Private James Towers VC
The Victoria Cross medal group to Private James Towers VC, 2nd Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), sold at auction yesterday (Wed 25th March) with a hammer price of £120,000. Private Towers was the last of three soldiers of the Regiment to be awarded the Victoria Cross for service in the First World War, and was in fact the last Cameronian to earn the famous award.
The war diary of the 2nd Battalion for 22nd December 1918 reads:
“One of the greatest days in the history of the Battalion. At about 10.00 hrs a wire came in stating that the VICTORIA CROSS had been awarded to PTE. JAMES TOWERS of B Company for an Act of the most unsurpassed bravery performed by him on the 6th Oct. this year.”
We are fortunate to have in the museum collection the very signal that was received that day notifying the Battalion of the award of the VC to Private Towers. The signal was taken by Private Harry Podmore, one of the Battalion signallers, and was kept by him as a souvenir. At some point, Private Towers has signed the signal ‘Pte. J. Towers V.C.’
Signal Message, 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles, dated 22nd December 1918
The war diary for that day continues:
“The Pipe Band were paraded and played PTE TOWERS from Battalion Hdqrs through the village to his billet. He was carried shoulder high by a party of his own platoon & received a great ovation from the whole Battalion.”
With the fighting only ending a matter of weeks earlier, on 11th November, the men truly had reason to celebrate news of the award.
You can browse and search for more fascinating objects in the museum collection by using our online Collections Browser – http://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/SLLC/info/206/online_collection
Comments: 0
