Louis McGuffie

Louis McGuffie
Born 15 March 1893
Wigtown, Wigtownshire
Died 4 October 1918 (aged 25)
Wytschaete, Belgium
Buried at Zantvoorde British Cemetery
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Rank Sergeant
Unit The King's Own Scottish Borderers
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

Louis McGuffie VC (15 March 1893 – 4 October 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.

Details

He was 25 years old, and an Acting Sergeant in the 1/5th Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 28 September 1918 near Wytschaete, Belgium, during an advance Sergeant McGuffie entered several enemy dug-outs and, single-handed, took many prisoners. During subsequent operations he dealt similarly with dug-out after dug-out, forcing one officer and 25 other ranks to surrender. During the consolidation of the first objective, he pursued and brought back several of the enemy who were slipping away and was also instrumental in rescuing some British soldiers who were being led off as prisoners. Later in the day, while commanding a platoon, he took many more prisoners, but was killed by a shell a few days later.[1]

He was killed in action at Wytschaete, Belgium on 4 October 1918.[2]

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Regimental Museum of The Kings Own Scottish Borderers, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland.

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31067. p. 14777. 13 December 1918. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  2. ↑ CWGC entry
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