John Meikle

John Meikle VC MM (11 September 1898 – 20 July 1918) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

For the Scottish-born politician in Saskatchewan, Canada, see John Meikle (Saskatchewan politician).

John Meikle
Born11 September 1898
Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire
Died20 July 1918 (aged 19)
Near Marfaux, France
Buried
Marfaux British Cemetery
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankSergeant
UnitThe Seaforth Highlanders
Battles/warsWorld War I †
Awards Victoria Cross
Military Medal

Details

He was 19 years old, and a sergeant in the 4th Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's),[1] British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 20 July 1918 near Marfaux, France, Sergeant Meikle, single-handed and armed only with a revolver and a stick, rushed and put out of action a machine-gun which was delaying his company's advance. Shortly afterwards, seizing a rifle and bayonet from a fallen comrade, he charged another machine-gun post, but was killed almost on the gun position. His bravery enabled two other men who followed him to put this gun out of action.[2][3]

Memorial

A memorial to John Meikle stands in Station Road, Dingwall. The inscription reads: "In memory of Sergt John Meikle V.C M.M late clerk at Nitshill Station who enlisted in H.M. Forces (Seaforth Highlanders) 8th February 1915 during the Great War and was killed in action on 20th July 1918. Erected by his railway comrades".

The memorial formerly stood at Nitshill railway station and was unfortunately vandalised many times over the decades. It was moved to Levern Primary School in Nitshill, the local school John had attended and was on display in the school entrance for many years. When the school was to be demolished in 1997 the Head Teacher, Margaret Gallagher, contacted the Railway Authorities to enable the memorial to be saved for posterity.[4] On 18 October 2016 a new memorial funded by the Railway Heritage Trust was unveiled at Nitshill Station by ScotRail Alliance MD Phil Verster with Sgt Meikle's nephews Alan and John Meikle.

References
  1. "Queens Own Highlanders". Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  2. "No. 30903". The London Gazette (Supplement). 13 September 1918. p. 11075.
  3. CWGC entry
  4. "Highland Historic Environment Record: Memorial to Sergeant John Meikle, Station Road, Dingwall". Highland Council. Retrieved 15 September 2016.


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