Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Honour for hero who fell liberating village
Ian Bunting
“It was a hugely humbling, emotional occasion that I will never forget.”
Those were the heartfelt words of the great-niece of First World War hero Corporal Peter O’Hare as residents of the French village the Coatbridge soldier helped liberate lined up to pay tribute to his bravery on the centenary of his death.
Iris Anderson and her cousin Peter Flanagan travelled to Clary in the Pas de Cala region, where her great-uncle Peter was killed in battle on October 9, 1918, aged just 21, for the memorial service.
A simultaneous commemorative ceremony with members of Peter’s extended family took place at Coatbridge cenotaph and Iris has hailed the Advertiser for helping to bring Peter’s descendants together for the centenary tributes.
We reported earlier this month how the people of Clary contacted the Cameronians Families Organisation to help trace any of Peter’s living relatives to share their appreciation for the soldier’s sacrifice.
Iris, 67, of Townhead, said: “I found out about my greatuncle Peter’s death – but not the circumstances – when starting to research my family tree last year.
“A couple of weeks ago, my niece, Lucy Brown, decided to do further research into Peter’s death and, following online contact with the Highland Light Infantry website, the Cameronians Family Association emailed the Advertiser’s article to us and my rush to inform the rest of the very large extended family began.
“Thanks to the Advertiser’s article, we were able to pay proper respects to Peter’s memory by tracing more of his relatives and holding two services.
“I was delighted to be able to attend the ceremony in France and my cousin Peter contacted me from Montrose to say he could go with me.
“Of the 14 soldiers honoured, we were the only family on hand so we were well aware of the significance, and poignancy, of our presence.”
Peter and 13 of his comrades with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) 1st Battalion gave their lives in battle during the liberation of Clary, which led to a war memorial named the Place de Ecossais being erected in the French village’s square in their honour.
Iris said: “The people of Clary honouring Peter’s memory was very moving.
“Listening to the history of the battle and how the events unfolded brought a very striking reality to the ultimate sacrifice made by the 14 fallen heroes.
“Most moving of all was visiting the Highland Cemetery at Le Cateau and standing with my cousin at Peter’s grave.
“Both of us were deeply touched to be so close to the young hero, realising that it’s likely we were the first family members at his grave in 100 years.
“A granite plaque commemorating the centenary was unveiled and wreaths laid in front of the names of the fallen.
“The Clarysiens were so appreciative of the bravery of Peter and his comrades and it was a hugely humbling, emotional occasion that I will never forget.”
As well as acknowledging Peter’s ultimate sacrifice through kind words, the villagers of Clary surprised Iris with a treasured token of their appreciation.
She explained: “I was presented with the Republique Francaise, Medaille D’Honneur Ville de Clary in recognition of Peter’s service.
“It was a little surreal but a true honour.
“I will always treasure the medal and how it symbolises what Peter meant to the people of Clary.
“They took us into their hearts, forging a friendship that I know will develop and endure the test of time.”
Iris added: “Our thanks go to my niece Lucy who, on the trail of researching the family tree, made the connection with the Cameronians Family Association.
“Up until that point many of the extended family were totally unaware of their ancestor’s bravery, and no-one knew about the commemoration ceremony in France.
“We’d also like to thank the Cameronians Association for all of their support, and for helping my cousin and I get to Clary.
“The family are all very proud of Peter’s heroism and many of his descendants still reside in Coatbridge.”