Hugh McIver

Rushed a machine-gun post and stopped fire on his own troops

Born at Linwood in 1890, Hugh McIver served as a company runner with the Royal Scots during the final Allied offensives of the First World War. Under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire, he carried messages without regard for his own safety. He pursued an enemy scout into a machine-gun post and attacked it alone, killing six defenders and capturing twenty prisoners and two guns. His action allowed his company to advance.

Later, he approached a British tank that was firing in error on British troops and succeeded in stopping its fire. His intervention saved lives and, together with his attack on the enemy post, earned the Victoria Cross posthumously.

McIver had already earned the Military Medal and a Bar for bravery. He served as a Private in the Royal Scots, and his medals are held by the Royal Scots Museum at Edinburgh Castle.

McIver was killed in action on 2 September 1918, ten days after the VC action. His parents received his Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on 13 February 1919.

Official Victoria Cross citation: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when employed as a company runner. In spite of heavy artillery and machine-gun fire he carried messages regardless of his own safety. Single-handed, he pursued an enemy scout into a machine-gun post, and having killed six of the garrison captured twenty prisoners with two machine guns.

This gallant action enabled the company to advance unchecked.

Later, he succeeded at great personal risk in stopping the fire of a British Tank which was directed in error against our own troops at close range.

By this very gallant action Pte. McIver undoubtedly saved many lives.