Alfred McLUCKIE, D.C.M.,

Sergeant 331175

attached to the 8th Battalion

The Royal Scots

Formerly Private 7573

8th Battalion

The Highland Light Infantry

Cap Badge of The Royal Scots

Cap Badge of the Highland Light Infantry

[Note: I have found many differences in the spelling of the name 'McLuckie'.
Taking account of literacy and the whim of several different Registrars who sometimes recorded the name as 'McCluckie', 'McCluskie', 'McLuskie', and 'McLuckie', I am using 'McLuckie' which is the spelling used on the majority of BDM records. Military records also show different spellings of the name.]

My research has found that the McLUCKIE family gave special service during WW1.
JOHN McLUCKIE was Killed-In-Action and is named on WW1 Panel 8 of The Larkhall War Memorial.
ALFRED McLUCKIE was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) while serving with the 8th Bn H.L.I., and attached to the 8th Royal Scots.
WILLIAM McLUCKIE was awarded The Military Medal (M.M.) for bravery in the field.

The main focus of this research is on ALFRED McLUCKIE, D.C.M., Sergeant 331175, who served in the 8th Bn The Royal Scots. He formerly served as Private 7573 in the 8th Bn Highland Light Infantry.

His parents were JOHN McLUCKIE, a Coal Miner, and JANET MACKIE who were married at Paisley on 18th December, 1876.
His paternal grandparents were THOMAS McLUCKIE, a Coal Miner, and Jane McConnell.
His maternal grandparents were ROBERT MACKIE, a Coal Miner, and Ann Dickson.

The children were:
ROBERT McLUCKIE, born 20th December, 1877, at 101 Inkerman, Abbey District, Paisley, Renfrew.
JAMES Alfred Hutton Mackie McLUCKIE, born 14th December, 1879, at Sunnyside, Kilmaurs, Ayrshire; died 20th April, 1882, at Irvine Vennel, Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, age 2.
ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, born 19th August, 1881, at 87 McLean Street, Govan, Lanarkshire.
JOHN McLUCKIE, born 20th September, 1883, at Irvine Vennel, Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
WILLIAM McLUCKIE, M.M., born 23rd March, 1885, at Irvine Vennel, Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
ALFRED 'Fred' DIXON McLUCKIE, D.C.M., born 24th December, 1887, at Ballochmyle Row, Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
ANNIE Dixon Mackay McLUCKIE, born 1st February, 1890, at Ballochmyle Row, Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
REBECCA Mackay McLUCKIE, born 28th May, 1896, at Ballochmyle Row, Auchinleck, Ayrshire.

The 1881 KILMAURS, Ayrshire, Census was taken on 3rd April, 1881.
The family are listed at Sunnyside, Kilmaurs, as follows:
JOHN McLUCKIE, age 25, Head, Iron Miner, b Sorn, Ayrshire.
JANET McLUCKIE, age 23, Wife, b Dundonald, Ayrshire.
ROBERT McLUCKIE, age 3, Son, b Paisley, Renfrewshire.
JAMES McLUCKIE, age 1, Son, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.

JAMES McLUCKIE, age 2, died on 20th April, 1882, at Irvine Vennel, Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
 

The 1891 AUCHINLECK, Ayrshire, Census was taken on 5th April, 1891.
The family are listed at 27 Ballochmyle Row, Auchinleck, as follows:
JOHN McLUCKIE, age 35, Head, Coal Miner, b Sorn, Ayrshire.
JANET McLUCKIE, age 33, Wife, b Dundonald, Ayrshire.
ROBERT McLUCKIE, age 13, Son, Coal Miner, b Paisley, Renfrew.
ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, age 9, Son, Scholar, b Govan, Lanarkshire.
JOHN McLUCKIE, age 7, Son, Scholar, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
WILLIAM McLUCKIE, age 6, Son, Scholar, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
ALFRED McLUCKIE, age 3, Son, b Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
ANNIE McLUCKIE, age 1, Daughter, b Auchinleck, Ayrshire.

On 28th May, 1896, REBECCA MACKAY McLUCKIE was born at Ballochmyle Row, Auchinleck, Ayrshire. Her birth is noted by the Registrar as 'illegitimate'. The Registrar further noted that her mother JANET MACKAY or McLUCKIE, was abandoned by her husband JOHN McLUCKIE 3 years earlier when he went to America, and her mother declined to name the father.

On 29th December, 1899, ROBERT McLUCKIE, then age 22 of St Germain Street, Catrine, married Mary Scott, then age 23 of Wood Street, Catrine, at Wood Street, Catrine, Ayrshire.

The 1901 Census was taken on 31st March, 1901.
The family are listed at different locations, as follows:
1 - at St Cuthbert Street, CATRINE, Ayrshire:
JANET McK. McLUCKIE, age 41, Boarder, General Servant, b Dundonald, Ayrshire.
ANNIE D. McLUCKIE, age 11, Daughter, Scholar, b Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
REBEKAH (sic) McK. McLUCKIE, age 4, Daughter, b Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
2 - at Wood Street, CATRINE, Ayrshire:
ROBERT McLUCKIE, age 23, Head, Coal Miner, b Paisley, Refrewshire.
MARY McLUCKIE, age 24, Wife, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
MARGARET S. McLUCKIE, age 2, Daughter, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
JANET McLUCKIE, age 3 months, Daughter, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
JOHN McLUCKIE, age 17, Boarder, Coal Miner, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
WILLIAM McLUCKIE, age 16, Boarder, Coal Miner, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
3 - at 10 Nimmo's Rows, HOLYTOWN, Lanarkshire, as follows:
ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, age 19, Boarder, Coal Miner, b Holytown, Lanarkshire.
ALFRED McLUCKIE, age 14, Boarder, Coal Miner, b Dalry, Ayrshire.

On 31st December, 1902, ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, then age 21 of 45 Hospital Street, Coatbridge, married Sarah Spiers, then age 19 of 4 Hutchison Street, Coatbridge, at Garturk Church Manse, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.

On 30th December, 1910, JOHN McLUCKIE, then age 27 of Shawrigg, Shawsburn, Dalserf, married Elizabeth Millar Wardrope, then age 20 of Birkenshaw, Larkhall.

The 1911 Census was taken on 2nd April, 1911.
The family are listed at different locations, as follows:
1 - at Crawford's Buildings, Birkenshaw, LARKHALL, Lanarkshire:
JANET McLUCKIE, age 54, Head, Widow, b Dundonald, Ayrshire.
WILLIAM McLUCKIE, age 24, Son, Coal Miner, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
ALFRED McLUCKIE, age 22, Son, Coal Miner, b Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
REBECCA McLUCKIE, age 14, Daughter, b Auchinleck, Ayrshire.
ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, age 5, Son, Scholar, b Partick, Lanarkshire.
2 - at Gold's Buildings, Birkenshaw, LARKHALL, Lanarkshire:
ROBERT McLUCKIE, age 33, Head, Stone Miner, b Paisley, Renfrewshire.
MARY McLUCKIE, age 33, Wife, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
MAGGIE McLUCKIE, age 12, Daughter, Scholar, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
JANET McLUCKIE, age 10, Daughter, Scholar, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
JOHN McLUCKIE, age 8, Son, Scholar, b Catrine, Ayrshire.
ROBERT McLUCKIE, age 7, Son, b Dalserf, Lanarkshire.
ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, age 4, Son, b Dalserf, Lanarkshire.
ANNIE McLUCKIE, age 2, Daughter, b Dalserf, Lanarkshire.
WILLIAM McLUCKIE, age 1 month, Son, b Dalserf, Lanarkshire.
3 - at Shawrigg Houses, Shawsburn, DALSERF, Lanarkshire:
ALEXANDER McLUCKIE, age 29, Head, Coal Miner, b Govan, Lanarkshire.
SARAH McLUCKIE, age 26, Wife, b Dreghorn, Ayrshire.
MARY McLUCKIE, age 2, Daughter, b Dalserf, Lanarkshire.
4 - at Low Shawsburn, DALSERF, Lanarkshire:
JOHN McLUCKIE, age 27, Head, Coal Miner, b Kilmaurs, Ayrshire.
ELIZABETH McLUCKIE, age 21, Wife, b Stonehouse, Lanarkshire.

On 28th June, 1912, ANNIE McLUCKIE, then age 21 and a nurse of 20 Albion Street, Partick, Glasgow, married Thomas John Stewart Thomson, then age 27 of 14 Stewartville Street, Partick, Glasgow, at 8 Queensborough Gardens, Glasgow.
A son Thomas William McLuckie Thomson was born on 22nd March, 1914, at 57 Machan Road, Larkhall, but died on 20th September, 1914, age 6 months, at 57 Machan Road, Larkhall.
THOMAS JOHN STEWART THOMSON enlisted on 7th August, 1914, at Hamilton Barracks, and was posted to the 3rd Bn Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). Due to bad eyesight, he was Medically Discharged from the Army on 16th July, 1915.

On 1st March, 1915, REBECCA McKIE McLUCKIE, then age 19 of 57 Machan Road, Larkhall, married Private PETER BARCLAY, 8th Bn., Highland Light Infantry, then age 22 of 57 Machan Road, Larkhall, at 57 Machan Road, Larkhall.
PETER BARCLAY was attached to the 8th Bn., The Royal Scots on 3rd November, 1914. He was wounded by a Gun Shot Wound to the left side of his thorax on 17th May, 1915, at Festubert. After several moves to different hospitals, he was given a medical discharge due to his disability. His brother WILLIAM BARCLAY also served with the 8th Bn., The Royal Scots.

ALFRED McLUCKIE enlisted with the 8th Bn., The Highland Light Infantry as Pte 7573, and went to France on 5th November, 1914. At some point he was appointed Corporal and was later attached to The Royal Scots and re-numbered as 331175. He was later appointed to Acting Sergeant. He is associated in bringing in the wounded with Pte Angus (from Carluke), who won the V.C. on 12th June, 1915, at the time that Lieutenant Martin was rescued at Festubert. He is also reported as one of the soldiers who fraternised with the Germans at Christmas, 1914.
On 5th August, 1915, he is shown in the London Gazette of that date, as a Lance Corporal, being awarded The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). The DCM MIC is attached.

WILLIAM McLUCKIE, M.M., enlisted with the 1st Bn., The Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) as Pte 3/3999, and went to France on 24th November, 1914. At some point he was appointed Corporal. His Medal Rolls Index card (MIC) shows that he was awarded The 1914-15 Star Medal, The Victory Medal and The British War Medal.
On 8th June, 1917, then age 32 of Machan, Larkhall, he married Catherine Semple, then age 28 of Kirk Street, Stonehouse, at Stonehouse. His marriage record shows that he was a 'Military Medallist' in the 9th Black Watch. His MIC shows that he was Discharged from the Army on 20th May, 1918 (possibly as a result of an injury, making him no longer fit for duty).

JOHN McLUCKIE enlisted with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) as Pte 5601. At some point he was transferred to The Highland Light Infantry and re-numbered as Pte 7059. At some time later he was transferred to the 1st Labour Coy., The Seaforth Highlanders and re-numbered as Pte S/18059.
JOHN McLUCKIE was Killed-In-Action on 22nd April, 1917, age 33.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) entry for JOHN McLUCKIE shows that he is buried at FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY, ARRAS, Pas de Calais, France. There are 2,678 identified casualties buried at FAUBOURG D'AMIENS CEMETERY.
JOHN McLUCKIE is commemorated at The Scottish National War Memorial (SNWM) in Edinburgh Castle.
The entry in Soldiers Died in the Great War (SDGW) shows that JOHN McLUCKIE was born in Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, and enlisted in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire.
The "Soldier's Effects" record for JOHN McLUCKIE shows that his widow Elizabeth received his Outstanding Pay of £7/11/11, additional Pay of £15/3/8, and a War Gratuity of £15/10/-.

The Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC) for ALFRED McLUCKIE shows that he was awarded The 1914 Star Medal, The Victory Medal and The British War Medal. The MIC is dated 5th November, 1914, indicating the date he went to France.

The Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC) for WILLIAM McLUCKIE shows that he was awarded The 1914-15 Star Medal, The Victory Medal and The British War Medal. The MIC is dated 24th November, 1914, indicating the date he went to France. It shows he was 'Discharged' on 20th May, 1918.

The Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC) for JOHN McLUCKIE shows that he was awarded The Victory Medal and The British War Medal. His MIC is undated, indicating that he went to France after 1915.

The London Gazette No 29252 of 3rd August, 1915, page No 7699, shows:
7573 Lance-Corporal McLuckie, A. 8th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, T.F. (Attached 8th Battalion, The Royal Scots).
"For gallant conduct on the 17th May, 1915, at Festubert, when he left his shelter trench and went forward to assist the wounded, whom he dressed and carried into shelter, under a heavy shell fire".
The above posting is repeated in:
The Edinburgh Gazette No 12841 of 13th August, 1915, page No 1234.

The London Gazette No 29827 of 14th November, 1916, pages Nos 11137 and 11141, show that:
"His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the field to the undermentioned Non-Commissioned Officers and Men :-"
"3/3999 Actg. Cpl. W. McLuckie, R. Highrs".
The above posting is repeated in:
The Edinburgh Gazette No 13014 of 17th November, 1916, pages Nos 2151 and 2155.

A clipping taken from The Daily Record dated 17 July, 1915, page 3, shows a [bad] photograph, and reads:
"LARKHALL D.C.M.
Lance-Corporal Fred McLuckie (Highland Light Infantry), who last night received a handsome gold watch and chain and a War Loan voucher for a substantial sum for doing such meritorious work at the Front as to receive the D.C.M."

A clipping taken from The Daily Record dated 17 July, 1915, page 5, reads:
"LARKHALL HONOURS A GALLANT SON.
INTERESTING PRESENTATIONS TO D.C.M.
It is no longer the fashion to sneer at Territorials. The deeds of "the home guard" in fields across the seas have silenced for ever the voice of the uncharitable and the ignorant. Honours have come their way, and these have not been undeserved.
Among the towns proud of their sons who have thus distinguished themselves is Larkhall, and last night occasion was taken publicly to recognise the bravery of a native - Lance-Corporal Fred McLuckie, connected with the 8th Battalion of the H.L.I., who now wears the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
The decoration was granted for bringing in wounded. In this work he was associated with Pte. Angus, V.C., at the time Lieutenant Martin was pluckily rescued. That the officer is grateful to Lance-Corpl. McLuckie for the part he played is apparent from the appended letter :-
'Dear McLuckie, - I was awfully glad to see in the papers that you had got the D.C.M. Accept my heartiest congratulations... I'm making good progress and was allowed up yesterday for a short time. Very soon I will be back amongst you all again I hope. Isn't it fine that Angus got the V.C. What a reception he will have when he gets home! Again congratulations and very many thanks for all you did for me that day. Remember me to the company. - Yours sincerely.
JAMES MARTIN'.
An audience which filled the public hall welcomed the heroic Lance-Corporal last evening when he appeared, among a distinguished party of townspeople on the platform.
The chair was occupied by Mr. Robert Lambie, one of the County Council members. His address, if brief, was pointed.
At the outset he observed that the purpose of the meeting was twofold. In the first instance they desired to show their sense of respect and appreciation of our gallant fellow-twonsman, Lance-Corporal Fred McLuckie, whose bravery had gained for him the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The second point was strictly practical, and yet not altogether unconnected with the first. That was to make an appeal to the men at home who were able to go to the front, but who, so far, had hel back from presenting themselves for service in the greatest struggle the world had ever known.
What was the reason, he proceeded to ask, that they could meet that evening without let or hindrance? It was not difficult to find an answer. He would give it in a sentence. They met unmolested and unafraid because of the noble self-sacrifice of the Belgians, the French, and our own heroic soldiers, who had placed themselves between the foe and those in the homeland.
DOING THEIR BIT.
A number of brave fellows had gone to the fighting line from Larkhall. Some of these had suffered wounds; others had given their lives in the contest. It was no small gratification for them to have present in their midst Lance-Corpl. McLuckie. Great peril had been his on several occasions, but, so far, he had come through the ordeal unscathed. The wish of every townsman was that on his return to the danger zone, which he was about to revisit, the same good fortune would be his. (Applause)
Lance-Corpl. McLuckie had done honour, not only to Larkhall, but to Scotland as well. (Applause)
And now they wanted men who were fit for the duties of war to volunteer for such service. Their presence and their help were urgently required. By a ready response they would meet the call once again for "Men, and still more men."
Only by response on a satisfactory scale would or could the war, so much lamented by all, be brought to a speedy and a satisfactory close.
In concluding, the Chairman asked what reason the fit could give for failure to respond. Was conduct of that kind fair to the men who had gone forth, and who had endured so much on their behalf? Had the "slackers" lived in Germany no option of conduct would have been permitted. They would have been called to the colours, and they would have to obey the summons.
Some of those in Scotland prefered the voluntary system. It was for those who could go to see that this system remained the pride of our nation and the marvel of the world. (Applause)
In a rousing speech the Rev. J. D. McCallum presented Lance-Corporal McLuckie with a handsome gold watch and a chain, and a War Loan bond for a substantial sum. (Applause)
Mr McCallum said that it was a signal honour to one of their townsmen. He related some of the experiences Corporal McLuckie had undergone at the front, and the many heroic deeds he had done in rescuing wounded men. One of his characteristics was his wonderful coolness under fire, and which had brought him through scathless.
Received with prolonged cheering Lance-Corporal McLuckie contented himself with acknowledging in a sentence the kindness which had been shown him. (Applause)
Congratulatory addresses were subsequently delivered by other gentlemen, the proceedings throughout being marked with the greatest heartiness.
Lance-Corporal McLuckie belongs to a family whose notions of duty and patriotism are sound. He has three brothers and two brother-in-law at the front."

A clipping taken from The Hamilton Advertiser dated 17 July, 1915, page 6, reads:
"LARKHALL'S D.C.M.
HONOURING LANCE-CORPORAL McLUCKIE
Larkhall was "en fete" last night when the townspeople crowded the Town Hall under the chairmanship of Mr Robert Lambie, C.C., to see the Rev. J. D. McCallum, who has been a tower of strength to the Recruiting Committee, hand over to Lance-Corporal Fred McLuckie, H.L.I., a purse of sovereigns and a gold watch for doing such meritorious work at the front as to receive the honour of the D.C.M.
The lance-corporal, who received the honour for bringing in wounded, was actively engaged in assisting Private Angus, V.C., when he so gallantly save dLieutenant Martin, from whom McLuckie has received the following letter:-
'Dear McLuckie, - I was awfully glad to see in the papers that you had got the D.C.M. Accept my heartiest congratulations. I'm making good progress, and was allowed up yesterday for a short time. Very soon I will be back amongst you all again I hope. Isn't it fine that Angus got the V.C. What a reception he will have when he gets home! Again congratulations and very many thanks for all you did for me that day. Remember me to the company. - Yours sincerely.
JAMES MARTIN'.
Mr Beattie, secretary of the Recruiting Committee, read apologies for absence from Major McKechnie, 6th Scottish Rifles; Colonel Stanley Paterson, Fairholn; and Major Nelson, Clydeview.
The Chairman, in a rousing speech, appealed to the young men present to join the Army.
The Rev. J. D. McCallum, in making the presentation, said it was a signal honour for them to have one of their townsmen honoured in such a way. He narrated some of the experiences Lance-Corporal McLuckie had undergone at the front, and the many heroic deeds he had done in rescuing wounded men from the fire of the Germans. One of Lance-Corporal McLuckie's characteristics was his wonderful coolness under fire, which had brought him through scatheless. In name of the subscribers, Mr McCallum handed over to their brave guest a handsome gold watch, bearing a suitable inscription, and a sum of money, which was invested in the War Loan. He hoped that the Lance-Corporal would come back safe and sound to them after the war was over. (Applause)
Corporal McLuckie, in returning thanks for the handsome gift, gave a short account of his work at the front and the many stirring and hairbreadth escapes he had had in rescuing and succouring wounded men. He spoke of his officer, Lieutenant Martin, as being a man any soldier would follow, and he instanced the case of his (the Lance-Corporal's) rescuing, under great difficulty, Pte Stirrat, New Lanark, which had gained him the coveted honour. He appealed to the young men who were fit to come forward and do their bit, as the front was the place for them. (Applause)
Major Wishart, and Lieutenant Rooks, 3/6th Scottish Rifles, also addressed the meeting.
At intervals, songs were contributed by Miss O'Connor, Mr Ford, and Mr Archer, while Mr Frame supplied some pictures. The meeting was a memorable one, and Corporal McLuckie received a great ovation.
The lance-corporal, who has three brothers and two brother-in-law at the front, leaves for France again to-day."

A clipping taken from The Hamilton Advertiser dated 23 December, 1916, page 5, refers to the unveiling of the Memorial Stone to Pte W. Laird, D.C.M, 1/6th Scottish Rifles.
The last paragraph of the clipping reads:
"<snip>
...
After the unveiling ceremony, the company were the guest of Mr and Mrs Laird at tea in the Drill Hall. Those present included, amongst others, Sergt McLuckie, the other Larkhall D.C.M., and Driver John Laird, R.F.A., a brother of the deceased D.C.M. He arrived from the front on leave in time for the ceremony."

A clipping taken from The Hamilton Advertiser dated 13 May, 1916, page 6, refers to the announcement of the death of Sapper David Ferguson.
The article continues:
<snip>
"He was one of those, along with Corpl. McLuckie, D.C.M., who fraternised with the Germans at Christmas, 1914."
<snip>

Lest We Forget!

Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC)

Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC) for the award of The DCM

DCM Citation

3 pages Edinburgh Gazette No 12,841

3 pages London Gazette No 29,252