Colonel Ralph Stewart-Wilson, 11th laird of Balnakeilly, who was awarded a Military Cross for bravery during the Second World War, has died aged 92.
Educated at Eton College, Colonel Stewart-Wilson fought with the Rifle Brigade and his MC resulted from an action that began at first light on May 19 1944.
He was commander of a scout platoon ordered to carry out a detailed reconnaissance of the defences of Aquino, Italy, one of the key points of the Adolf Hitler line.
After an altercation with an anti-tank gun, his section was caught under concentrated mortar fire, where their carrier was knocked out and set on fire.
In full view of the enemy and under concentrated mortar and machine-gun fire, he moved across the open giving orders and personally directing the fire of his two sections.
Ordering his platoon to withdraw, he remained alone within 100 yards of the enemy for a further six hours under heavy fire, moving constantly in order to confirm previous dispositions and collect fresh information which he personally brought back to his own lines.
Colonel Stewart-Wilson had been deliberately moving about exposed under heavy fire and within a stone’s throw of the enemy for eight hours.
The information he obtained was integral in planning an eventual attack on Aquino.
Son Aubyn said: “Although my father hardly ever spoke of this, I believe that the information he gathered changed the whole plan of attack that subsequently followed, with a far larger attacking force being deployed, ensuring a successful outcome and lives saved.”
On retirement from the army in 1971 he moved home to Perthshire where he farmed at Tulliemet (Atholl Estates) and managed the nearby family estate at Balnakeilly.
He ran the grouse shooting across the moors of Tulliemet, Edradour and Balnakeilly, and on the death of his mother, Mrs Stewart-Stevens, 10th Lady of Balnakeilly, he moved to Balnakeilly as the 11th Laird, maintaining a 463-year line of succession.
A member of the Royal Company of Archers (Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland) since 1962 and The Atholl Highlanders since 1948, Colonel Stewart-Wilson was also a Life Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club).
He took a great interest in the communities of Moulin and Pitlochry, including the Moulin Hall, the Moulin Bowling Club, the Moulin Hotel and most recently the re-formed Moulin Curling Club. He was also a great supporter of the Stewart Society.
He enjoyed a lifelong interest in ornithology and binoculars were often to be found hanging around his neck.
Aubyn added: “Since my father’s death so many local people have said what a kind, generous person he was and have commented on the interest he took in their lives and the local community.
“He was a modest, gentle man who had time for everyone.
“He loved the local area, its heritage and history, and I believe was greatly respected within the community.”
He married Rosalind Stedall in 1949, and is survived by her after 65 years of marriage, together with their three children Maria, Lorna and Aubyn.
He had six grandchildren and to date two great-grandchildren.
A service of thanksgiving is taking place at Holy Trinity Church, Pitlochry, on Monday at 12 noon.