TRIBUTES WERE paid at the Kirriemuir graveside of the last soldier of The Black Watch to be awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry.

Campaigners fighting to save the regiment paid a special visit to the final resting place of Private Charles Melvin, close to the town war memorial listing the names of many colleagues who lost their lives serving their country.

Shadow Scottish secretary Peter Duncan paid his respects during a trip to Kirriemuir to support the fight to ensure the regiment is not consigned to history.

He was joined by Angus Tory prospective parliamentary candidate Sandy Bushby and they were given an insight into the soldier’s first world war bravery by Major Ronnie Proctor, chairman of the Angus branch of The Black Watch Association.

Private Melvin won the commendation in 1917, while serving with the 2nd Battalion in Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq.

During the Battle of Istabulat against the Turks, the regular soldier, his rifle having ceased firing, fought the enemy with his bayonet and fist.

Private Melvin’s company had been waiting for reinforcements before attacking a front-line trench, but he rushed on by himself over ground swept by machine-gun fire.

On reaching the trench and having killed one or two of the enemy, he jumped into it and attacked the rest with his bayonet in his hand as his rifle was damaged.

Most of the enemy then fled, but not before Private Melvin had killed two more, disarmed eight and wounded one.

He tended the wounded man then took him and his other prisoners back to his own lines.

The hero then grabbed a load of ammunition and returned to the firing line, where he reported to his platoon sergeant.

His citation stated, “All this was done, not only under intense rifle and machine gun fire, but the whole way back Private Melvin and his party were exposed to a very heavy artillery barrage fire.

“Throughout the day, Private Melvin greatly inspired those near him with confidence and courage.”

He was awarded the VC “for most conspicuous bravery, coolness and resource in action.”

Private Melvin had arrived in the Middle East in 1916 after surviving the horrors of the western front and lived through the war to see victory and peace secured. He died on July 17, 1941, aged 56.

Major Proctor said Private Melvin was one of 11 Black Watch Victoria Cross winners.

“This brave man would be so angry today if he knew what was going on with his regiment,” Major Proctor added.

Mr Duncan agreed and said, “The thing about local regiments, if you read any accounts of local people serving, is that they were doing it for their pals, their mates who came from their home area. That is what will be lost if we do away with the traditional regimental system, and the British Army will be the poorer for it.”