John McAulay

John McAulay, VC, DCM (27 December 1888 – 14 January 1956) was a Scottish policeman, soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

John McAulay
Sergeant John McAulay of the Glasgow Police, c.1922
Born(1888-12-27)27 December 1888
Kinghorn, Fife
Died14 January 1956(1956-01-14) (aged 67)
Burnside, Glasgow
Buried
New Eastwood Cemetery, Glasgow
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchBritish Army
Years of service1914–19
RankSergeant
UnitScots Guards
Battles/warsFirst World War
AwardsVictoria Cross
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Other workPolice Inspector

Details

He was 28 years old, and a sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place at the Battle of Cambrai for which he was awarded the VC.

On 27 November 1917 at Fontaine Notre Dame, France, when all his officers had become casualties, Sergeant McAulay assumed command of the company and under shell and machine-gun fire successfully held and consolidated the objectives gained. He reorganised the company and noticing a counter-attack developing, repulsed it by the skilful and bold use of machine-guns, causing heavy enemy casualties. The sergeant also carried his company commander, who was mortally wounded, to a place of safety.[1]

After the war he resumed his career in the Glasgow Police, rising to the rank of inspector before retiring in 1948.

Freemasonry

He was Initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Greyfriars No.1221, (Glasgow, Scotland) on 13 May 1924.[2]

Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Scots Guards RHQ), London.

References
  1. "No. 30471". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 January 1918. p. 723.
  2. The Great War 1914-1918 Victoria Cross Freemasons. Granville Angell. 2014. pp.319 - 322. ISBN 978-0-9563661-7-7
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