The Scottish War Memorials Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:52 am Post subject: Captain George Gunnis MC, Brora

Gunnis Memorial Plaque
Location: Clyne Church of Scotland, Victoria Road (A9) Brora
OS Ref: NC 905 042

The Gunnis family owned the Gordonbush Estate near Loch Brora. Their only son, an old Etonian died in France.

GUNNIS, Geoffrey George. M.C.
Rank: Temporary Captain
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards
Died: Died of wounds 13.10.16 in Hospital, Rouen. Wounded 15.9.16
Age: 20.
Parents: Francis George and Ivy Gunnis of 1 Sloane Gardens, Chelsea, London.
Born: 7.5.1896, 67 Cadogan Gardens, London
Home: Gordonbush, Clyne
Occupation: Regular soldier (Grenadier Guards a family regiment)
Commissioned: 30.1.15 from Sandhurst. (Promoted Captain 30.11.15)
Notes: Gunnis Family owners of the Gordonbush estate in early part of 20th Century
Former Eton Pupil 1909-1913 and Eton O.T.C. Sandhurst 1913-1915
A contemporary of Harold MacMillan at eton who also served in the Gren Gds
Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, War Medal, Victory Medal
Mentioned in dispatches November 1915
Military Cross Citation: “For conspicuous gallantry, initiative and ability on October 8th 1915. He led his men with great dash, attacked the Germans in flank and rear, drove them into the open inflicting heavy casualties amongst them, and recaptured the remainder of the lost trench. For conspicuos courage and ability at Big Willie 8.10.1915.
Buried: St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France
Memorials: Listed on the Clyne War Memorial
Listed on the Clyne Parish Church War Memorial, Brora
Commemorated by the Gunnis Memorial, Clyne Church of Scotland
Listed on the Eton School War Memorial?

I don't think I've seen another plaque in a church which give so much information. Note the carved MC at the bottom.

Many thanks to Bill O'Brien for photographing this plaque and for Morag Sutherland for passing it on.

Adam