| THE HEADSTONE OVER THE GRAVE OF PRIVATE HENRY MAY VC HAS BEEN RENEWED IN RIDDRIE PARK CEMETERY, GLASGOW, AFTER THE ORIGINAL STONE HAD BEEN VANDALISED. |
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| 12 September 2006 |
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Following Henry May's death in July 1941 a headstone was placed over his grave in Riddrie Cemetery, Glasgow, which didn't contain his name, but did commemorated his two children. Over the past few years Henry May's headstone had deteriorated, suffered badly from vandalisism, and had been knocked over. Therefore, it was decided to erect a new headstone over Henry May's burial plot recognising him as one of Glasgow's Victoria Cross holders. |
| The ceremony to unveil the new headstone took place on the 12th September 2006 where members of the May family gathered in Riddrie Cemetery, accompanied by representatives of Henry May's old regiment, the Cameronians ( Scottish Rifles ), the regimental museum, the Thistle & Poppy Society, and the Royal British Legion.
For the award of the Victoria Cross. [ London Gazette, 19 April 1915 ], La Boutillerie, France, 22 October 1914, Private Henry May, 1st Bn, Cameronians ( Scottish Rifles )
For most conspicuous bravery near La Boutillerie, on 22nd October, 1914, in voluntarily endeavouring to rescue, under very heavy fire, a wounded man, who was killed before he could save him, and subsequently, on the same day, in carrying a wounded Officer a distance of 300 yards into safety whilst exposed to very severe fire.
Private Henry May was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 12th August 1915.
Henry May was discharged from the Army on 28th August 1915 when his regular engagement of thirteen years expired. He rejoined in 1918 and in March obtained a commission with the Motor Transport Corps and was demobilized with the rank of temporary Lieutenant in 1919.
After the war May joined a hosiery firm the Glasgow Manufacturing Company in which he became a partner. He was taken ill at his home and died in the Glasgow Infirmary on 26th July 1942, just before his fifty-sixth birthday. His funeral took place at Riddrie Park Cemetery, Glasgow, and was the largest seen in the East End for a long time. It was attended by four holders of the Victoria Cross: John McAulay, Robert Downie, David Lauder and Walter Ritchie.
Medal entitlement of Private Henry May - 1st Bn, Cameronians ( Scottish Rifles )
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Iain Stewart, 22 September 2006