Tribute to war hero Harold
Family hear of his bravery 100 years ago
Family and friends were among those who paid an emotional tribute to a Bridge of Allan World War One hero .
Saturday April 22, 2017, marked exactly 100 years since the death of Lieutenant Colonel Harold Thompson DSO, Croix de Guerre, from wounds sustained during the Second Battle of Gaza in WW1.
Harold was a member of the congregation of St Saviour’s Church.
To mark the occasion his greatgrandson Simon Murray had contacted the church to hold a short service of commemoration on the day of the centenary.
The service was attended by Simon, his wife Amelia, their fiveyear-old twins Archie and Matilda, his sister Iona, representatives from Harold’s regiment and from Legion Scotland as well as around 40 people from the church and village.
The flag which had draped over Harold’s coffin before his burial in Egypt was used to cover a table placed at the foot of the chancel steps.
Other memorabilia, including a candlestick belonging to Harold, were also on the table. The service started with the lighting of a candle by Archie and Matilda in memory of their great-great-grandfather. Readings and prayers were taken from the King James Bible and the Scottish Prayer Book. A two-minute silence was kept and a wreath laid by Iona near the west window of the church which is dedicated to Harold and his aunt, Anne Pullar.
Simon gave a tribute to his greatgrandfather, outlining his early life in Bridge of Allan, his schooling and his joining the Royal Scots Fusiliers regiment.
Harold first saw active service in the Boer War in South Africa, then in Gallipoli and the Middle East campaigns during WW1.
Simon went on to describe the Second Battle of Gaza in more detail, emphasising the courage and heroism of Harold as he led his troops in an attempt to capture positions on a ridge where the Ottoman Turkish forces were well entrenched. Despite being very seriously injured, he was eager to get back to the front line to lead his soldiers but died from his wounds three days later.
Simon read extracts from touching letters written by Harold’s commanding officers and fellow soldiers to his widow Sophia.
Simon said: “It was a superb commemoration for a great man. It is very important such brave men are remembered. The family were delighted at the wonderful way the community of Bridge of Allan and St Saviour’s Church came together and supported the commemoration of one of their own. It was a deeply moving and humbling experience.”
Nicholas Price, who along with fellow lay reader Sue White shared the service, said: “It was a very good day, emotional, moving and very rewarding.