A CAMPAIGN to bring a Port Glasgow war hero's medals home has sadly fallen short.

Company Sergeant Major and Warrant Officer 2nd class Alexander McLachlan was honoured for his bravery in Gallipoli in World World One.

His distinguished conduct medals were up for sale and a group of private individuals launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £3,000 to buy the medals for the Watt Institution in Greenock.

Sadly the deadline passed on Friday without the necessary funds to purchase the medals.

Sergeant Major McLachlan was with the 5th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

Known as Sandy, he was Foreman Blacksmith with Clyde Shipbuilding and Engineering and lived in Port Glasgow.

The citation for his award says: "For conspicuous gallantry on 12th July 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. During the advance he assisted in clearing the hostile trench, killing four of the enemy himself, and afterwards rendered valuable aid in consolidating and holding it. He then advanced with his party to an isolated trench and held it until relieved.

"He had been 30 hours in action and had set a fine example to his men".

Research by campaigners showed that Mr McLachlan lived at 3 Kilmory Terrace in the Port.

He became a volunteer at 14 and he and his wife were members of Port Glasgow Parish Church.

The announcement of the distinguished medal award was published in the London Gazette in September 1915.

A spokesperson for Inverclyde Council said: “One of the key principles of the Watt Institution’s acquisitions policy, particularly in relation to medals, is that they should have a strong, specific connection to Inverclyde.

“Company Sergeant Major Alexander McLachlan was a true local hero.

"He served in the 5th Battalion of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, which included men from Greenock, Gourock, Port Glasgow, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

“During the First World War the battalion fought in the Gallipoli Campaign in present day Turkey. The campaign was a failure which cost thousands of lives.

“Company Sergeant Major McLachlan and his fellow soldiers fought bravely and their sacrifice and valour is remembered in a specially commissioned stained glass window at the Institution.

“His campaign medals would have been a fitting addition to this memorial and the Institution would have been proud to have them.”