The Scottish War Memorials Project

spoons · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:09 pm Post subject: Wigtown

UKNIWM Ref: 13440

OS Map Ref: NX 436 555

I always think that the cenotaph style looks a bit brutal compared with other memorials, but grey stone on a grey day probably doesn't add to the look.

spoons · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:16 am Post subject:

This memorial has been researched and details are on the Roll-of-Honour website at http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Wigtownshire/Wigtown.html

Louis McGuffie was a Victoria Cross winner and details are here
http://www.victoria-cross.co.uk/ and with the site owner's permission these details are copied below.

"McGUFFIE, Louis
Sergeant. 1st/5th Battalion. King's Own Scottish Borderers.
London Gazetted on 14th December, 1918.
Born on 15th March 1893 at Wigtown, Scotland.
Killed in action on 4th October, 1980 at Wyteschaete, Belgium.
Memorial on grave at Zandvoorde British Cemetery, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an advance near Wytschaete, Belgium, on 28th September 1918, Sergeant McGuffie single-handed, searched many dug-outs and took several prisoners. In the operations that followed he dealt similarly with many more dug-outs, resulting in one officer and 25 other ranks surrendering to him. Whilst consolidating the first objective, he pursued and returned with several of the enemy who had slipped away. Some British troops were being led away as prisoners by the enemy and Private McGuffie was significant in their rescue. Later in the day, whilst in command of a platoon, he took many more prisoners"

dhubthaigh · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:33 am Post subject:

Name: McGUFFIE, LOUIS
Initials: L
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: King's Own Scottish Borderers
Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 04/10/1918
Service No: 240693
Awards: V C
Additional information: Son of Mrs. Catherine McGuffie, of 1, North Main St., Wigtown, Wigtownshire.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: I. D. 12.
Cemetery: ZANTVOORDE BRITISH CEMETERY
Citation: An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 13th Dec., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery and resourceful leadership under heavy fire near Wytschaete on 28th September, 1918. During the advance to Piccadilly Farm, he, single-handed, entered several enemy dugouts and took many prisoners, and during subsequent operations dealt similarly with dugout after dugout, forcing one officer and twenty-five other ranks to surrender. During the consolidation of the first objective he pursued and brought back several of the enemy who were slipping away, and he was also instrumental in rescuing some British soldiers who were being led off as prisoners. Later in the day, when in command of a platoon, he led it with the utmost dash and resource, capturing many prisoners. This very gallant soldier was subsequently killed by a shell.

Unusual that McGuffie's VC award is not inscribed on the memorial given its importance.
A link to his picture and grave photo;
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8043000
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Kings Own Scottish Borderers

spoons · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 11:58 am Post subject:

McGuffie also has an individual memorial in Wigtown Town Hall and photographing this is still on my 'to-do' list