John Carmichael, V.C., being congratulated by Rev.E.Sherwood Gunson and his daughter, Georgina
Sergeant Carmichael's official citation reads :
"For most conspicious bravery. When excavating a trench, Sergeant Carmichael saw that a grenade had been unearthed and had started to burn. He immediately rushed to the spot, and shouting to his men to get clear, placed his steel helmet on the grenade and stood on the helmet. The grenade exploded and blew him out of the trench. Sergeant Carmichael could have thrown the grenade out of the trench, but he realised that by so doing, he would have endangered the lives of men working on top. By this splendid act of resource and self sacrifice, Sergeant Carmichael undoubtedly saved many men from injury, but it resulted in serious injury to himself."
John Carmichael V.C. returned to live in the village of Glenmavis, where he died in 1977. He was buried with full military honours in New Monkland Cemetary. His Victoria Cross was returned to his regiment.
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