LISTEN: Tributes paid to Glaswegian war hero
Centenary stone laid in memorium of Glaswegian War hero
A Glaswegian war hero, who received a posthumous Victoria Cross, was remembered at a special ceremony today marking the centenary of his death.
Lieutenant Donald Mackintosh, who sacrificed his life to save his men at the age of 21, received the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry a British or Commonwealth serviceman can receive, after his death and he was described by one of his sergeants as: “… the bravest officer who ever led men into action.”
His bravery was honoured today with the unveiling of a WW1 VC centenary paving stone, beside the Glasgow Academy War Memorial by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty. His nephew, Donald Blair (80), attended the poignant ceremony with his wife, daughters and grandchildren.
Donald said: “Of course I am very proud. However, we are not only remembering my uncle but all his comrades that died with him in that terrible battle and all those from the Seaforth Highlanders and their successor regiments who gave their lives in that war and all subsequent wars. At the same time we remember the many former pupils from Glasgow Academy who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is with a sense of humility that I shall witness the laying of this paving stone after 100 years. It will serve as a continuing symbol of remembrance.”
Among the attendees was currently chair of the Trustees of the Scottish National War Memorial, Major General Mark Strudwick, who presented a certificate to the family giving details of Donald Mackintosh’s service recorded there.
This is the sixth in a series of paving stones to be laid in the city and as part of continuing centenary events across the country will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice Glaswegian servicemen made during the Great War.
Mackintosh’s citation for the Victoria Cross reads: “For most conspicuous bravery and resolution in the face of intense machine gun fire. …. The gallantry and devotion to duty of this officer were beyond all praise.”
The Lord Provost said “It’s a huge privilege to be here to remember Lieutenant Mackintosh. He showed extraordinary courage and saved the lives of many of his men. One hundred years ago his heroism was very well documented by the media in our city and beyond. Today, by unveiling this commemorative paving stone we will ensure his story is remembered.
"I am particularly pleased to be joined by his family and that I, as First Citizen, have this opportunity to express the city's gratitude and my own, for his remarkable bravery."
During the Arras campaign in France, Mackintosh had been leading his men in the first Battle of the Scarpe when he was badly wounded by machine gun fire. However, he continued to lead his men as they captured an enemy trench only to be wounded again while inspiring his men to fend off a counter attack. Despite being unable to stand, he continued to lead the remaining men, advancing to the final objective and where he finally succumbed to his wounds.
Mackintosh education began at Glasgow Academy before continuing at St Ninian’s Prep School in Moffat and later at Fettes College, Edinburgh.
He volunteered with the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in 1914 and became an acting sergeant. He was commissioned on 12 February 1915 and joined the Seaforth Highlanders. Then almost a year later, was promoted to a full Lieutenant.
His medal can be viewed at the Highlanders’ Museum at Fort George in Inverness.
Mackintosh is also commemorated in a war memorial in France as well as at Fettes College. In addition two windows in honour of him and his father Col Mackintosh were unveiled in the Elder Memorial Chapel of the Western Infirmary on December 1925. A third window was unveiled a year later.
He is buried in Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, France.
His nephew Donald Blair has been speaking to our reporter Brian Degning