A Moray town came to a standstill at the weekend as the names of two forgotten heroes who won Britain’s highest military honour were etched into history.
The tributes to Keith-born Victoria Cross winners John Ripley and George Sellar were unveiled at the town’s war memorial during a moving service.
The ceremony – 100 years to the day since Corporal Ripley won the VC whilst serving with the Black Watch in France during World War I – was led by Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE.
The Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Roger Goodyear joined him, along with descendants of John Ripley, Moray Council convener Allan Wright and representatives from the Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) Regimental Association.
The Keith and District Heritage Group commissioned a second stone to commemorate Lance Corporal Sellar, who won his VC during the second Anglo-Afghan war in 1879.
The group’s co-coordinator, Isobel Shanks, revealed L/Cpl Sellar’s stone along with Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) R J Towns MBE.
She said: “We are just absolutely delighted that we can now properly boast about the calibre of men that can be bred in this town for those who are now growing up in Keith.”
Cpl Ripley’s great-grand nephew Steven Ripley revealed the stone of his ancestor, as fellow family members from Edinburgh, Birmingham and Essex looked on.
Mr Ripley said: “The ceremony was very moving, particularly when Alistair Irwin mentioned the fact 800 officers and 1,100 men died that day on May 9, 100 years ago.
“I have to admit I had a lump in my throat at that moment.
“It was a good turnout, and I’ve discovered relatives from New Jersey, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
“The Ripley family went far and wide. They were a get-up-and-go type of family, and we still are today.”
Although L/Cpl Sellar’s family could not be traced in time to attend the event, Stuart Paul Griffiths, born in Warwickshire in 1969, was found to be his closest living relative.