William Angus

William Angus VC (28 February 1888 – 14 June 1959), also known as Willie Angus, was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Early life Angus was born at Polkemmet Rows, Cappers, Armadale. Angus made two Scottish League appearances on loan to Vale of Leven in 1912. was transferred to the 8th Royal Scots, the first Territorial battalion to join the Expeditionary Force. 8th Royal Scots had suffered a great many casualties and were in urgent need of replacements. He was serving as a lance-corporal in this battalion when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Victoria Cross On 12 June 1915 at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée, France, Lance-Corporal Angus voluntarily left his trench to rescue a wounded officer, fellow Carluke man Lieutenant James Martin, who was lying within a few yards of the enemy's position and had been injured by a mine. To do this he had to travel through 64 metres in no-man's land under heavy bomb and rifle fire, His commanding officer said there had been no braver deed in the history of the British Army.

Aftermath After the rescue he was taken to a military hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where he learned of his award of the Victoria Cross. After 2 months in hospital he returned to London where he was given the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 30 August 1915. When the King commented on his 40 injuries, Angus was said to have answered "Aye, sir, but only 13 were serious.".

After he had returned to Carluke, he was given a hero's welcome and received standing ovations at Celtic Park and Ibrox. A memorial stone was also laid at his birthplace in Armadale.