Heights of heroism medal up for auction

A MEDAL for heroism during a famous Scottish military action is set to fetch up to £10,000 at auction later this month.

The distinguished conduct medal was awarded to Colour Sergeant James Mackay of the Gordon Highlanders for his daring in the 1897 storming of the Heights of Dargai in India.

Sgt Mackay, from Aberdeen, was wounded as the Gordons successfully stormed the mountainous heights under heavy fire from thousands of tribesmen.

Mackay’s DCM and three subsequent campaign medals in fine condition will be sold at Dix Noonan Webb auctioneers in London on 22 July. The DCM is expected to attract bids of £8,000-10,000.

The storming of the heights took place in what was then the north-west frontier of British India, modern-day Pakistan.

The 1st Gordon Highlanders were part of a British force including the Dorset, Derbyshire, Gurkha and Sikh regiments, sent to quell unprovoked attacks by local tribes.

Around 12,000 armed tribesmen defended a virtually impregnable position at the top of steep cliffs, and the British force had to approach from an exposed passage below.

After numerous failed attempts by other units, resulting in heavy losses, the Highlanders received the famous order: “The general says this hill must be taken at all costs – the Gordon Highlanders will take it.”

Led by NCOS – and pipers playing Cock of the North – the Gordons pushed through dead and wounded comrades under a hail of fire, and swarmed up the steep slope en masse, causing the enemy to flee.

Sgt Mackay suffered a gunshot wound in the right thigh, but the action became the stuff of legend. Piper George Findlater carried on playing after being shot through both feet, and was awarded the Victoria Cross.