St Vincent’s Primary honours hero sergeant

The Thornliebank youngsters worked with Urban Roots last year to dedicate a cairn to sergeant John Meikle.

Sergeant Meikle, a member of the Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action in France in 1918, but his bravery in storming a German machine gun position single-handed earned him a posthumous Victoria Cross, and Military Medal.

Mr Alan Meikle, the nephew of sergeant Meikle, was able to attend this year’s Great War memorial assembly, as well as Lucy Cunningham of green group Urban Roots, baillie Jo Docherty and councillor Steven Curran.

Teacher Gerry Coyle told The Extra: “Miss Cunningham unveiled a memorial stone to John Meikle, and Mr Alan Meikle told the assembled guests that he had attended many remembrance services, but that this was the nicest.”

Baillie Docherty commented :”It is an honour and a privilege to have taken part in such a moving tribute to a local hero.”

She added that St Vincent’s pupils should be commended for helping to keep his memory, and the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, alive.

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