The Scottish War Graves Project

Ghostwhisperer · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 3799 Location: Ross-Shire

24438449 Private A J MacMillan, The Queens Own Highlanders 8th July 1979 age 18. From 15 Pl., D Coy, 1st Q O Highlanders.

Ross-Shire Journal 12th Nov 2010

THE sacrifice made by two young Ross-shire soldiers killed in action and the devastating loss endured by their families has been officially recognised at a poignant medal ceremony in Dingwall, decades after their untimely deaths.

The trailblazing event - the first of its kind in Ross-shire - was described by the Queen's representative in the area as "very special and emotional".

Private Allan MacMillan from Evanton was just 18 and had only been in Northern Ireland for about 48 hours when he was fatally wounded by a terrorist bomb in July 1979.

Fifty-eight years ago, 20-year-old Private Andrew Newlands from Kildary was accidentally shot and killed by "friendly fire" on his last patrol in the Malayan jungle days before he was due to finish his National Service and return home.

The tragic circumstances of their deaths were read out in Dingwall's Council Chamber last week when the families of the two men - who died a generation apart - became the first in Ross-shire to receive the Elizabeth Cross.

The Elizabeth Cross is a new award created to provide national recognition for the families of service personnel who have died on operations or as a result of terrorism.

Andrew's older sister Nellie Barrie from Alness and Allan's younger sister Christine MacMillan from Dingwall were presented with the crosses and memorial scrolls by Lord Lieutenant Janet Bowen last Wednesday.

Both women were touched by the emotion of the occasion and said they were proud that the loss of their brothers had been honoured and acknowledged after all this time.

Christine of Buchanan Court was just 15 when she was told about the death of her eldest brother, who died from the injuries he had sustained the following day when an IRA bomb exploded in Crossmaglen's market square. His tragic death in the summer of 1979 came only a few days into the 1st Battalion Queen's Own Highlanders' deployment, which was his first tour of duty in Northern Ireland.

According to the citation read out during the ceremony by Major David Harvey, Allan hadn't been long in the regiment but was already a promising and popular member of the battalion. Christine told the Journal afterwards, "Allan was the type of person who would do anything for you, he would go out of his way to help other people. He was the first one to stand up on a bus to give someone else a seat."

She said the award ceremony was a very proud day for the whole family, especially for their mother who wasn't able to attend, and she hopes it encourages other Ross-shire families who have lost relatives in similar circumstances to apply for the Elzabeth Cross.

Nellie Barrie of Hill Terrace plans to wear the Elizabeth Cross she received on behalf of her brother, Andrew, to this weekend's Remembrance Sunday.

Nellie, who is his only surviving sibling, clearly remembers the day she waved him off from Inverness station more than half a century ago and did not imagine for a minute that it would be the last time she saw Andrew.

As part of his National Service, Andrew was carrying out vital jungle patrols during the Malayan Emergency when he was accidentally shot on April 17 1952.

He was originally a Seaforth Highlander, but was transferred to the Gordon Highlanders while out there.

"He was a nice brother, a really lovely brother to have," said Nellie.

Mrs Bowen told the Journal the awards to the two families were the first she had presented in Ross-shire and described the ceremony as a "very special, emotional" occasion.

During the ceremony she made an opening address, saying that taking part in the ceremony was a huge privilege.

"This presentation ceremony is an important occasion. We are not gathered here to bestow a posthumous medal to the fallen, we are here to present their families with a tangible national recognition in acknowledgement of their tragic loss and sacrifice."

Ghostwhisperer · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 3799 Location: Ross-Shire

In loving memory of my dear husband Major Hector C P MacRae, MC, TD born 30th March 1900 died 19th June 1968 and his beloved wife our mother Margaret M Allen born 17th April 1903 died 5th April 1983.

Ghostwhisperer · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 3799 Location: Ross-Shire

Sir Hector Munro 11th Bart of Foulis died 14th May 1917 aged 34. In memory of Isobel Euphane wife of Captain M B Duncan, The Royal Scots.

Ghostwhisperer · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 3799 Location: Ross-Shire

Also here lies Hector Munro Ferguson DL JP of Assynt House. Major Lovat Scouts second son of Robert Munro Ferguson of Raith and Novar born 2nd Feb 1867 died 26th Sep 1951. Henrietta Christobel Ellis wife of Major Hector Munro Ferguson of Assynt born 15th Jan 1888 died 4th Dec 1958.

Ghostwhisperer · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 3799 Location: Ross-Shire

Erected in memory of the family of Foulis interred at Kiltearn. Robert Moir Munro 1588, Sir Robert Munro 1688, Jane his wife, Sir John Munro, Anne his wife, Sir Robert Munro 1729, Jane his wife, Mary Seymour wife of Sir Robert Munro. Sir Robert was killed at the Battle of Falkirk and interred there. Anne wife of Sir Harry Munro 1806. Sir Harry is interred at Grey Friars Edinburgh. Sir Hugh Munro 1848, Jane his wife 1803. From 1126-1547 The Munroe’s of Foulis interred at Chanonry of Ross. 1871

Edit (Anne)

The inscription on Sir Robert Munro's tomb in Falkirk Parish Churchyard reads:

"Here lyes interred the body of Sir ROBERT MUNRO of Foulis, Knight & Baronet, colonel of a Regiment of Foot
The life he had spent in the Parliament and Camp with honour
He lost in the cause of Liberty and Religion near Falkirk XVII of January MCCCXL aged LXII (17th January 1746 aged 62)
As long as History narrates the Battle of Fontency, his courage and conduct that day in the command of the Highland Regiment will be remembered.
Sincere and active in the service of his friends, humane and forgiving to his enemies, generous and benevolent to all
His death was universally regretted even by those who new him
With Sir Robert Munro was killed his brother, Doctor DUNCAN MUNRO of Obsdale? aged LIX (59), who unarmed would not forsake his wounded brother."

Ghostwhisperer · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 3799 Location: Ross-Shire

To the memory of Colonel Sir Hector Munro 3rd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, 11th Baronet and 29th Baron of Foulis, Lord Lieutenant of Ross & Cromarty ADC to their Majesties King Edward VII and King George V born Sep 13th 1848 died Dec 15th 1935 and of his wife Margaret Violet Stirling 29th Feb 1856-20th Feb 1946 who is interred at the Grange, Edinburgh, also of their eldest daughter Eva Marion Gascoigne who was born 28th April 1881and died at Foulis 24th Nov 1976 wife of Lt Col C C H D Gascoigne DSO Seaforth Highlanders 1877-1929 interred Fletcham and in memory of their eldest son Captain Patrick Gascoigne Munro Seaforth Highlanders 30th Baron of Foulis 30th Aug 1912-24th Feb 1955.