Adam Archibald Explained

Adam Archibald
Birth Date:14 January 1879
Death Date:10 March 1957 (aged 78)
Birth Place:Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Death Place:Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Placeofburial:Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh
Serviceyears:1915 - 1919
Rank:Sapper
Branch: British Army
Unit:Durham Light Infantry
Royal Engineers
Battles:First World War

Allied intervention in North Russia

Awards: Victoria Cross

Adam Archibald VC (14 January 1879 – 10 March 1957) was a Scottish First World War recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Military service

In 1915, Archibald enlisted with the 7th Durham Light Infantry before transferring to the 218th Field Company, Royal Engineers, with whom he was serving during the second battle of the Sambre. At the age of 39, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for action while his unit was attempting to bridge the Sambre–Oise Canal. Archibald received his medal from King George V at Buckingham Palace in May 1919. From his citation:

His VC is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham, Kent.

Archibald was so severely gassed during the VC winning incident, that he could not return to service. He was awarded the Silver War Badge for having been honourably discharged from the army due to wounds received in the war. This was to be worn by veterans so as not to receive a white feather or be otherwise perceived as cowards by members of the public when in civilian dress.[1]

Personal life

Archibald was initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge Elgin & Bruce, No.1077], (Limekilns, Fife, Scotland) in 1912. He later affiliated to Lodge St James Operative, No.97, (Edinburgh, Scotland).[2] [3] [4]

Archibald died at his home in Leith at the age of 78. He was cremated at Warriston Crematorium.[5]

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Bates . Stephen . Silver war badge recipients revealed online . 18 August 2023 . The Guardian . 10 November 2011 . A third to receive a badge, in his case alongside the Victoria Cross, was Adam Archibald, who was gassed while building a floating bridge across a canal on the western front. His bravery in completing the task won him the medal, but he was so badly poisoned that he could not return to service..
  2. Cooper, Robert L D, Ed. 2010. Famous Scottish Freemasons, p. 77.
  3. Web site: Account Suspended. www.scotlandswar.ed.ac.uk. 31 March 2023.
  4. The Great War 1914-1918 Victoria Cross Freemasons. Granville Angell. 2014. p. 43.
  5. Web site: Scotland Edinburgh.