Louis McGuffie

He stormed dugouts and freed men being led away as prisoners

Louis Mc Guffie was born at Wigtown, Scotland, in 1893. Educated locally, he served in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers during the First World War. His battalion fought at Gallipoli in 1915 before service in Egypt, Palestine and France.

On 28 September 1918 near Wytschaete, acting Sergeant Mc Guffie repeatedly entered enemy dugouts and captured their occupants. He also rescued British soldiers being led away as prisoners. Later commanding a platoon, he continued the advance with conspicuous determination and brought in more prisoners.

Mc Guffie did not survive to learn of his Victoria Cross. A shell killed him near Wytschaete on 4 October 1918. He was buried in Zantvoorde British Cemetery. His mother received his posthumous decoration from King George V in May 1919.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and resourceful leadership under heavy fire near Wytschaete on 28th September, 1918. During the advance to Piccadilly Farm, he, single-handed, entered several enemy dugouts and took many prisoners, and during subsequent operations dealt similarly with dugout after dugout, forcing one officer and twenty-five other ranks to surrender. During the consolidation of the first objective he pursued and brought back several of the enemy who were slipping away, and he was also instrumental in rescuing some British soldiers who were being led off as prisoners. Later in the day, when in command of a platoon, he led it with the utmost dash and resource, capturing many prisoners. This very gallant soldier was subsequently killed by a shell.

Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 13 December 1918. 14 December 1918, Numb. 31067, p. 14777