William Angus VC commemoration stone 2015 slideshow

A memorial stone was unveiled in the town’s Market Square by Provost Eileen Logan and Mr Angus’s grandson Peter Buxton, as hundreds of people – from school children to ex-service personnel – looked on.

In his speech to the gathering, Peter said: “My grandfather did not consider himself a hero; he was just a lucky man to survive.”

He added that it was a particularly poignant anniversary for the Angus family for another reason – it was the same day that two of the sons of Mr Angus had been taken prisoner during World War Two.

Members of the Angus family travelled from across the country for the ceremony, which was opened by Provost Eileen Logan and saw a poem read by St Athanasius Primary pupil Esther O’Hara.

The war hero’s grand-daughter, Pauline, who lives in Heathrow, said: “It was a lovely service and was very appropriate for the occasion.

“I was quite touched when the stone was unveiled.”

Lance-Corporal Angus left his trench in Givenchy in France, under heavy bomb and rifle fire, to rescue fellow Carluke man Lt James Martin, who was lying within a few yards of the enemy’s position. He received over 40 wounds in the process.

Eileen said: “I am delighted that so many people turned out to recognise the bravery of William Angus.

“I am very proud to be here today as Provost and I was particularly pleased to see pupils from our schools here.”

Carluke Parish Historical Society president Christine Warren added: “It is important to keep the memory of William Angus’ courage alive. He was told he would face certain death but he went anyway to try to save the life of an officer from his home town.”

Freelance photographer Sarah Peters was on hand to capture the poignant service and her pictures are featured in our slideshow, paying tribute to one of the town’s most heroic sons.