Sacrifice of a soldier who earned a VC is marked 100 years on
A CENTURY ago he died in one of the most heroic actions of the First World War – and yesterday his home city showed it has not forgotten the valour of Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson.
On the 100th anniversary of his death yesterday, his family and dignitaries laid a commemorative paving stone in his honour at Glasgow’s People’s Palace.
Colonel Anderson, known as Bertie by his friends, was the eldest of five brothers, four of whom were killed in the war.
Only a week after his youngest brother, Teddie, was killed in action, he died defending and heroically countering an assault on British lines.
He was in command of the 12th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, the Glasgow Battalion, at Bois Faviére woods near Maricourt when they came under attack and were forced to withdraw with heavy losses.
The following morning he led a counter-attack, but by late morning enemy numbers overwhelmed them and as they retreated they were split into three groups.
Refusing to abandon the mission, Colonel Anderson led his group across open country towards the enemy and managed to join up with the other troops.
According to his VC citation: ‘He personally led the counter-attack and drove the enemy from the wood, capturing 12 machine guns and 70 prisoners, restoring the original line. His conduct in leading the charge was quite fearless and his most splendid example was the means of rallying and inspiring his men during the most critical hour.’
A fellow officer recalled: ‘If you could have seen Colonel Anderson counter-attacking thousands of Germans with a mere handful of men, you would believe in the British Army for all time. If ever a man won the VC, it was Colonel Anderson.’ Another wrote: ‘I was with him when we counterattacked that day. He was cheering me on and his face was wreathed in smiles at the way the counter-attack was progressing.
‘His last words to me were, “Carry on with those on the left”, and the last I saw was the swing of his stick and going on.’
Colonel Anderson was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry presented to British and Commonwealth Forces, following his death on March 25, 1918.
Yesterday’s ceremony was attended by his great-grandson Robin Scott-Elliot, 47, grandchildren Andrena, 74, Adair, 70, and Minty, 67, two further greatgrandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Mr Scott-Elliot said: ‘It feels a privilege to be here. It’s also humbling and poignant to be here. Bertie was born in Glasgow, grew up in Glasgow, went to school in Glasgow, worked in Glasgow, and then led Glasgow men into battle and died alongside them.
‘It means so much to the Anderson family that he is being honoured and, more importantly, remembered by his home city.’
Glasgow Lord Provost Eva Bolander, who led the ceremony, said: ‘It’s an immense privilege to join the family of Lieutenant Colonel Anderson and reflect on his heroism.
‘He demonstrated extraordinary courage and saved the lives of many of his men. By unveiling this commemorative paving stone, we ensure his courage is remembered for posterity.’