Kinghorn remembers its Victoria Cross hero

Descendants travel from all over the world to honour First World War soldier’s bravery

Kinghorn honoured its First World War Victoria Cross (VC) hero yesterday.

Sergeant John McAulay received the United Kingdom’s highest gallantry award for his remarkable bravery at the Battle of Cambrai on November 27 1917.

The City of Glasgow policeman took command of his company and repelled a German attack after all his officers had been killed or wounded.

To mark the centenary of this act of bravery, a commemorative service was held at Kinghorn Parish Church, which was attended by members of the regiment and by Sgt McAulay’s descendants.

A piper from the Scots Guards led 200 people to the town’s war memorial, where his proud family unveiled a stone bearing his name and medal.

The Rev James Reid said: “We honour the extraordinary courage of an ordinary man, Sgt John McAulay.”

The event was attended by more than 40 of his descendants, some from as far as Australia and the United States.

John McAulay, from Wembley, is the hero’s first cousin, once removed. He said: “I never met him, but we are all very proud.

“It’s important that he and all the other heroes are remembered today.”

Douglas McAulay, who travelled from Perth in Australia, to honour his relative, said: “When you read his story it’s quite amazing.

“To have done all that and come out unscathed is a miracle.”

Alan McIlravie, provost of the Royal Burgh of Kinghorn Community Council, said: “We are intensely proud that a son of Kinghorn distinguished himself so well in the horror of the First World War.”

Major James Kelly, regimental adjutant, Scots Guards, said McAulay’s VC was “for conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack”, showing “utter disregard of danger”.

He added: “Throughout the day this very gallant non-commissioned officer displayed the highest courage, tactical skill and coolness under exceptionally trying circumstances.”

Laying a wreath was Fife Provost Jim Leishman, who added: “It was an amazing feat, to show so much bravery in one action with no consideration for himself.”

After the war, McAulay went back to the City of Glasgow Police and rose to the rank of Inspector.

He retired in 1946 and died in Glasgow in 1956, at the age of 67.

Alastair Dinsmor, curator of the Glasgow Police Museum, said: “John McAulay was the only Scottish policeman to win the VC, so that makes him very special to us.

“We tell his story every day to visitors from across the world.”

John McAulay was the only Scottish policeman to win the VC, so that makes him very special to us. ALASTAIR DINSMOR CURATOR GLASGOW POLICE MUSEUM

Pictures: Rick Booth. John McAulay, Lance Sergeant Alexander and the Rev James Reid at the unveiling of the commemorative stone to Sgt John McAulay, who won the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Battle of Cambrai 100 years ago.

The memorial stone that was laid yesterday to commemorate Sgt McAulay’s bravery.