Distinguished Conduct Medal for former miner

Details were given of the battle honour won by a former miner from Stirling.

Corporal (acting sergeant) James Brodie, Royal Highlanders , was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

According to the citation, he led his platoon ‘splendidly’ in an operation against the Germans.

When the platoon reached their objective they had difficulty consolidating the position because of snipers operating from a nearby ridge.

‘He at once organised a party and attacked this high ground from which he drove the enemy,’the citation continued.

‘By his determined gallantry and initiative he saved many casualties and greatly facilitated consolidation.’

Cpl Brodie was 27 and his wife lived at 33 King Street, Stirling. His father, James, 64 Upper Craigs, Stirling, was a warehouseman and also beadle of Allan Park Church.

The corporal was a miner when he enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and had seen much service in the East and in France.

He had been wounded three times and had more than once been recommended for the DCM.