Many have remarked that he is the “forgotten” hero of the First World War.
But Private Robert Dunsire was anything but forgotten over the weekend as hundreds turned out in his hometown of Buckhaven to commemorate 100 years since his amazing act of valour during the First World War.
On September 26 1915, in the midst of the Battle of Loos, Dunsire went into no man’s land to rescue an injured soldier.
Within minutes of his return, he spotted another man in need of help and went out a second time risking his life for comrades and country.
It was for this act of tremendous courage that he was awarded the highest decoration possible, the Victoria Cross, and his bravery also earned him a place in Fife folklore forever.
Dunsire was one of only five people born in Fife to be awarded a Victoria Cross during the First World War, so it was perhaps all the more poignant that people of all ages took the time to pay tribute to his heroism on Saturday.
A service was held at Buckhaven Church before a commemorative paving stone was formally unveiled near the town’s Toll Park a site now known as Dunsire Corner later in the day.
Johnny Miller, his great-great-nephew, is serving in the Household Cavalry and was delighted to do thehonours on the day.
“I was asked to come through by the family and those organising it because I was the only serving member so it means quite a lot,” the 29-year-old said.
“Not many families have a VC, so it’s very special.”
Various dignitaries joined members of the public to watch the ceremony onSaturday, with Provost Jim Leishman reading a poem dedicated to Dunsire ahead of the unveiling.