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Capt. Eric Archibald McNair
British Army 9th Btn. att. G.H.Q. General Staff Royal Sussex Regiment
from:Calcutta, India
(d.12th Aug 1918)
Eric McNair was the son of George Burgh McNair and Isabella Frederica McNair, of 5, Harrington St., Calcutta. He died on the 12th August 1918, aged 24, and is buried in the Staglieno Cemetery in Genoa, Italy.
An extract from The London Gazette No. 29527, dated 28th March, 1916, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery. When the enemy exploded a mine, Lieutenant McNair and many men of two platoons were hoisted into the air, and many men were buried. But, though much shaken, he at once organised a party with a machine gun to man the near edge of the crater and opened rapid fire on a large party of the enemy, who were advancing. The enemy were driven back, leaving many dead. Lieutenant McNair then ran back for reinforcements, and sent to another unit for bombs, ammunition and tools to replace those buried. The communication trench being blocked he went across the open under heavy fire and led up the reinforcements the same way. His prompt and plucky action and example undoubtedly saved the situation."
