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Post by Waverley on Apr 11, 2007 15:42:28 GMT 1
James McKechnie VC was awarded for his bravery during the Battle of Alma in the Crimea on 20th September 1854. When the shot and fire from the batteries just in front of the battalion threw it into momentary disorder, it was forced out of its formation, becoming something of a huge triangle, with one corner pointing towards the enemy. A captain was carrying the Queen's Colour which had the pole smashed and 20 bullet holes through the silk. Sergeant McKechnie held up his revolver and dashed forward, rallying the men round the Colours. He was wounded in action. When he died on July 5th 1886 he was buried in a pauper's grave in the Eastern Necropolis - his grave has remained unmarked until today Wednesday April 11th 2007 when a memorial stone was placed over his grave by the Scots Guards. How ironic that he should end up living in Slatefield Street and be buried in Janefield Cemetery and there is an Alma Street in Camlachie between where he lived and where he is buried. Saw the coverage on the BBC Scotland News tonight. I will upload the photos tomorrow at work.
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