Bravery under heavy shellfire

A soldier originally from Gargunnock was awarded the Military Medal.

Mrs Maxton, 9 Kellie Place, Alloa, received word that her husband Cpl RA Maxton, Royal Engineers, received the honour for gallant conduct at Pozieres during the Battle of the Somme between July 27 and August 5. He maintained communication with his brigade headquarters at a time when he was under constant shellfire.

Cpl Maxton had also received a brigade conduct award for the “great gallantry” he displayed during the defence of the Hohenzollern Redoubt the previous March.

The 26-year-old enlisted in August 1914, having before the war worked in the electricity department of Alloa Town Council.

Cpl Maxton was son of William Maxton, former gardener at Meiklewood, and was educated at the village school. He had been in France since April 1915.

Another soldier to be honoured was L/Cpl P McKeown, from Bannockburn, who was serving with the Royal Scots when he was awarded the Military Cross.

Well known in the district, he was the son of John McKeown, miner, and had himself been employed in the coal industry at Plean Colliery.

Mrs Campbell, The Lade, Gartmore, received official word that her son Duncan, serving with the Black Watch, had been killed in action on September 25.

Well known in Gartmore, he joined the colours during the preceding April and had only been in France for a month.

Before enlisting he was employed at the Dreadnought Hotel, Callander.

In Balfron, it was reported that Robert Stewart, formerly with Messrs Dempster and Co, was home from France for a few days’ well-earned leave. He had been engaged in ambulance work.

In Doune villagers learned that Pte Ian Allan. son of Alex Allan, had been wounded in France while serving with Canadian forces. He was being treated in a hospital in England.

Ian was from Doune but had emigrated to Canada. He had a brother also serving in France.