“Sadly this is not correct. He won his VC 5 June not 2 August 1917 when he was gazetted for it.
One fine day we should change the picture title plate. Here is the detail:
John Manson Craig VC (5 March 1896 – 19 February 1970) 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.
Craig was 21 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1/4th Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers, British Army, attached to 1/5th Battalion during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 5 June 1917 in Egypt, an advanced post having been rushed by the enemy, Second Lieutenant Craig immediately organised a rescue party and after tracking the enemy back to his trenches, set his party to work removing the dead and wounded under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. An NCO was wounded and a medical officer who went to his aid was also wounded. Second Lieutenant Craig went out at once and got the NCO under cover, but while taking the medical officer to shelter was himself wounded. Nevertheless, the rescue was effected, and he then scooped cover for the wounded, thus saving their lives.[1]
He served in World War II in the Royal Air Force and actually finished as a Wing Commander. Great respect for great courage. (Nigel Dunkley MBE ex SCOTS DG FP MAC 1974,)”
Nigel Dunkley
Add a comment
Familiar faces?
We can help you reconnect with former pupils through the school website
1 Comment