He reorganised the company and noticing a counter-attack developing, repulsed it by the skilful and bold use of machine-guns, causing heavy enemy casualties. The sergeant also carried his company commander, who was mortally wounded, to a place of safety.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Scots Guards RHQ) (London, England).

References

• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• SCOTLAND'S FORgotten VALOUR (Graham Ross, 1995)

External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (Glasgow)
• News Item (photo)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.