On the 21st December 1941, George Buglass, a Private serving with the Royal Scots was killed in action. His name has only been commemorated on the far-flung Sai Wan Memorial in Chai Wan, Hong Kong – until now. We were honoured to attend the service in Cupar …

Before he signed up to serve in the Royal Scots, George Buglass, had worked as a farm labourer in and around Cupar. His name had never been etched on any memorial at home. His niece, Margaret L’Etang, started a campaign to put that right. Three years ago, she contacted Councillor Tony Miklinski who started the ball rolling.

Margaret says: “I am so grateful to Cllr Miklinski for all his efforts to make this happen.  It has been a long held dream of mine to get my Uncle’s sacrifice recognised and the dignity and sensitivity of the ceremony, today, was overwhelming.  Given my Uncle’s work as a farm labourer in and around Cupar before the war, it had to be the Cupar War Memorial and I am just so happy to see his name there.”

Cllr Tony Miklinski spoke at the service (below right), welcoming those who gathered at the memorial. An Act of Remembrance was given by the Rev Gavin Black and the names of the fallen were read – Margaret reading out her Uncle’s name to complete the commemoration before she and members of her family laid a wreath (below left).

Cllr Miklinski adds: “It’s not easy to get a war memorial changed and I am delighted to have been part of a team of people, not least the former Community Manager, Janice Laird, who have played their part in adding Private Buglass to the Cupar War Memorial. His sacrifice will now be honoured in his home town forever. My thanks to Joe Preece and the Royal British Legion for making the day so special for Margaret L’Etang and her siblings.”

 

Thanks for reading.