on the left by Branch Chaplain, Rev. David Taylor and on the right by Piper John Fitzpatrick. The Standard Bearers are John Sutherland (left) and Frank Smith (right) |
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on the left by Branch Chaplain, Rev. David Taylor and on the right by Piper John Fitzpatrick. The Standard Bearers are John Sutherland (left) and Frank Smith (right) |
Carole Spencer, a distant relative of Peter Grant, visited us in early August 2004.
Carole, contacted the Dundee Courier in June 2003, after hearing of the dedication
of memorial benches in the Eastern Cemetery to Thomas Beach VC and Peter Grant VC.
Members of the branch have been helping Carole research her family who have roots in
Dundee and Blairgowrie from the 19th and early 20th Century.The family emigrated to
the USA after the First World War and Carole now lives in San Mateo, California.
This was her first visit to Scotland
On the morning of the 9th August 2004, Carole laid a wreath at Peter Grant VC's
memorial bench. A wreath was also laid at Thomas Beach's memorial bench, by Lesley Smith.
Pastor David Taylor, the Branch Chaplain, conducted the service after the lone piper,
James Fitzpatrick, played a lament he had written for Thomas Beach and Peter Grant.
Peter Grant had been a member of the 93rd (which later became the Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders) and was awarded the Victoria Cross in India in 1857.
During his address Pastor David Taylor said "I am sorry Carole had to come on such a sad
occasion but it may be a happy memory as well, of people who have gathered here to pay
their respects to someone they didn't know, but someone who had served his country as we all have
done".
During her visit, Carole also met the Lord Provost of Dundee, John Letford, who explained Dundee's
pride in its two VCs and the City's feeling of responsibility that they are never forgotten.
Carole also attended the Edinburgh Tattoo, visited the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum,
the Black Watch Museum and many places in Blairgowrie and Dundee associated with her family.
