Amazing story on air
Two pupils hit the airwaves to promote an exciting new film project about a Carluke World War One hero.
Jamie Arthur, from Coltness High, and Calderhead High’s Brianna Shaw were guests on BBC Radio Scotland’s Stephen Jardine Programme. Alongside Ian Anderson and Gordon Swinton from the Wishaw/ Shotts Community Learning Development (CLD) team, they spoke about their upcoming dramatic video covering the life of Carluke Victoria Cross Medal recipient William Angus, who rescued fellow Carluke soldier James Martin from almost-certain death.
Ian Anderson, CLD project leader, said: “Young people are at the heart of the project. They will be central to the entire production; film crew, script writers, researchers, props and costumes, directors, stills photographers and post production.
“Staff are providing guidance, support and are working with all the young people to develop their new skills.
“Young People will gain knowledge and understanding of WW1 and how it impacted in their local communities and hopefully keep the story of the sacrifices these brave folks made for us all alive. Hopefully it will be used as a teaching resource within educational establishments across North Lanarkshire.”
On June 12, 1915, at Givenchylès- la- Bassée, France, LanceCorporal Angus voluntarily left his trench to rescue wounded Lieutenant James Martin, who was lying within a few yards of the enemy’s position and had been injured by a mine.
To do this he had to travel through 64 metres in no-man’s land under heavy bomb and rifle fire, and received about 40 wounds, some of them very serious including the loss of his left eye.
His commanding office said there had been no braver deed in the history of the British Army.
After the rescue he was taken to a military hospital in Boulognesur-Mer, where he learned of his award of the Victoria Cross.
After two months in hospital he returned to London where he was given the Victoria Cross by King George V at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace.
When the King commented on his 40 injuries, Willie Angus was said to have answered: “Aye, Sir, but only 13 were serious”.
The premiere of the film will be part of the events to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice that ended the war.