War Horse, The Real Thing.

The astonishing story of a First World War army officer and his trusted mount continues to bridge the generations in Angus and America. In 2021, the remarkable tale of Captain Alexander Wallace and his chestnut mare, Vic, came to light. Their journey stretched from the tranquil farmland of the Angus coast to the horror of Flanders’ fields, and home again.

It was uncovered by Montrose Air Station Museum volunteers Sian Brewis and her late husband, Michael. Their detective work unearthed a story of how the elegant horse was selected by Capt. Wallace’s father – and Arbroath vet – to go into battle with his beloved son. Together, the pair survived the war. Capt. Wallace was twice mentioned in dispatches and awarded the Military Cross for bravery.

Vic was the only one of more than 130 Royal Field Artillery horses from the Forfarshire battery to return home. Capt. Wallace’s fondness for the mare saw him ensure his brother bought her at auction. On May 10 1919 at Aldridge’s Repository in London, the faithful steed was secured for the sum of 45 guineas.

Fate then brought them together on a London railway platform as the officer was returning from leave just as the horse was starting her journey home. He emigrated to America and worked as an engineer. Capt. Wallace died in 1977.

But Sandy, as he was known to his family, remained in touch with the McGregor farming family who gave Vic the life she deserved.