[CEMETERY] Kyrenia: No. 141. Sergeant Samuel McGaw. V.C

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
18/03/2010 19:31

I found a description (from 1918) of the "English Cemetery belonging to the War Office" in Kyrenia. Could this be what is now known as the "British cemetery"? Does anyone know more?

I quote my source (Jeffery): " This is a small walled enclosure of a picturesque character. In the centre stands an ancient Christian sarcophagus, with crosses on its sides, probably removed from some old tomb in the neighbourhood. On its coped top is the following inscription:

No. 141. Sergeant Samuel McGaw. V.C. 42nd Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) died on the line of march to camp Chiftlik Pasha of heat apoplexy 22nd July 1878. Aged 40 years.

Beneath is a carving of the Victoria Cross.

On a marble tablet in the enclosure wall the name of Sergt. McGaw is again recorded together with the names of four privates of the same regiment - James McDonald, George Marr, James Barrye and Stephen Truebridge, A.H.C., who all died at Kyrenia in 1878."

AllyTT


Joined: 13/09/2008
Posts: 188

Message Posted:
18/03/2010 19:49

Yes, it's the British Cemetery where the new memorial is. Sergeant McGaw was the first British soldier to die on the island. You can find photos of the graves at http://twgpp.org which is The War Graves Photographic Project. Sergeant McGaw's death is also mentioned in "Our Home in Cyprus" from the 1880's by Esme Stevenson.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
18/03/2010 19:59

Thank you, AllyTT! I found it: http://twgpp.org/information.php?id=1364771

dublinderm


Joined: 26/09/2009
Posts: 538

Message Posted:
19/03/2010 01:19

Well done Hans,



Heros like this deserve to be remembered





DD

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
19/03/2010 09:25

A question about the V.C. (which stands for Victoria Cross if I'm not mistaken). Does one get it from the Queen or from ones military commander? When a V.C. bearer dies (but has left the service): will he/she (are there any?), still be buried with full military honors?

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
19/03/2010 10:12

You are correct Her Majesty personally hands out the Victoria Cross and if it is posthemous it is awarded to the Next of Kin.

Officially receiving any award above the Military Cross the holder can amongst other things get married (think their children can as well) and on death have a Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Years ago they were paid a small token amount annually but this was phased out in early 80s as had not increased at all with inflation and think last award was something like 8 pounds a year.



Samuel McGaw VC belonged to the Black Watch (The Royal Highland Regiment) and won his honour in the Ashanti War a couple of years earlier. The Regiment paid for the gates at the Cemetry where his grave is.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
19/03/2010 11:19

RE msg 6, ang1706: Thank you!

RE msg 2, allyTT: (...) Sergeant McGaw's death is also mentioned in "Our Home in Cyprus" from the 1880's by Esme Stevenson. (...)

=> I found the book (have it as hi-res scans on a hard disk, but had forgotten about it...). Going to read it more careful this time! Thanks again for your tip.

Cover: http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/0_Our_home_in_Cyprus_72_90.jpg

Page 1: http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/1_Our_home_in_Cyprus_cut_72_80.jpg

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
19/03/2010 11:34

British history in Cyprus - 130 years old!

http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/ii_titelblad_cut_72_90.jpg

http://www.allcrusades.com/BB_pics/iii_dedication_cut_72_90.jpg