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Lt ERIC STUART DOUGALL VC
- Extended Description
- The Battle of the Lys (9-29 April 1918) was part of the German Spring Offensive. The town of Messines was captured on the 10th April, but not without a fight.
LIEUTENANT (ACTING CAPTAIN) ERIC STUART DOUGALL VC – ‘A’ Battery, 88th Brigade RFA
10th April 1918, near Messines
Captain Dougall kept his guns in action from early morning throughout a heavy concentration of gas and H.E. shell. Finding that he could not clear the crest owing to the withdrawal of the British line, he ran his guns on to the top of the ridge to fire over open sights. By this time the infantry had been pressed back in line with the guns. Captain Dougall at once took command of the situation, rallied and organised the infantry, and armed as many gunners as he could spare with rifles. Although exposed to both rifle and machine gun fire, he walked about as though on parade, calmly giving orders and encouraging everybody. He told the infantry: “So long as you stick to your trenches I will keep my guns here”. This line was maintained throughout the day, thereby delaying the enemy’s advance for over twelve hours.
‘Owing to Captain Dougall’s personality and skilful leadership throughout this trying day there is no doubt that a serious breach in our line was averted.
This gallant officer was killed four days later whilst directing the fire of his battery.’
