Armadale & District Roll of Honour 1914 - 1919

Belgian Croix de Guerre

H/46024 Private James Johnstone

11th Hussars

Belgian Croix de Guerre. (LG 15/04/1918)

James arrived in France on the 26th August 1914.

Medal entitlement of Private James Johnstone:

1914 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Belgian Croix de Guerre

Military Medal & Belgian Croix de Guerre

6846 Gunner John Ronald (Wallace)

55^th Divisional Ammunition Column

Royal Field Artillery

MM. (LG 14/01/1918)

John’s medal was awarded for blowing up an enemy ammunition dump in France.

Belgian Croix de Guerre. (LG 15/04/1918)

Son of Thomas Ronald the Marches Armadale. Served Salonica and France.

Ronald was a fruit hawker before he enlisted into the Army, and he was a well known Armadale man.

Ronald first saw service in Salonica, from where he was invalided home and was later sent to the western front.

Medal awarded for work done on 22^nd September.

Medal entitlement of Gunner John Ronald (Wallace):

Military Medal

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Belgian Croix de Guerre

Distinguished Conduct Medal & Belgian Croix de Guerre

62853 Corporal Robert Smith

2^nd Royal Scots

DCM. (LG 17/04/1918)

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He did excellent work on many occasions, and especially after an attack, when he repeatedly searched No Man's Land under machine-gun and rifle fire, and brought in many wounded men. By his courage, zeal and initiative he undoubtedly saved many lives.

Belgian Croix de Guerre. (LG 15/04/1918)

Robert was the son of Mr and Mrs Robert Smith 40 East Main Street, Armadale, prior to enlisting he was employed at Bathville Colliery.

After one action it was found that Colonel Teacher of the Royal Scots Fusiliers was wounded and lying out in no mans land. Corporal Smith’s officer appealed to him to go out and bring in Colonel Teacher. The gallant Corporal went out under heavy fire, and brought in Colonel Teacher without further harm, and for his great gallantry, and having eleven times previously being recommended for his bravery, he was awarded the DCM, and also received the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

Robert’s father received the following letter from Captain the Hon. J G Stuart, Royal Scots:

“Dear Mr Smith

          I see in the London Gazette of New Year’s honour that your son, Cpl Smith of this Battalion, has been awarded the DCM. I should just like to mention to you how very pleased I am that he has got this honour. He has been out here a very long time, and has always performed the most wonderful work in action. His coolness and bravery under any condition is extra-ordinary, and he has deserved, and should have been awarded, this honour time after time on previous occasions. I have known him for nearly two years out here while I have been with the Battalion, and I can assure you that I have always had the greatest admiration for his work under fire, and I hope his luck will hold out, and that he will come through this terrible war all right. He has already done his share and a good bit over.”

Robert was later wounded in the eyes by a gas shell, and he was at No 14 Base Hospital Boulogne short time.

Robert’s three brothers also served, David & Charles Royal Scots, and John Royal Engineers.

Medal entitlement of Corporal Robert Smith:

Distinguished Conduct Medal

1914 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Croix de Guerre

Robert later transferred to the 2^nd Dragoons (Scots Greys) he was still serving with then in 1920.