War hero must be honoured

Madam, – I was very disheartened to read the article in Friday’s Courier regarding Lt Hugh McKenzie VC (“Mystery over First World War hero’s missing plaque,” The Courier, August 9).

It would appear a plaque, the only remembrance to this very brave local lad, has gone missing.

It has had pride of place since its unveiling in the original Rosebank Primary School on December 22 1920 – the school he attended as a boy.

It seems the plaque went missing during the relocation of the school to the new campus on Ann Street.

I have spent many years researching Hugh and the 2,100-plus men from Dundee who served in the Canadian Army in the Great War, with 346 of these lads paying the ultimate sacrifice. Hugh never did have any official public remembrance in Dundee following his death, other than this plaque which was not on public display other than accessing the school to view it.

If it is now lost for good it would be a great shame for Dundee and the school.

The Lord Provost is quoted as saying “From discussions so far, we don’t know whether it has been moved somewhere for storage or whether it has been lost,” and adding “In the event that it cannot be located, we must replace it.”

He promised to “give my commitment to making sure he continues to be honoured for giving his life to this country”.

Perhaps if Provost Borthwick, the city and the council wish to continue to honour Hugh, they should consider replacing the missing school plaque and also providing a fitting tribute to Hugh’s

bravery in a more public place, such as the City Square or Slessor Gardens, where all can see it. Gary Thomson. 38 Crail Place, Broughty Ferry.