Soldiers’ medals for bravery are hailed by villagers

Villagers turned out at Forresters Hall, Drymen, 100 years ago to honour two soldiers from the area who had been awarded medals for gallantry.

Sgt Angus McCaig and Cpl Neil Davidson, both of the A&SH, collected the Military Medal.

Brigadier General the Duke of Montrose, who appeared in uniform made the presentations to Sgt McCaig and the father of Cpl Davidson. The corporal was serving in France and unable to attend the gathering.

The Duke said Sgt McCaig had been awarded the medal “with bar” which meant he had shown conspicuous bravery on two occasions.

Sgt McCaig was one of two brothers serving in the Forces and both had been born in the neighbourhood and educated at Drymen Public School. Cpl Davidson had two brothers who were also serving their country.

The Duke said the medals were “highly and justly prized” and added: “This district, no bigger than the point of a pin on the map of the Empire, has a very proud record of patriotic service.

“Drymen School roll of honour contains the names of 90 former pupils who are, or who have been, serving during the war. Of these 13 have made the supreme sacrifice and no finer record or enduring example could be the sacred privilege of any village school.”

Mention was also made of the award of the Military Cross to Lt James Bilsland, who had been killed in action, and the Military Medal presented to Nursing Sister Kate M Roy who had been on service since the start of the war.

The Duke also presented Sgt McCaig and Cpl Davidson with wallets containing War Savings Certificates, then told the audience: “We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who went from here on the call of duty – many, alas, never to return.