Sergeant Lachlan Bain, DCM

SERGEANT LACHLAN BAIN DCM [Note]

Scottish Soldier Serving with the Second Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders

Sergeant Lachland Bain, here treated, is the son of John Bain and his wife Elizabeth Mackenzie. The Bains of Dochcarty: 19 He was born in 1887. His birth was registered in the parish of Fodderty in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. [National Records of Scotland, Statutory Register of Births for 1887, registration district number 65/ (Fodderty), entry number 9]

Monumental Inscription

In loving memory of our Father John Bain who died at Dochcarty 20th August 1917 aged 75 years. Also our Mother Elizabeth Mackenzie who died 23rd December 1915 aged 65 years. And our brother Kenneth who died in infancy. Also our brother-in-law Private Ronald Johnson who was killed in action in France 28th June 1918 aged 36 years. Also of our brother Sergeant Lachlan Bain, D.C.M. [Note] 2nd Seaforths who died at Meerut, India, 23rd February 1921 age 34 years. Also their son Henry who died at Windyneuk, Edderton, on 11 March 1964 aged 80 years. And his wife, our dear Mother Elizabeth Sinclair died 5th January 1980 aged 78 years. The Bains of Dochcarty: 19

Note: The Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries. The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean War, to recognise gallantry within the other ranks, for which it was equivalent of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) awarded for bravery to commissioned officers, but the DCM ranked well below the DSO in precedence. Bars were awarded to the DCM in recognition of the performance of further acts of gallantry meriting the award. Recipients are entitled to the post-nominal letters DCM. A silver medal 36 mm in diameter. The original obverse of this medal depicted a trophy of arms as seen on early Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. However in 1902 this was replaced by the effigy of the reigning monarch. The reverse on all issues bears the inscription "FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD". The suspender is of an ornate scroll type. The ribbon is 32 mm wide, with three equal parts crimson, dark blue, and crimson. Bars were authorised for subsequent awards originally bearing the date of the subsequent awards but changing to laurel wreaths in 1916. Forces War Records