David Lowe MacIntyre

He stormed enemy strongpoints and seized a machine gun alone

David Lowe MacIntyre VC CB led infantry through barbed wire and machine-gun positions during the Allied advance in France in August 1918. A lieutenant of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders attached to the 1/6th Highland Light Infantry, he combined personal reconnaissance with direct attacks on enemy strongpoints.

Born at Portnahaven on Islay on 18 June 1895, he attended George Watson's College and began studies at Edinburgh University before the First World War interrupted his plans. He entered the Army and served with the Highland Light Infantry before his battalion moved from the Middle East to France.

On 24 August, near Henin, he steadied men under heavy fire while acting as adjutant. On 27 August near Fontaine-les-Croisilles, he led a party to cut gaps in particularly strong wire. He then rallied men to attack pillboxes in the Humber Redoubt. Later, while examining an exposed flank, he rushed a machine gun alone, drove its crew away and recovered the weapon. His Victoria Cross recognised sustained leadership across the two actions.

After the war, MacIntyre entered the Office of Works. He also served as a captain in the Home Guard during the Second World War. His civilian career brought appointment as a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1949, and he retired as Under Secretary for Scotland in the Ministry of Works in 1959. He died in Edinburgh on 31 July 1967, aged 72. His medals are preserved in the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle.

Official Victoria Cross citation (London Gazette, 25 October 1918):

For most conspicuous bravery in attack when, acting as Adjutant of his battalion, he was constantly in evidence in the firing line, and by his coolness under most heavy shell and machine-gun fire inspired the confidence of all ranks.

Three days later he was in command of the firing line during an attack, and showed throughout most courageous and skilful leading in face of heavy machine-gun fire. When barbed wire was encountered, he personally reconnoitred it before leading his men forward. On one occasion, when extra strong entanglements were reached, he organised and took forward a party of men, and under heavy machine-gun fire supervised the making of gaps.

Later, when the greater part of our line was definitely held up, Lt. Macintyre rallied a small party, pushed forward through the enemy barrage in pursuit of an enemy machine-gun detachment, and ran them to earth in a "pill-box" a short distance ahead, killing three and capturing an officer, ten other ranks and five machine guns. In this redoubt he and his party raided three "pill-boxes" and disposed of the occupants, thus enabling the battalion to capture the redoubt.

When the battalion was ordered to take up a defensive position, Lt. Macintyre, after he had been relieved of command of the firing line, reconnoitred the right flank which was exposed. When doing this an enemy machine gun opened fire close to him. Without any hesitation he rushed it single-handed, put the team to flight and brought in the gun. On returning to the redoubt he continued to show splendid spirit while supervising consolidation.

The success of the advance was largely due to Lt. Macintyre's fine leadership and initiative, and his gallantry and leading was an inspiring example to all.