VC heroes to be honoured
Council want to consult with families
The public were this week being asked to help find the relatives of a war hero from Cambusnethan.
An appeal has been made by the council to trace relatives of World War One hero William Johnstone Milne VC.
A commemorative paving stone is being placed in his honour in Wishaw.
He is one of six men wo achieved the distinction for their outstanding bravery and sacrifice during the Great War 1914 - 1918 and preparations are now being made to lay commemorative paving stones in their home towns.
In August 2013, the UK Government announced a campaign to remember Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War. As part of this, commemorative paving stones will be laid in the birth place of recipients, providing a lasting legacy within communities.
Appealing for relatives to come forward, Provost Jim Robertson said: “To date, six local recipients have been identified and we would like to trace members of their family to help with the commemoration services and to help choose a suitable location for the stones.
“The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour awarded to Armed Forces personnel in the British Empire and Commonwealth countries.
“These men are right l y remembered as heroes and it will be a fitting tribute to have a paving stone layed in their home towns. The stones will be unveiled to coincide with the anniversary of the battle for which they were awarded the Victoria Cross.”
The Victoria Cross recipients born in North Lanarkshire have been identified:
David Lauder from Airdrie received the honour at Gallipoli, Turkey on 13 August 1915;
James Richardson from Bellshill - 8-9 October 1916 at the Somme, France;
John Carmichael from Glenmavis - 8 September 1917 at Zwarteleen, Belgium;
William Clamp from Motherwell - 9 October 1917 at the Battle of Poelcapelle, Belgium;
William Mi l n e f rom Cambusnethan - 9 April 1917 near Thelus, France
John O’Neill from Airdrie - 14 and 20 October 1918 near Moorsele, Belgium
A total of 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded during the First World War.
The council will cover the costs of laying and maintaining the stones which will be provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Relatives should contact 01698 302324 or email memberservices@ northlan.gov.uk