John Crawford Buchan

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John Crawford Buchan (10 October 1892—22 March 1918) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

[edit] Details

He was 25 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's), British Army, attached to 8th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 March 1918 east of Marteville, France, Second Lieutenant Buchan, although wounded early in the day, insisted on remaining with his platoon which was suffering heavy casualties from most severe shell fire. He continually visited all his posts, encouraging his men in the face of the approaching enemy and heavy machine-gun fire. When called on to surrender, he fought his way back to the support line where he held out until dusk. He then withdrew as ordered, but refused to have his injuries attended to. He was eventually completely cut off and was last seen fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds.

[edit] References

• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
• Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
• VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)