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Sgt. Ross Tollerton
British Army Cameron Highlanders
from:Scotland
In 1914 Ross Tollerton was working in the Irvine Shipyard as an engine keeper, having left the army in 1912 following seven years service. As a reservist he was recalled to the Cameron Highlanders at the outbreak of war.
On the 14th September the 1st Cameron Highlanders were involved in an attack on German lines and lost 600 men to machine-gun fire. Amongst the wounded was Lieutenant J. S. M. Matheson, Tollerton's commanding officer, who lay in full view of the German gunners. Without regard for his own life, and under heavy fire, Tollerton rushed towards him and carried him over his shoulder to a place of greater safety. Despite being wounded in the head and hand, he rejoined his company’s firing line and remained there until the order was given to retreat. Completely surrounded by the German army, Private Tollerton returned to Matheson and remained with him for 3 days, with only water to sustain them, until they were both rescued. Matheson who had been shot in the spine, survived the ordeal.
Tollerton was awarded the Victoria Cross for his act of bravery. The medal was presented to Tollerton by King George V at a ceremony at Glasgow Green on 18th May 1915. His Citation reads: His citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the 14th September at the battle of the Aisne. He carried a wounded officer under heavy fire as far as he was able to a place of safety, then, although himself wounded in the head and hand, he struggled back to the firing line, where he remained till his battalion retired, when he returned to the wounded officer and lay beside him for three days until they were both rescued.†Promoted to Sergeant, Tollerton returned to the Western Front and survived the war.
