THE GRANDSON OF a First World War admiral and Victoria Cross recipient is speaking of his pride that the Moray community in which he spent much of his life is to pay a special tribute this month.
Admiral Sir Martin Dunbar-Nasmith passed away at his Rothes home in June 1965 – almost 50 years to the day after he received official notification of his being awarded the VC.
The admiral was a 32-year-old Royal Navy captain when he was awarded the nation’s highest award ‘for valour’ after he had commanded a submarine that was credited with sinking almost 100 ships during World War I.
It was after the second war that he settled in the family home at the Glen of Rothes, continuing to work hard for the local community until his death at 83-years-old.
Now the Rothes community will pay tribute to their famous son on the 100th anniversary of his being awarded the VC, when a paving stone inscribed in his memory is laid in the town.
Sir Martin’s grandson Duncan Dunbar-Nasmith, who was just seven years old when his grandfather died, said: “It has become clear to me how interested people are in my grandfather’s achievements.
“He is still revered by the Royal Navy’s submarine service. It only began in 1901 so everyone was still finding their way during World War I – and many of the innovations he designed are still used to this day.
“Every year I give a talk to recruits at Faslane who still see him as an inspiration. Moray became his home and he was very involved in the local community – the commemoration event will be a proud day for the family.”
The stone being laid in Sir Martin’s honour is one of almost 630 commissioned by the UK Government in honour of servicemen awarded the VC during the Great War.
When it is unveiled on June 25 at 11.15am at the Rothes War Memorial the Royal Marines Corps of Drums will be present while a pupil from Rothes Primary School will read out the Admiral’s VC citation.