War Memorials Elsewhere, - Freshwater, Isle of Wight

The War Memorial outside All Saints' Church, Freshwater (Isle of Wight)
(Photo : John Powell <jswp@btinternet.com>)

The War Memorial outside All Saints' Church, Isle of Wight, contains a number of names which are are listed and detailed on the website for the Monuments and memorials of the Isle of Wight;-
http://www.isle-of-wight-memorials.org.uk/towns/freshwater.htm

However, one name on this memorial is of great interest in connection with remembrance of soldiers of the Yorkshire Regiment, - Major Stewart Loudoun-Shand, VC.

Major Loudoun-Shand's connection with the Isle of Wight is unclear, though the above website points out that he had a brother who lived in Freshwater.

Major Stewart Walter Loudoun-Shand, VC. 10th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Son of Mr. J. L. Loudoun-Shand, of 27, Alleyn Park, Dulwich, London. Killed 1 July 1916. Aged 36.
Buried NORFOLK CEMETERY, BECORDEL-BECOURT.

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 29740, dated 8th Sept., 1916, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery. When his company attempted to climb over the parapet to attack the enemy's trenches, they were met by very fierce machine gun fire, which temporarily stopped their progress. Maj. Loudoun-Shand immediately leapt on the parapet, helped the men over it, and encouraged them in every way until he fell mortally wounded. Even then he insisted on being propped up in the trench, and went on encouraging the non-commissioned officers and men until he died."

The panel which carries Major Loudoun-Shand's name
on the War Memorial outside All Saints' Church, Freshwater (Isle of Wight)
(Photo : John Powell <jswp@btinternet.com>)

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