Welcome back to "This Day in Scottish History." I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today, we’ll be exploring a remarkable day during World War I: September 14, 1914. On this day, three courageous Scottish soldiers—William Henry Johnston, Ross Tollerton, and George Wilson—earned the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the British and Commonwealth forces. Each man performed extraordinary acts of bravery on the Western Front, marking this date as a significant moment in Scottish military history.
Let’s begin with Ross Tollerton, a 24-year-old private from Hurlford, Ayrshire, serving in the 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Tollerton’s bravery at the Battle of the Aisne on September 14, 1914, earned him the Victoria Cross. Despite being wounded himself, he carried a severely injured officer to safety under relentless enemy fire. Not only did Tollerton sustain injuries to his head and hand, but after securing the officer, he struggled back to the front lines, continuing to fight alongside his comrades until the battalion withdrew.
But his courage didn’t end there. Rather than retreat with the rest, Tollerton returned to the officer he had saved and lay beside him for three harrowing days—both men injured and stranded—until they were finally rescued. This unyielding act of devotion to a fellow soldier, despite his own peril, embodies the highest ideals of gallantry and duty. After the war, Tollerton led a quieter life as a school janitor in Irvine, but he never fully recovered from the injuries he sustained during the war. He passed away at the age of 41 in 1931, remembered for his courage and selflessness. His Victoria Cross remains on display at the Highlander’s Museum in Fort George, Inverness-shire.
Now let’s turn to another act of bravery on that very same day—this time by Captain William Henry Johnston of the 59th Field Company, Royal Engineers. Born in Leith, Edinburgh, in 1879, Johnston was a career military man, and on September 14, 1914, during the “Race to the Sea” at Missy, France, his valor shone through. Under intense fire throughout the day, Johnston worked tirelessly to save wounded soldiers. In an extraordinary feat, he personally operated rafts to ferry the injured back across the river while bringing vital ammunition to the front lines. He risked his life repeatedly to keep his brigade supplied and allow them to maintain their position against the enemy.
Johnston’s actions at Missy went far beyond the call of duty. He continued his military service, leading tunneling operations in the treacherous Ypres Salient. Tragically, Johnston was killed in action in June 1915, just a few months after receiving the Victoria Cross. His medal is now displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, Kent, a reminder of his sacrifice and heroism.
Finally, we come to Private George Wilson of the 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, whose bravery on September 14, 1914, during the First Battle of the Aisne, earned him the Victoria Cross. Wilson’s courage was remarkable. In a daring solo attack, he and another soldier rushed toward an enemy machine gun. When his comrade was killed, Wilson pressed on alone, managing to shoot the officer and six enemy soldiers manning the gun. With incredible tenacity, he captured the machine gun, turning the tide of the engagement.
Wilson’s fearless action is a striking example of individual bravery, the sort of story that lives on in legend. After the war, Wilson returned to Scotland but, sadly, passed away from tuberculosis in 1926 at the age of 39. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Royal Highland Fusiliers in Glasgow, a testament to his courage.
September 14, 1914, was a day of extraordinary heroism, not just in the broader context of World War I, but specifically for these three Scottish soldiers who, through their actions, helped shape the course of history on the Western Front. Their bravery in the face of overwhelming odds serves as a reminder of the incredible human spirit that rises even in the darkest times of war.
As we reflect on these remarkable stories, we honor the memory of Ross Tollerton, William Henry Johnston, and George Wilson, and all those who have displayed such selfless acts of courage throughout history.
Thank you for joining me on this episode of "This Day in Scottish History." Tune in tomorrow for another journey into the past, where we’ll uncover more stories of Scottish bravery, resilience, and determination. I’m Colin MacDonald, and until next time, haste ye back!
September 14, 1914 - A Day of Scottish Bravery