Old photograph of Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland. Formerly a prosperous fishing and whaling village, in the 19th century Broughty Ferry became a haven for wealthy jute barons, who built their luxury villas in the suburb. As a result, Broughty Ferry was referred to at the time as the “ richest square mile in Europe ”. The area was a separate burgh from 1864 until 1913, when it was incorporated into Dundee.
Wing Commander Hugh Gordon Malcolm, born 2 May 1917, died 4 December 1942, was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Malcolm was born in Broughty Ferry, and educated at Craigflower Preparatory School near Dunfermline in Fife, and Glenalmond College in Perthshire. He entered the Royal Air Force College Cranwell on 9 January 1936. In January 1938, Malcolm joined 26 (Army Co-operation) squadron at Catterick. In May 1939, he suffered a serious head injury in a Westland Lysander crash. Malcolm was a 25 year old Wing Commander commanding 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 4 December, he led a thirteen strong attack on an enemy fighter airfield near Chougui, Tunisia. On reaching the target, however, and starting the attack, the squadron was intercepted by an overwhelming force of enemy fighters from I and II. Gruppen JG 53, and 11 Staffel, JG 2. One by one, all his bombers were shot down, until he himself was shot down in flames. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross on 27 April 1943. His was the first Royal Air Force Victoria Cross to be won in North Africa and the famous Malcolm Clubs opened at many RAF stations are named in his honour.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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