A special memorial to a heroic Kirkintilloch soldier has been unveiled by East Dunbartonshire Council exactly 100 years after his incredible bravery saw him awarded the Victoria Cross.
Sergeant John Meikle was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the British Armed Forces' highest award for outstanding feats of valour, in July 1918 in recognition of his bravery during bitter fighting in France during the First World War.
The 19-year-old was one of just 628 people to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the conflict.
A Victoria Cross commemorative paving stone recognising his heroism and sacrifice was unveiled by Provost Alan Brown at the town’s Barleybank – close to his birthplace of Freeland Place – at a special ceremony today (Friday).
The ceremony was attended by members of Sergeant Meikle’s family, Councillors, the Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, representatives from the 4 SCOTS Battalion and members of the Kirkintilloch community. Boys’ Brigade Pipe Bands from 1st Lenzie company and 1st Chryston company also played on the day.
Provost Brown said, “Today marks the 100th anniversary of the action for which John Meikle's Victoria Cross was awarded and his brave actions should never be forgotten. He deserves our utmost respect.
“It is only right that Sergeant Meikle's selfless sacrifice is recognised in his home town and this memorial will ensure his name and incredible actions will live on for future generations.
“Despite his links to Kirkintilloch, this is the first memorial to him in the town and I am delighted that we were joined by members of his family, many of whom were meeting for the first time, as we paid tribute to him exactly 100 years after his death.”
Over 30 of Sergeant Meikle’s relatives, including his nephews John Meikle (75), Alan Meikle (68), James Salkeld (75) and John Salkeld (69), attended the ceremony.
John, named in memory of his Uncle, travelled from Middlesbrough for the ceremony.
He said, “John has always been my personal hero for many reasons. Although we never met, he has been with me every day of my life.
“His sacrifice at the age of 19 when he gave his life in defence of his king and country has allowed us, and all around, to live in freedom. He gave his tomorrow to secure our today and set a path for us to follow.
“That gift of life, at the cost of a life, is some gift indeed, and for that we must never forget what he and so many others like him have given to us.”
The ceremony was presided over by the Depute Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Reverend Mark Johnstone of the nearby St Mary’s Church.
Reverend Johnstone added, “It has been such a privilege to be involved in this significant act of remembrance and gratitude.
“It is only when we look back at the sacrifice made by others that we find a focus for the future.
“Over many years people have given of themselves in so many ways but today the opportunity to remember Sergeant Meikle reminds us individual contributions make a difference.”
John Meikle was born in Kirkintilloch on 11 September 1898. He had enlisted in February 1915, aged just 16, and was drafted into the 4th Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders.
He had already received the Military Medal for bravery and leadership for his actions near Langmarch before returning to France and earning a promotion to sergeant.
However, tragedy struck just months before the end of the First World War during the second Battle of the Marne. On 20 July 1918, Sgt Meikle was in the Ardre valley when he single-handedly rushed a machinegun nest which had held up his men.
Later, when again held up by another machinegun nest and after most of his platoon had become casualties, he seized a rifle and bayonet from a fallen comrade and again rushed forward regardless of his own safety.
Sadly, Sgt Meikle was killed when almost in the gun position but his brave action allowed two other men behind him to put the gun out of action. His heroics were soon recognised and he was soon to become one of the youngest Scottish recipients of the Victoria Cross and the only person of his battalion to be thus honoured during the First World War.
Sgt Meikle’s Victoria Cross, which is usually on display within the Military Room of Dingwall Museum, was brought to the ceremony by Bob Shanks of the Seaforth Highlanders Regimental Association.
The VC paving stones were funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The Council’s contractor – Rainton Construction – donated their time and skills to install the stone near to St Mary’s Church in Barleybank.
An exhibition, which features a copy of Sgt Meikle’s Victoria Cross citation and other First World War memorabilia, will be on display in the lobby of William Patrick Library, 2 West High Street, Kirkintilloch, G66 1AD, until 26 July.
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