DAFC World War One Day

Lest we forget. A day of events to commemorate the involvement of Dunfermline Athletic in the 1914-1918 World War.

An opening address was given by Fraser Bedwell of Poppy Scotland ahead of talks by relatives of two Dunfermline World War One VCs about their family members.

Colonel Helen Homewood,the niece of John Erskine VC gave the first talk and that was followed by DAFC director Ian Hunter talking about his grandfather David Ferguson Hunter VC. Brought up in Kingseat and David attended Halbeath Primary School.

David Hunter was one of the seven heroes of Moeuvres and was also a 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.

Hunter was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 5th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC by King George on 23 October 1918.

On 16/17 September 1918 at Moeuvres, France, Corporal Hunter was detailed to take on an advanced post which was established in shell holes close to the enemy. There was no opportunity for reconnoitring adjacent ground, and the following afternoon Corporal Hunter found that the enemy had established posts all round him, isolating his command. He determined to hold out and despite being exceedingly short of food and water this NCO managed to maintain his position for over 48 hours until a counter-attack relieved him. He repelled frequent enemy attacks and also barrage from our attacks, which came right across his post.

He was subsequently promoted to the rank of sergeant on 23 October 1918 and has his portrait in Imperial War Museum. At the end of the war returned to Dunfermline and to the mines in Fife. He died aged 73 on 14 February 1965.

One of his other grandsons also called Davie also has connections with DAFC coaching at youth level for many years.

A selection of music from World War One was performed by the Co-operative Funeralcare Brass Band. Heather Henderson of Kelty Musical Association sang a medley of World War One songs and Bagpipe music was provided by John Rae, formerly of the Scots Guards.

A service was conducted by civil celebrant Denis Madden and Pastor Jimmy Dowds, the DAFC Chaplain.

Gordon Baird gave an interesting talk on Dunfermline Athletic's First World War connections. David Hardie was one of the first players to leave for the war. He was followed among others by Jock Philp, James Gray, David Izatt, Jimmy Morton who enlisted. The latter two died at the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Gunner Douglas Morgan the club's left back was killed. This event on Sunday gave us all a chance to remember all those who served in the war.

Scottish Football League suspended competition during the First World War but Dunfermline continued in the Eastern League. When East End Park was commandeered for military horses and heavy transport wagons, the football club moved to use Blackburn Park at Milesmark. The team changed in the neighbouring Red Lion public house that was owned by the chairman. Experiences there with relatively small gates quashed any ideas of a permanent move away from Halbeath Road. The Club were reportedly £1100 in debt as a result of the military's use of their ground.

Lest We Forget real ale was specially brewed by John Reade of the Abbot Brew House for the event.