Old Soldier PC Ramsay 169A Edinburgh City Police

[eltoro1960]

I was lifting a picture of my friends Grandfather off this very large group photo taken in 1929, post war I know but he is clearly a WW1 vet, the chap next to him ,seen here, is sporting a chest of medals. I thought it might be a wee challenge to see if we could identify him. His details that are known are in the title.

Cheers - John

[Hett65]

John

When looking at his medal group, I noticed the medal below his war medals appeared to be the Kings Police Medal. I checked his surname in Police Gallantry by J. Peter Framery and found the following:-

William Weighland RAMSAY Constable Edinburgh City Police. London Gazette 1.1.1925 awarded KPM for Gallantry

A man threw himself into the harbour at Leith, and Constable Ramsay on being told of the incident went to the scene, and immediately took off his greatcoat, tunic and boots, and plunged into the water, and after swimming some 25 yards caught hold of the man, then with the help of a lifebuoy, which had been thrown to him, he suceeded in bringing the man to safety.

The water was very cold, and about 12 feet deep in the harbour, with a strong ebb-tide flowing.

John

[Hett65]

John

Looked his name on MIC and found S/Sgt M2/049819 William W Ramsay of Army Service Corps. Entered France 26.7.1915 and awarded a 1914-15 Star trio. To class Z 9.5.1919.

Then checked London Gazette and found entry for 3.6.1919

Mech/S/Sgt M2/049819 Ramsay W W 34th Div M T Coy (Edinburgh) award of MM

John

[eltoro1960]

John , thanks for that excellent reply, I would say that he is indeed the man, good piece of detective work by you, cheers

John

[Nigel Marshall]

Fantastic picture!

Cheers,

Nigel