Former soldier was prolific artist and sculptor

William McMillan, who was born in Powis Place, Aberdeen, in 1887, not only fought in WWI, but was one of the most prolific artists and sculptors dedicated to commemorating those who perished.

After the war ended, he was commissioned to design both the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, which were subsequently given to millions of soldiers.

Mr McMillan’s design was chosen by a committee consisting of representatives from the Royal Academy, the Royal Mint, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the V&A, the National Gallery and the Royal Society of British Sculptors. The artist wrote of his design in the Illustrated London News: “The idea is of St George trampling on the Prussian shield, the shield being represented directly beneath the sun, as indicating Germany’s experience in endeavouring to secure a place there.

“The skull and crossbones represent the defeat of the submarine campaign.”

Mr McMillan, who studied at Gray’s School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London as the prelude to travelling to Florence, was also commissioned to design a number of works, including the war memorials in Aberdeen and Echt.

And he was responsible for the “Bust of Beatty” and fountain bronzes at Trafalgar Square and the memorial tablet to Sir Aston Webb at St Paul’s Cathedral.

From 1940 to 1960, he became involved in a number of important and prestigious public commissions, which earned him global fame.

He was made a CVO in 1956, and became a Freeman of Aberdeen City, as well as being given an honorary doctorate of law by Aberdeen University.

Sadly, given his wartime service, Mr McMillan was mugged in Richmond a few days before his 90th birthday and died shortly afterwards from his injuries in 1977.

Poppies have become the symbol of the troops killed in the horror of WWI