Eric Stuart Dougall

Kept guns firing and rallied infantry to hold Messines Ridge

Eric Stuart Dougall was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1886. A Cambridge engineering graduate, he worked in Liverpool and at Bombay Port Trust before the First World War. After service with the Bombay Light Horse, he returned to Britain and received a Royal Field Artillery commission in 1916. He earned the Military Cross at Messines in 1917 for maintaining observation and communications despite being wounded. On 10 April 1918, during the German offensive, Dougall kept his guns in action on Messines Ridge despite shelling and gas attacks. He rallied retreating infantry and armed his gunners with rifles to strengthen the line. His resistance delayed the enemy and enabled the guns to be withdrawn. He was killed near Kemmel on 14 April. His promotion to acting major was backdated to 4 April, and his Victoria Cross was announced after his death.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and skilful leadership in the field when in command of his battery Captain Dougall maintained his guns in action from early morning throughout a heavy concentration of gas and high-explosive shell Finding that he could not clear the crest owing to the withdrawal of our line, Captain Dougall ran his guns on to the top of the ridge to fire over open sights By this time our infantry had been pressed back in line with the guns Captain Dougall at once assumed command of the situation, rallied and organised the infantry, supplied them with Lewis guns, and armed as many gunners as he could spare with rifles With these he formed a line in front of his battery which during this period was harassing the advancing enemy with a rapid rate of fire Although exposed to both rifle and machine gun fire, this officer fearlessly walked about as though on parade, calmly giving orders and encouraging everybody He inspired the infantry with the assurance that “So long as you stick to your trenches I will keep my guns here” This line was maintained throughout the day, thereby delaying the enemy’s advance for over twelve hours In the evening, having expended all ammunition, the battery received orders to withdraw This was done by man-handling the guns over a distance of about 800 yards of shell-cratered country, an almost impossible feat considering the ground and the intense machine-gun fire Owing to Captain Dougall’s personality and skilful leadership throughout this trying day there is no doubt that a serious breach in our line was averted This gallant officer was killed four days later whilst directing the fire of his battery

Twelfth Supplement to The London Gazette of 31 May 1918. 4 June 1918, Numb. 30726, p. 6571