World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born on October 10, 1892, in Alloa, Scotland, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Royal Army Medical Corps, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. On March 22, 1918, in actions east of Marteville, France, 2nd Lieutenant Buchan's platoon was cut off in a forward position of the battle zone. Although wounded early in the day and under heavy fire, he insisted on remaining with his men. Later when the enemy practically surrounded his position, he collected his platoon and prepared to fight his way back to the supporting line. At this point the enemy shouted "Surrender", which he replied "To hell with surrender" and repelled this advance. He then fought his way back to the supporting line of the forward position, where he held out till dusk. At night he fell back as ordered, but in spite of his injuries again refused to go to the aid post, saying with his men. When the command order was given to retreat, it was impossible to send orders to 2nd Lieutenant Buchan to withdraw, as he was already cut off again and he was last seen holding out against overwhelming odds. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on May 21, 1918.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born on October 10, 1892, in Alloa, Scotland, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 7th Battalion, Royal Army Medical Corps, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. On March 22, 1918, in actions east of Marteville, France, 2nd Lieutenant Buchan's platoon was cut off in a forward position of the battle zone. Although wounded early in the day and under heavy fire, he insisted on remaining with his men. Later when the enemy practically surrounded his position, he collected his platoon and prepared to fight his way back to the supporting line. At this point the enemy shouted "Surrender", which he replied "To hell with surrender" and repelled this advance. He then fought his way back to the supporting line of the forward position, where he held out till dusk. At night he fell back as ordered, but in spite of his injuries again refused to go to the aid post, saying with his men. When the command order was given to retreat, it was impossible to send orders to 2nd Lieutenant Buchan to withdraw, as he was already cut off again and he was last seen holding out against overwhelming odds. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on May 21, 1918.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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