A particularly good D.C.M. M.M. group 1/5 Gordon Highlanders, DCM awarded for taking command (1st day Third Ypres) when his platoon commander was wounded resulting in the capture of a farmhouse and 60 prisoners. His Military Medal for services whilst a Prisoner of War having been taken prisoner at St. Quentin, first day of the German March Offensive. After the war joined the ‘Black & Tans” early 1921 serving until their disbandment serving in Monaghan

D.C.M. (GV) (Sjt. 1/5 Gordon Highrs.), M.M.  (GV) (Sjt. 5/ Gordon Highrs.), 1914/15 Star (Pte. Gordons), B.W.M., Victory (Sjt. Gordons), Defence &. War Medals (Canadian issues), Canada Volunteer Service Overseas.

T. Bisset

D.C.M. L.G. 26/1/1918

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty . When the Platoon Commander was wounded, he took command and led the men forward to the enemy’s trench under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. He afterwards led them forward with the leading company and attacked a farm under heavy machine gun fire, capturing 60 prisoners. He displayed the utmost gallantry and determination throughout the day.’

M.M. L.G. 30/01/1920 ‘Under Army Order 193 of 1919 For gallant and distinguished service in the Field dated 5th May, 1919 ‘For services whilst a prisoner of war in German hands for escaping or attempting to escape.’

Thomas Bisset was born in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire on 20 August 1892. He resided pre war at 16 Chapel Street, Peterhead. During the Great War he served with the 1/5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders and entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 2 May 1915. For his bravery and distinguished service in action he was awarded the D.C.M. During the German Spring Offensive he was captured and spent the remaining months of the war as a prisoner-of-war. The German offensive of 21st March 1918, on the Western Front, overran the 5th Gordons who virtually ceased to exist. They were now in the 61st Division, in the area of Fresnoy-le-Petit which was hardest hit. After the barrage and infantry attack there were only 30 men left.

For his services as a P.O.W. he was awarded the M.M. After the war Sergeant Bisset left the army, being disembodied on 27 March 1919.

Bisset was recruited into the Royal Irish Constabulary in Glasgow and appointed to the force on 9 March 1921, subsequently being posted to Monaghan County. Bisset saw out his service through to disbandment on 6 February 1922 – at which time he received a gratuity of £46.16.0.

Bisset later moved and worked at Detroit, U.S.A. before moving to Canada in the 1930’s where he was employed as a Trucker. Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Bisset joined the Canadian Army, joining the Toronto Scottish Machine Gun Battalion for overseas service. He subsequently served as an officer’s batman when the regiment moved to England in 1940. Bisset was discharged in June 1944 as being ‘no longer required’.