DCM honours courage

People gathered in Kippen’s Public Hall to honour L/Cpl Andrew Clark, Black Watch, who had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

L/Cpl Clark , of Strewiebank, Gatehouse, was at the ceremony.

The minister of his church, Rev HW Hunter, said villagers were thrilled when they learned that “one of their own lads had won the distinction which, next to the VC, was the highest honour that could be conferred”.

Villagers could derive “inspiration, courage and devotion to duty”from the example set by L/Cpl Clark.

Mr DY Cameron presented the soldier with a gold watch and chain, with seal, and told him: “We are proud of you in Kippen. You have given us feelings we have never had before.

“You have covered our country in glory. May you come home in the shining days of peace.

“You are the first to come back so highly honoured. There are warm hearts in our old village who will keep you in remembrance.”

A modest L/Cpl Clark said the honour bestowed on him was “far too great”. He thanked the ladies of the Patriotic Association for the welcome gifts of socks, scarfs and mitts which had reached him when in the mud and wet of the trenches.

Mention was made during the meeting of the setting up of a volunteer force to defend the area in the event of an invasion. All present, who were able, were asked to join up.