Robert Quigg VC

The possibility is being examined of having a dedicated memorial or sculpture in the admirable little  village of Bushmills, County Antrim, to honour Sergeant Robert Quigg VC, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour at the Battle of the Somme.

Discussions have taken place at Moyle Council in Ballycastle and it was agreed to write to the Royal British Legion in Bushmills and the Macnaghten family, of Dundarave, to get their views.

Many, including self, would like to see a memorial in place in Bushmills ahead of 2016 which will be the centenary of Quigg's heroics in World War One.

A local historian, Robert Thompson, said:

"In July of 1916 Robert Quigg risked his life to rescue wounded soldiers at the Somme and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts.
"He is the only Victoria Cross winner north of Belfast, yet he is ignored by his home town of Bushmills. If this was anywhere else in the world he would be feted and honoured forever."

North Antrim Assemblyman Robin Swann is also pushing for a memorial. He said:

"While Robert is acknowledged by the presence of a plaque at the War Memorial, the community have suggested that a more fitting tribute or a statue or sculpture could be provided in time for the centenary of his actions.
"I am sure the community will play a full part in planning such a tribute but clearly leadership from the Council in delivering such a memorial will be very important."

Robert Quigg, from the village, enlisted in the 12th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (Mid-Antrim Volunteers) during World War One.

His platoon commander was Lieutenant Harry Macnaghten (Sir Edward Harry Macnaghten, 6th Baronet, 1896–1916).

On 1 July Robert's platoon advanced three times only to be beaten back by the Germans. Many hundreds of the 12th Battalion were either killed or wounded.

In the confusion of battle it became known that Lieutenant Macnaghten was missing. Robert Quigg immediately volunteered to go out into no-man's land and search for his commander.

His actions during that fruitless search led him to receive the Victoria Cross.

His citation reads as follows:

Hearing a rumour that his platoon officer was lying wounded, he went out seven times to look for him, under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, each time bringing back a wounded man.

The last man he dragged on a waterproof sheet from within yards of the enemy's wire. He was seven hours engaged in this most gallant work, and was finally so exhausted that he had to give it up.
The body of Sir (Edward) Harry Macnaghten, 6th Baronet, was never found.

Most tragically for Edith, Lady Macnaghten, her two sons, the 6th and 7th Baronets, were both killed in action.

Robert Quigg returned to Bushmills to a hero's welcome. He died in 1955 and was buried with full military honours at Billy Church.

Councillor Joan Baird described Quigg as "a very famous hero of our area".

First published in August,  2011.