John McAulay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John McAulay
|
|
|---|---|
Sergeant John McAulay of the Glasgow Police, c.1922
|
|
| Born | 27 December 1888 Kinghorn, Fife |
| Died | 14 January 1956 (aged 67) Burnside, Glasgow |
| Buried |
New Eastwood Cemetery, Glasgow
|
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–19 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Scots Guards |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Other work | Police Inspector |
John McAulay, VC, DCM (1888–1956) was a brave Scottish policeman and soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries.
Contents
John McAulay's Early Life
John McAulay was born in Kinghorn, Fife, Scotland, on December 27, 1888. His family later moved to Plean, near Falkirk. He went to Plean Primary School.
After school, around 1901, John started working as a coal miner. He was a tall and strong young man. In 1911, he decided to join the police force in Glasgow.
Joining the Army in World War I
When the First World War began, John McAulay was one of the first people to volunteer. He joined the Scots Guards on September 9, 1914.
Heroic Actions in World War I
During the First World War, John McAulay was a sergeant in the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards. He was 28 years old when he showed incredible bravery.
The Battle of Cambrai (1917)
On November 27, 1917, during the Battle of Cambrai in France, Sergeant McAulay's company faced heavy fighting. All of his officers were either hurt or unable to continue.
Sergeant McAulay quickly took charge of his company. Even though enemy shells and machine-gun fire were all around, he managed to hold their position. He also made sure the area they had captured was safe.
Repelling an Enemy Attack
John McAulay then reorganized his company. He noticed that the enemy was preparing a counter-attack. Using machine-guns skillfully and bravely, he led his soldiers to push back the enemy. This caused the enemy to suffer many losses.
During the battle, Sergeant McAulay also carried his company commander, who was badly wounded, to a safe place. For his amazing courage and leadership, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
After the war ended, John McAulay went back to his job with the Glasgow Police. He worked in the Maryhill area. He continued to serve and eventually became an Inspector before he retired in 1948.
John McAulay was married to Catherine Thomson. He passed away at his home in Glasgow on January 14, 1956. He is buried in New Eastwood Cemetery in Glasgow.
Medal Display
John McAulay's Victoria Cross medal is a very important part of history. It is now on display at The Guards Regimental Headquarters in London. This allows people to remember his bravery and sacrifice.
