Private S/15820 George Graham Princes Louise`s (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) was awarded the Military Medal in the Second Supplement to the London Gazette dated Tuesday The 17th of July 1917
“His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to the undermentioned Ladies, Non-commissioned Officers and Men :—"
“S/15820 Pte. G. Graham, A. & S..Highrs.”
George Graham was one of 7 Sons of James & Jane Graham of The Stables Glengarnock who served with the Army during the First World War. His Brother David Graham reported Missing in Action since May 1915.
George enlisted on the 9th January 1916 for the duration of the war & was given the service number S/15820 He embarked for France from Folkestone on the 7th July 1916 arriving at Boulogne the same day. He moves to the 19th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples arriving on the 8th July 1916 & departed on the 19th July to join the 10th Bn Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
The Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald reported the news that George had been awarded the Military Medal on the 6 July 1917. He is recorded by the Hearld as having been awarded the Military Medal “when as a Stretcher bearer he distinguished himself in saving life under heavy fire” “during a heavy day’s work under constant enemy fire he was repeatedly exposed to great danger”
George returned to Glengarnock for a short leave in mid-September 1917 when news of this reached the local community a evening was organized for the 14 September 1917 at the Walker Memorial Hall in Kilbirnie by the Parish Council to give public congratulations to this Gallant soldier. On behalf of the people of the parish Mr Riddet then handed over a Gold Watch in reply to which a sad response was received from George considering his eventual fate he said “assure them that in days to come should he be spared, it would be one of his most cherished possessions”
Even though George had received previous injuries which made it impossible for him to carry a rifle and he could have been relegated to non-front-line duties it was his express wish that he rejoined the fighting. Sadly George was not to be spared, and he would die of his wounds on the 4th September 1918 having only recovered from his earlier wounds 9 weeks previously when he returned to the front. He was hospitalized on the 3rd September 1918 having been shot in the Right Leg & suffered a Broken thigh bone before dying of his wounds the next day having carried on with his duties and refusing treatment for a significant period before finally accepting medical attention. He is buried in the Bois-Guillaume Communal Cemetery Extension in France & also commemorated on the Kilbirnie War Memorial.
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