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Kinghorn Honours Policeman VC Winner

Discussion in 'Military History' started by GRW, Nov 26, 2017.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    "THE ONLY Scottish policeman to win a Victoria Cross during the First World War was yesterday commemorated with a paving stone in the town where he was born.
    PC John “Jock” McAulay, from Kinghorn in Fife, received Britain’s highest gallantry award for his remarkable bravery at the Battle of Cambrai, on November 27, 1917.
    The City of Glasgow policeman took command of his company after all his officers had become casualties, and repelled a German attack.
    He survived exploding shells and “a tornado of machine gunfire” to carry his wounded company commander to safety, then single-handedly inflicted heavy losses on the attacking Germans who outnumbered his fellow Scots Guards.
    To mark the centenary, a commemorative service was held at Kinghorn Parish Church, attended by members of the regiment and more than 40 of Sgt McAulay’s descendants, from as far as Australia and America.
    Miner’s son McAulay was one of more than 700 Glasgow police who volunteered for military service in the early weeks of the Great War.
    By 1915, his bravery had seen him promoted three times, to acting sergeant.
    He was awarded the DCM for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty” on the opening day of the Battle of Ypres in 1916.
    Jim Leishman, Lord Provost of Fife, who laid a wreath at the memorial, said: “It was an amazing feat, to show so much bravery in one action with no consideration for himself. To see so many ‘Horners’ come out to pay tribute is very fitting.”
    After the war, McAulay went back to the City of Glasgow Police and became an Inspector. He retired in 1946 and died in 1956, aged 67."
    Town turns out to celebrate brave cop who won the Victoria Cross
     

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