World War I hero remembered in ceremony at Invershin as part of Sutherland Lieutenancy’s Special Memorials and Graves Project
A World War I hero was remembered on the anniversary of his death at a short ceremony in a rural Sutherland cemetery earlier this week.
Lieutenant Colonel William Herbert Anderson of the Highland Light Infantry was killed at Maricourt in France on March 25, 1918, while leading his battalion against a German-held village and timber yard.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding courage and bravery.
Lieutenant Colonel Anderson was initially buried close to where he died, and a Celtic cross of oak was erected at his grave by his men.
His body was later moved to the war cemetery at Peronne, near Maricourt, and a headstone was erected.
The redundant oak Celtic Cross was brought back to Scotland by his wife Gertrude Gilmour of Rosehall and erected in Invershin Cemetery. It was later replaced by a marble cross of the same design.
Gertrude is buried in the grave over which the cross stands.
The ceremony on Tuesday, March 25, was held at the Celtic Cross as part of the Sutherland Lieutenancy Special Memorials and Graves Project.
The project involved the “adoption” of a number of memorials and graves throughout Sutherland, with regular commemorative events being held at them.
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Speaking at the launch of the project, Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott said: “The team hopes that, through this project, much of Sutherland’s history and the lessons of that history will not be forgotten.”
Deputy Lieutenant Christine Mackay began the Invershin ceremony by reading Psalm 46, 'God is our refuge and strength’, an ever-present help in trouble.” She later laid a posy of flowers donated by Edderton florist Rachel’s Country Flowers.
Lieutenant Colonel Anderson’s great-nephew Lieutenant Colonel Colin Gilmour of Rosehall, read the citation for the award of the Victoria Cross.
Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart read Binyon’s words and the Kohima epitaph and laid crosses and a posy of heather, as did Carol Gilmour.
The ceremony ended with a short closing prayer.
