Cameronians honoured in French town

The new plaque unveiled in memory of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles at Clary

Last week I had the privilege of representing the museum service at a moving ceremony in the French town of Clary. Tuesday 9th October 2018 was the hundredth anniversary of the action in which the 5/6th Scottish Rifles liberated Clary from German occupation, bringing to an end years of hardship and oppression. Shortly after the Armistice, the residents of Clary had paid tribute to the 5/6th Scottish Rifles and renamed the town square Place des Ecossais in honour of the Scottish troops who had won them their freedom.

French veterans and standard bearers act as guard of honour to the unveiling party

One hundred years on, the residents of Clary once again commemorated the soldiers who had fought and died to liberate their town in a poignant ceremony held in the town square. A handsome marble plaque was unveiled on the wall of the Town Hall and commemorative crosses were laid by local children in memory of the soldiers who died in the actions leading to the town’s liberation.

Local school children laying memorial crosses for those of The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) who died on 9th October 1918

In a touching gesture of comradeship between Allies, the community of Clary presented me with a copy of the new plaque to display in Low Parks Museum. I’ll post more details about this over the next few weeks.

The standards dip as the crowd observe a moment’s silence in memory of those who gave their lives in the First World War

The genuine gratitude and sincerity expressed by the people of Clary in remembering The Cameronians was incredibly humbling and very moving to witness. What made the occasion even more special was the presence of the families of two members of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles who had fought at Clary in 1918. Several descendants of Colonel H. B. Spens D.S.O., who commanded the Battalion during the attack, were in attendance, including his grandson who was invited to assist in the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.

The newly unveiled plaque on the Town Hall of Clary. Under the plaque was placed a photograph of Colonel H. B. Spens, commanding officer of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles

Three relatives of Private Peter O’Hare, of Coatbridge, had traveled from Scotland to see their relative honoured. Peter O’Hare was one of the men who died in the action that led to the liberation of Clary. A number of other relatives of Private O’Hare held their own remembrance service at Coatbridge War Memorial in Scotland at the same time as the service was taking place in Clary.

The wreath laid by the Mayor of Clary, the family of Private O’Hare, and Mr Adrian Smith on behalf of The Cameronians (SR) and Families Organisation. The wreath was made by the local school children

I have made several visits to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium over the past twenty years, but seldom have I witnessed such a moving service and it is something I will never forget. Having seen firsthand how dedicated the people of Clary are in honouring the men of the 5/6th Scottish Rifles, it is safe to say that the memory of these men is in safe hands.

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