LORD ASHCROFT’S “HERO OF THE MONTH”
Acting Captain Allastair Malcolm McReady-Diarmid VC
SKILL
AGGRESSION • BOLDNESS
INITIATIVE • LEADERSHIP
SACRIFICE • ENDURANCE
The many Victoria Crosses and George Crosses in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London are displayed under one of seven different qualities of bravery. Whilst Acting Captain Allastair Malcolm Cluny McReady- Diarmid VC’s award is not part of the collection, Lord Ashcroft feels that it falls within the category of skill: “Wisdom, sound judgement and technical knowledge are the hallmarks of Skill. It is about using resources to greatest effect usually under intense pressure. For many involved in bomb disposal, while a single movement might start the clock ticking, the puzzle still has to be solved, the game won. Perseverance is everything.”
A LLASTAIR MALCOLM Cluny McReady-Diarmid (as he was known as the time of his death) was born with the name of Arthur Malcolm McReady-Drew on 21 March 1888. One of four sons born to Herbert Drew, a civil servant, and his wife Fanny (née McReady), he was born in New Southgate, London. The young Arthur (as he was then known) was educated at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar Preparatory School in Barn…
