The Scottish War Memorials 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: