Adam Archibald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adam Archibald
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| Born | 14 January 1879 Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 10 March 1957 (aged 78) Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Buried |
Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1915 - 1919 |
| Rank | Sapper |
| Unit | Durham Light Infantry Royal Engineers |
| Battles/wars | First World War Allied intervention in North Russia |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Adam Archibald was a very brave Scottish soldier. He lived from 1879 to 1957. He fought in the First World War. During the war, he earned the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British military. It is given for incredible courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
A Hero in the First World War
Adam Archibald joined the army in 1915. He first served with the Durham Light Infantry. Later, he moved to the Royal Engineers. This group of soldiers builds things like bridges.
Building a Bridge Under Fire
In November 1918, Archibald was a Sapper. This means he was a military engineer. His unit was trying to build a floating bridge. They needed to cross the Sambre-Oise Canal in France. This was a very dangerous job.
Enemy soldiers were firing machine guns at them. They were also being attacked by heavy artillery. The machine-gun fire was very close to Archibald. But he kept working on the bridge. He was putting cork floats into place.
His courage helped the bridge get finished very quickly. This bridge was super important for the army's success. Right after the bridge was done, Archibald collapsed. He had been badly hurt by gas.
Receiving the Victoria Cross
Adam Archibald was 39 years old when he showed this amazing bravery. He received his Victoria Cross medal in May 1919. King George V gave him the medal. The ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace.
After the War
Because of the gas attack, Archibald could not return to the army. He was honorably discharged. He received the Silver War Badge. This badge was given to soldiers who were hurt in the war. It showed people that they had served bravely. This helped them avoid being mistaken for cowards.
Adam Archibald's Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent.
Later Life
Adam Archibald lived in Leith, Scotland. He passed away there in 1957. He was 78 years old. He was cremated at Warriston Crematorium in Edinburgh.
