War heroes worthy of monument to valour

Sir, – A recent story in The Courier (October 1) raised concerns about the lack of knowledge among Dundee townsfolk of the existence of two Crimean War veterans who had won the coveted Victoria Cross yet been buried in paupers’ graves within the Eastern Cemetery, Arbroath Road Dundee.

I cannot be certain of the exact date, but around October or November 2002, I attended a service at the paupers’ graves site, to acknowledge and pay our respects to the men, Thomas Beach and Peter Grant.

This was attended also by a contingent from the British Legion replete with all flags waving and full uniform.

We had prayers and a summary of the actions taken by both men when awarded their VCs.

I understood that two bench seats were to be installed with plaques to commemorate the occasion, and that they would be placed at the top end of the paupers’ graves site.

It was intimated that there was no official records of exactly where they were buried, as was the case with all paupers’ graves.

Perhaps it is time for a more substantial type of memorial for these very special and brave young men, who deserve our acknowledgement, praise and thanks.

As Dundee is so much in the public eye, all over the world with the V&A, it would be a good time to recognise these “Dundee worthies” , perhaps with a statue?

We have Desperate Dan in the city centre so why not our two Victoria Cross holders?

The townsfolk have money, as they demonstrated at the penguin sculpture auction when they raised £54,000 for Maggie’s.

Two statues would surely not break the bank?

Muriel Charman. Glamis Gardens, Dundee.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Joan Boyle is leading a campaign to have plaques for VC winners Thomas Beach and Peter Grant. A correspondent agrees that more recognition is needed.