Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Bourlon Wood, November 1917’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Corporal D. McKay, 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (14578 L. Cpl. D. Mac Kay. 2/S. Gds:); British War and Victory Medals (14578 Cpl. D. Mc Kay. S. Gds.) contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine (3) £700-£900

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a machine-gun team in an attack on a strong enemy position. On the company officers and senior N.C.O.’s becoming casualties, and the flank attack being held up, he fought his gun, although the rest of the team were casualties, and did not retire with it into the line until all the wounded had been brought in. His precise description of the enemy’s defence proved very useful, and his courage and determination were most marked.’
Annotated Gazette states ‘Bourlon Wood 24-26 November 1917.’

David McKay was born in Swanwick, Ireland, in September 1891, and enlisted into the Scots Guards at Clydebank on 1 November 1915, aged 23 years 10 months, then residing in Renfrew. He went initially to the Guards Depot before joining the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion on 12 April 1916, remaining in the U.K. until transferring to the 2nd Battalion in France from 26 August 1916 until 19 June 1918. Wounded in action by a gunshot in his right leg on 25 September 1916, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry in the action at Bourlon Wood, 24-26 November 1917.

After a period in the U.K. from 20 June 1918, he returned to France on 11 October 1918 until 15 February 1919, when he returned to the U.K. and was discharged on 15 March 1919.

His brother, Rifleman David McKay was killed in action on the Somme, 1 July 1916, whilst serving with the 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles.

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