Sapper dug tunnels under enemy lines

A sixth hero was honoured following the setting up of a fund to acknowledge the distinguished conduct of those from Stirling area taking part in the fighting.

Raploch man Sgt John McQuade was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his service with the Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers.

Presentations were made to Sgt McQuade at a meeting of the Town Council which he attended alongside his wife, father-in-law Patrick Murphy and relatives John Welsh, Mrs Milne and Miss Dermody, all of Raploch.

Town clerk Mr DB Morris explained that Sgt McQuade earned the medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Tambour du Clos in November, 1915 where he was among sappers trying to tunnel beneath the German lines to set explosives.

On the fifth of that month, after the enemy detonated a charge near to where they were tunnelling, it was due to the sergeant’s “personal courage and example”, that his comrades were helped to safety.

On the 28th of the same month, with the enemy believed to be within 10ft of their tunnel, Sgt McQuade set and exploded a charge which halted their progress.

Sgt McQuade was presented with an inscribed gold watch while his wife received a gold bangle and locket and silver cake basket.

Provost David Bayne congratulated Sgt McQuade on his bravery and said he had been fortunate to escape without injury while carrying out his daring work.

Sgt McQuade said it must have cost “not a little” to raise the money for the heroes’ fund and the only way he could thank them was “to go back to France and help in the work”.