John Carmichael (VC)
John Carmichael (VC)
John Carmichael (1 April 1893 – 20 December 1977) was a Scottish soldier in the British Army. He survived the First World War and was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest military honor for bravery.
Early life
- Born in Glenmavis, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Military service
- Served as a sergeant in the North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's) during World War I. He also had connections with the Royal Engineers and the Sherwood Foresters.
The act of bravery
- On 8 September 1917, near Hill 60 in Belgium, Carmichael saw a grenade burning in an excavated trench. He shouted for his men to get clear, placed his helmet over the grenade, and stood on the helmet to absorb the blast. The explosion severely injured him and left him unable to walk for three years, but his actions saved the lives of his comrades.
Aftermath and honours
- Carmichael was honoured in Airdrie on 9 July 1918 for his bravery.
- He later became a Freemason, joining Lodge New Monkland No. 88 in 1919 (initiated 9 January, passed 23 January, raised 27 March 1919).
The medal and legacy
- His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
- He also held the Military Medal (MM) for other acts of bravery.
Death and burial
- John Carmichael died in Glenmavis, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, and is buried at New Monkland (Landward) Cemetery.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 22:01 (CET).