The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

spoons

Not listed on UKNIWM

The memorial is in pride of place in Wigtown Town Hall at OS Map Ref NX 435 554. The Town Hall is also the Public Library and the memorial is in direct view as soon as you walk in the front door. There is an explanatory plaque. The building is open Mon to Sat 10 to 5 and is also open on Sundays (April to September) from 2 to 5.

Louis McGuffie is also listed on the Wigtown memorial posted here http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=1199&highlight=mcguffie where there is also quite a bit of further information about the man and the action which led to the the awarding of the Victoria Cross.

spoons · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:09 am Post subject:

From The Scotsman, 6th December 1920:

"Wigtown - An interesting and impressive ceremony was performed in the county town of Wigtown on Saturday, when the Right Hon. Sir H. E. Maxwell, Bart., Lord-Lieutenant of the county, unveiled a beautiful brass tablet on a granite background in the County Buildings, Wigtown, in memory of Corporal (Acting Sergeant) Louis McGaffie (sic), Wigtown, late of the 1/5th Battalion K.O.S.B., who was awarded the Victoria Cross for most conspicuous bravery and resourceful leadership under heavy fire near Wytschaete, Belgium, on September 20, 1918. The memorial was erected by Sir Peter McClelland, a native of Wigtown. There was a large attendance at the unveiling, which included a contingent from the Newton-Stewart Comrades of the Great War, under command of Captain McNeill and Captains Brand and Salmond. At the close of the ceremony several of the men of the parish who had also won distinctions in the war were presented with watches in recognition of their services."

It's a shame that they could not spell his name correctly in the paper.

\Paul

Mangonel · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 3

I took these in Belgium this year:

Mangonel · Joined: 25 Nov 2009 Posts: 3

From the, "Bayernwald," trench system information board:

Mike Morley · Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 8:06 am Post subject:

At the Wigtown Community Council AGM last week a proposal was discussed as to naming the town's gardens after Louis McGuffie. I will use this thread to post updates as to progress. Should the idea come to fruition I will open a new thread.

Mike Morley · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 8:50 am Post subject:

Committees being committees the proposals to name Wigtown's gardens in Louis McGuffie's memory move with glacial speed. However, designs for the gateway have now reached the consultation phase with locals being asked to vote on designs by a local sculpter. The poster below gives an indication of the designs (sorry can't get a better picture). Of course it's all down to planning permission, funding etc. But we've still got a couple of years!!

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

This is now WMR, ex UKNIWM, memorial 72010

Mike Morley · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2018 8:54 pm Post subject:

Just an update on the Louis McGuffie archway. The design has been given planning permission and most of the funding has been secured - just a couple of other threads to be secured. Hopefully should be complete in time for the unveiling of the VC paving slab on 28 September.

Mike Morley · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2018 11:41 am Post subject:

Construction now underway with the gateway. Verticals have been installed. May merit a new thread when installed.

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

The Archway and Gardens will be WMR 77515, the number has been taken out as a shell report.
I will be away at the end of September, but will complete that report when I return in October.
This is a first for WMR, to issue a number two months early!!

Mike Morley · Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 11:53 am Post subject:

Crosspiece due to be lowered in at 6pm today.