1789 PTE J. McINTOSH 2/R.HIGHRS.
James McIntosh
Born 1892
Son of Alexander McIntosh of 6 Miller Pit, Bo'ness
To France 12/10/14 with 2nd Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery at Festubert, France 23-24/11/14
An 'Old Contemptibles' DCM (LG 1/4/15) 'For conspicuous gallantry and dash on 23rd and 24th November 1914, in voluntarily assisting in the leading of parties of the 58th Vaughan's Rifles, which resulted in the recapture of the enemy's trenches'
Both Wauchope (Regimental History, Volume 1, p169) and Merewether & Smith (The Indian Corps In France, p124) record the bravery of 4 Black Watch pals during the Defence of Festubert 23-24/11/14: 'Just as the 58th Vaughan's Rifles (Frontier Force) were about to make the final rush into the trench, there was a slight momentary hesitation. Four men of the Black Watch, Privates Venters, Boyd, McIntosh and Stewart, dashed in front of the Dogra Company and headed the charge by the side of Major Davidson-Houston, thus helping him to take the company on and the trench was carried at once. Major Houston then put the four men into a sap which had been cut right into our old line, where they held out against heavy bombing until relieved. He testified that their sangfroid and cheeriness made a most marked impression on the men of the 58th. For their gallant bearing on this occasion they received the Distinguished Conduct Medal'
Died of influenza whilst on leave at Home 24/3/19
Buried in Bo'ness Cemetery
With copy of his Medal Index Card, DCM Card, London Gazette citation & CWGC details plus a file of supporting documentation
Condition: On long old silk ribbon, NEF
Note: The DCM Ribbon is for illustration purposes only
