The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's)

'Sans Peur'       Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders red and white dicing       'Ne Obliviscaris'

BUCHAN, John Crawford

7th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

Victoria Cross awarded 21 March 1918


The Victoria Cross is the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.


The Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross
"for valour"

Name BUCHAN, John Crawford
Rank 2nd Lieutenant
Service 7th Bn The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
Theatre where VC won Marteville, France, 21 March 1918
Recorded in London Gazzette 2 May 1918
Place & Date of Birth Alloa, Clackmannanshire, 10 October 1892
Place & Date of Death Marteville, France, 22 March 1918
Burial Ground Roisel Communal Cemetery Extension, France
Current Location of VC not in the public domain

Scene of Action

On 21 March 1918 east of Marteville, France, Second Lieutenant Buchan, although wounded early in the day, insisted on remaining with his platoon which was suffering heavy casualties from most severe shell fire. He continually visited all his posts, encouraging his men in the face of the approaching enemy and heavy machine-gun fire.

When called on to surrender, he fought his way back to the support line where he held out until dusk. He then withdrew as ordered, but refused to have his injuries attended to.

He was eventually completely cut off and was last seen fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds. He died of his wounds the following day.


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