Memorial Bench Installed

Co-op Memorials and Co-op Funeralcare, Dunfermline are proud to supply and fix the memorial bench to honour one of Dunfermline`s World War 1 heroes, David Hunter VC.

Following working with Mr Hunters family to establish his part in World War 1 and how he won his VC, this led to the refurbishment of Mr Hunter VC’s grave and rededication service involving the family which in turn led to the very successful World War 1 commemorative day organised by the Dunfermline Athletic Heritage Trust.

Kenny McLachlan of Co-op Funeralcare was a member of the Dunfermline Athletic Heritage Trust group who visited France/Belgium last June to witness the 100 year commemorations of the commencement of the Battle Of The Somme where they were party to an “on the scene” descriptive re-enactment of how David Hunter led the 7 heroes of Moevres in action to defend a shell hole for 48 hours behind enemy lines with little ammunition or rations, an act of extreme bravery for which he was awarded the VC.

Kenny said: "When we were offered the memorial bench to place in our community to recognise a public figure we thought it was fitting to offer the bench to Dunfermline Athletic to sit alongside a memorial slab which is to be provided by the government (to all VC winners of WW1 on the 100th anniversary of the action) in a position of the descendants choosing, this will be sited adjacent to the bench next year. One of Mr Hunter VC’s Grandsons is Ian Hunter who is a member of the DAFC board of Directors."

Club Director, Ian Hunter said: "On behalf of the family, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Kenny Mclachlan and his colleagues at Co-op Memorials and Co-op funeral care Dunfermline for providing and installing this memorial to David Hunter V.C.

Having already arranged for the refurbishment of David Hunter’s gravestone in the local cemetery and having organised the re-dedication service, it is very generous of them to have donated this very fitting tribute to my grandfather.

We are grateful, too, to Dunfermline Athletic for allowing the memorial bench to be placed outside East End Park. The club meant a lot to David Hunter, who used to stand on the terracing at “the town end” with his sons and grandsons.

Having had the privilege of visiting Moeuvres last year, on a trip to mark the centenary of The Battle of The Somme, I am looking forward to marking the centenary of my grandfather’s award of his Victoria Cross in September 1918".

Co-op Memorials and Co-op Funeralcare are proud to continue our strong links with the football club