Veterans keep alive memory of VC hero
Members of a Perth armed forces’ pressure group have ensured the memory of a 19th century local war hero remains alive.
The Association of Perth Veterans (APV) laid remembrance crosses and a small memorial stone on the grave of Victoria Cross holder Alexander Thompson at Wellshill Cemetery on Jeanfield Road.
The medal is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
A native of the Fair City, Thompson served in the 42nd Regiment of Foot (Black Watch RHR) and won his VC during the Indian Mutiny in 1858.
He also fought with distinction in the Crimean War at the battles of Alma, Sevastopol and Balaclava.
He died in Perth on March 29, 1880, aged 57.
His gravestone, dated 1868, is now in need of attention and simply states: Sgt Alexander Thompson, VC.
“Without very close scrutiny, it is difficult to read his name,” a spokesperson for the APV explained.
“The possible reason the grave is unattended is because any association or Fresh plaque honours the hero
organisation wishing to refurbish the grave or the stone would require the permission of any living relations.
“We have tried to trace any of Sgt Thompson’s family without success, although we do know that his eldest son was company secretary of Arthur Bell & Sons, the well-known Perth whisky distillers.”
Tributes were paid at the Wellshill Cemetery ceremony to the Victoria Cross winner.
Retired Colonel Bert MacRae MBE, secretary of the Association of Perth Veterans, described him as “a very brave soldier.”
He recalled that Sgt Thompson was born in 1824 and joined up at the age of 18.
He served with the 42nd Regiment of Foot in Malta and Bermuda, later fighting in the Crimean War against the Russians in 1854.
“That was the first serious war the British had fought since Waterloo,” explained Col. MacRae.
“He and his comrades in the Black Watch particularly distinguished themselves at the Battle of Alma during the Crimean hostilities.
“The battalion had to ford the River Alma then climb a steep hill to the Russian positions – all under cannon fire.
“Once on the top, they formed up in perfect discipline, dressed in line in front of the Russian forces.”
“On the command ‘Forward the 42nd,’ they advanced on the enemy who outnumbered them three to one, firing volley after volley into the enemy hordes. The Highlanders’ dauntless bearing and their steady advance, with pipes playing and bayonets fixed, filled the superstitious Russians with terror and they eventually broke and fled.”
Further personal bravery in the face of enemy fire was to be displayed by Thompson in the Indian Mutiny during an attack on Fort Ruhya, in Oude, Uttar Pradesh, on April 15, 1858.
Events that day led to him, along with three other British soldiers, being awarded the VC.
A lance-corporal at the time, he volunteered with others, including Edward Spence, to assist Captain William Martin Cafe in carrying the body of Lieutenant Willoughby, of the 4th Punjab Rifles, from the top of the fort ramparts in an exposed position under heavy fire.
“He retired from the army with the rank of sergeant in 1862 after serving 20 years,” stated Col MacRae.
“He lived at 2 Barrack Street, Perth, until his death, aged 57.”
Sgt Thompson’s medals, which include the VC, the Crimea Medal with the Alma, Sevastopol and Balaclava Clasps, the Turkish Medal and the India Mutiny Medal, with the Lucknow Clasp, are on display at the Black Watch Museum in Balhousie Castle, Hay Street. The APV was established in 2018 and now has more than 100 members.
It was set up to provide a strong voice to represent the wishes of veterans, both men and women, of all three armed services from Perth and district. Its main aim is
Members of the APV gather at Sgt Thompson’s grave Arthur Thompson proudly shows off his medals