Louis McGuffie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis McGuffie
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| Born | 15 March 1893 Wigtown, Wigtownshire |
| Died | 4 October 1918 (aged 25) † Wytschaete, Belgium |
| Buried |
Zantvoorde British Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | The King's Own Scottish Borderers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Louis McGuffie was a brave Scottish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery in the British military. It's given for amazing courage during wartime.
Louis was a soldier in a group called The King's Own Scottish Borderers. He earned his VC in September 1918. This was during the First World War. He sadly died in battle a few days later.
Contents
Early Life
Louis McGuffie was born in Wigtown, Scotland. His birthday was March 15, 1893. He was one of four sons.
He went to Wigtown Public School. Later, he joined the British Army. He became part of the 1/5th Battalion. This was a unit of The King's Own Scottish Borderers. All three of his brothers also joined the army.
Serving in World War I
Louis McGuffie served in the First World War. He was with the 1/5th Battalion. They fought in the Gallipoli Campaign. This was a major battle during the war.
After Gallipoli, his battalion moved. They fought in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. Later, they were sent to the Western Front in France. This was a very important battle area.
Bravery and the Victoria Cross
By September 1918, Louis was a sergeant. His unit was part of a big attack. This attack was called the Hundred Days Offensive. They were fighting near Ypres in Belgium.
On September 28, 1918, they attacked Wytschaete Ridge. This was part of the Fifth Battle of Ypres. Louis took charge of a group of soldiers. Their officers had been hurt.
He bravely helped clear out enemy strongholds. These were called Piccadilly Farm and other German posts. His actions helped the soldiers move forward. Wytschaete Ridge was captured the next day.
Louis McGuffie was killed in action a few days later. This happened on October 4, 1918. He received the Victoria Cross for his actions. The VC is the highest award for bravery. It was first given out in 1856.
His award citation described his bravery:
For most conspicuous bravery and resourceful leadership under heavy fire near Wytschaete on September 28th 1918. During the advance on Piccadilly Farm, he single-handed, entered several dug-outs and took many prisoners, and during subsequent operations dealt similarly with dug-out after dug-out, forcing one officer and twenty-five other ranks to surrender. During consolidation of the first objective he pursued and brought back several of the enemy who were slipping away, and he was instrumental in releasing some British soldiers who were being led off as prisoners. Later in the day, when in command of a platoon, he led it with the utmost dash and resource, capturing many prisoners. This very gallant soldier was subsequently killed by a shell.
Burial and Memorials
Louis McGuffie is buried in Zantvoorde British Cemetery. This cemetery is near Ypres in Belgium.
On May 17, 1919, King George V presented Louis's VC. He gave it to Louis's mother. The ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace.
A special plaque was placed in Wigtown. It was put on the wall of the Wigtown County building. This was done in late 1919. His name is also on the Wigtown War Memorial.
On September 28, 2018, a special event took place. It was 100 years after his brave actions. A paving stone and an archway were unveiled. These are at the entrance to the Louis McGuffie VC Memorial Gardens in Wigtown.
His Medals
In 1971, Louis McGuffie's family donated his medals. These included his Victoria Cross. They also gave his other war medals.
These medals are now at a museum. They are kept at the Regimental Museum of The Kings Own Scottish Borderers. This museum is in Berwick upon Tweed.
