The 87-year-old daughter of a north-east war hero will watch as her father’s legendary acts of valour are re-enacted during a celebration in his hometown.
Private George McIntosh braved a barrage of machine gun fire as he charged and single-handedly destroyed an “impregnable” German position.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross following his actions during the Battle of Passchendaele on July 31, 1917.
The centenary of the deeds which earned him a place in military history will be unveiled next Saturday, July 29, in the form of a commemorative stone in Buckie.
And the Gordon Highlanders have planned a day of activity around the memory of the soldier and of the regiment’s other 18 recipients of the ultimate military accolade – which will take place at the war memorial in Cluny Square at 1pm.
Around 400 veterans and 15 motorcyclists from the famed regiment are expected to make their way to Linzee Gordon Park.
Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Clare Russell, will inspect the parade and there will be a commemorative service featuring speeches, hymns and a letter written especially for the occasion by The Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles.
Regimental secretary Major Grenville Irvine-Fortescue will read out the citation that accompanied Pte McIntosh’s Victoria Cross presentation.
It is expected that as many as 5,000 people from as far as Australia will fill the park to pay their respects to the Buckie man.
But the most important guest will be Pte McIntosh’s 87-year-old daughter Grace – who organisers describe as a “feisty lady” despite her years.
She will watch with interest as World War I re-enactment society the Great War Boys replicate her dad’s monumental act of courage during a display at 3.45pm.
Major Irvine-Fortescue explained that the day would be an “emotional” one for the regiment.
He said: “The parade will be in commemoration of all 19 Gordon Highlanders who were awarded Victoria Crosses.
“We think about 900 veterans and their families will attend, and this will probably be the last big formal parade the regiment has.
“There is no more poignant way to do that than by marking the incredible bravery of the 19 Gordon Highlanders who won the Victoria Cross.”
A gathering of veterans at a marquee will continue into the night, with a fireworks display at 10pm capping off the occasion.
