First World War British Victory Medal - Private Francis McLeary, Gordon Highlanders
Victory Medal - S-10187 PTE. F. MC LEARY. GORDONS.
Francis McLeary, of Burnside Place, Coatbridge (later living in Airdrie), enlisted into the Gordon Highlanders on 25 May 1915. After completing his training, he was posted overseas and first served with the 10th Battalion, before being transferred to the 2nd Battalion, with which he spent the greater part of his time on the Western Front.
The 2nd Gordons were heavily engaged throughout the war, taking part in many of the major actions in France and Flanders between 1915 and 1918. Life on the front line meant long periods in the trenches, regular movement under difficult conditions, and constant exposure to the hardships of active service.
In 1917 McLeary suffered a painful inflammation of the connective tissue of the leg, requiring hospitalisation and later convalescence, but he returned to duty and continued to serve until the final year of the war. His illness ultimately led to his discharge on 20 December 1918, and he later received the Silver War Badge in recognition of being released due to sickness.
Francis McLeary died in 1924, only a few years after the war, one of many whose health never fully recovered from the strain of service.
A wartime Gordon Highlander whose medal reflects several demanding years on the Western Front with two battalions of this distinguished regiment.
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