WW1 Centenary - the Poet's Corner family whose son was awarded a posthumous VC
As it’s the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War – I thought it might be worth re-posting about the soldier with a local link to Poets Corner who was awarded a VC.His name was Captain Allastair McReady-Diarmid and his parents were living at 71 Goldsmith Avenue when they received news he had been killed-in-action in 1917. He was subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry. His name is recorded on the memorial at Cambrai.The London Gazette recorded that: “When the enemy penetrated some distance into our position and the situation was extremely critical, Capt. McReady-Diarmid at once led his company forward through a heavy barrage. He immediately engaged the enemy, with such success that he drove them back at least 300 yards, causing numerous casualties and capturing 27 prisoners. The following day the enemy again attacked and drove back another company which had lost all it’s officers. This gallant officer at once called for volunteers and attacked. He drove them back again for 300 yards, with heavy casualties. Throughout this attack Captain McReady-Diarmid led the way himself, and it was absolutely and entirely due to his marvellous throwing of bombs that the ground was regained. His absolute disregard for danger, his cheerfulness and coolness at a most trying time, inspired all who saw him. This most gallant officer was eventually killed by a bomb when the enemy had been driven back to their original starting point.”You can find out more about him by pasting these links into your browser.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allastair_McReady-Diarmidhttp://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1754982/McREADY-DIARMID,%20ALLASTAIR%20MALCOLM%20CLUNY
Richard Grange ● 4425d0 Comments