So proud to receive honour for brother Private Ketchen killed in Cyprus terrorism attack
The sacrifice made by a young soldier has been marked.
Private Peter Gibb Ketchen was remembered at West Lothian Civic Centre with the presentation of an Elizabeth Cross and scroll to his sister Margaret McLauchlin by West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Isobel Brydie.
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll was introduced by Her Majesty The Queen in 2009 and is granted to the next of kin of UK Armed Forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism.
Also attending the ceremony were members of Private Peter Gibb Ketchen’s family and representatives from The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) antecedent Regiment of the Royal Regiment of Scotland were in attendance.
Private Peter Gibb Ketchen joined the army for national service on May 18, 1955, aged 18 and five months.
On October 11, 1955, Private Ketchen was posted to the Paphos area of Cyprus as part of the Cyprus Emergency Peace Keeping Force serving with 1st Battalion The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment).
Just two months later, on December 9, 1955, Private Ketchen along with 12 of his colleagues were sent on detail in a truck from their base at Pinefield Camp to Ktima.
During the journey the vehicle in which they were travelling was attacked by terrorist gunmen.
During the attack, a bomb detonated and shrapnel from the attack struck Peter as he sat in the back of the vehicle and he sustained injuries. Sadly, Peter succumbed to the injuries and died in hospital. Peter was just 19 years old. His sister Margaret, who lives in Whitburn, said at the ceremony: “Although Peter died more than 60 years ago, my memories of what happened that day are still very clear.
“I was so proud to receive the Elizabeth Cross on behalf of Peter and my family.
“The ceremony was very poignant and I would like to thank Major Shearer, Lord-Lieutenant Isobel Brydie and West Lothian Council for making it such a special day.”
Lord-Lieutenant Isobel Brydie added: “It was a great honour to meet Peter’s family Peter was a great loss to his family who have cherished his memory.
“As a plumber, Peter could have declined his call-up papers, instead he felt that it was his duty to do his service for his country.
“While more than 60 years have passed his family have remembered him fondly and it was my great pleasure to present his sister Margaret with the Elizabeth Cross and Scroll on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.”
Major Shearer, from the Headquarters 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, read a citation at the event.
He said: “On completion of training Peter’s testimonial states, ‘ Private Ketchen is a smart young recruit who has had three weeks’ service as a National Serviceman. He is very keen to enter the Regular Army, and I consider that he is loyal, clean and efficient enough to make a good soldier’.
“Peter was a great loss to his family. The Elizabeth Cross and Scroll is a lasting symbol of the nation’s recognition of and gratitude for their sacrifice.”
Peter was born on December 1, 1936, to proud parents, John and Jean Ketchen. He was raised in Kirkhill Gardens, Penicuik, Midlothian.
After leaving school, Peter served his apprenticeship as a plumber in the local paper mill in Penicuik.