Description: A group of World War I medals won by Alexander McKinnon. They include the Military Medal, a medal awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire. His citation reads ‘During the battle of Englefontaine on the morning of Nov 4th 1918, this non-commissioned officer was detailed as mounted orderly between Battery and Brigade Headquarters. An important message giving details of a forward road reconnaissance was given to him. The road to Brigade Headquarters was being heavily barraged, but despite the shelling he went on until a shell which landed very close to him killed his horse. Although badly shaken, he continued on foot, succeeded in getting through the barrage and delivered the message to Headquarters’.
After the war, Alexander McKinnon returned safely to Rothesay where he served for many years as a sergeant in the police.
Origin: Donated to the Museum by a member of the McKinnon family. Alexander McKinnon’s three daughters were well known on the island as they were all teachers in Bute primary schools.