BB Gazette Vol.23 No.1 – The Brigade Executive have awarded the Cross for Heroism to Sergeant James Massie, aged 16, 12th Aberdeen Company, for rescuing a comrade from drowning in the River Dee on 9th July, 1914.

Aberdeen Evening Express, 24^th July 1914 – Punctually at 3 o’clock, General Colin Mackenzie accompanied by Major Moir, his ADC, drove into the field. He was received with the general salute, and afterwards made a thorough inspection of the various battalions. On all hands it was agreed that the boys excelled themselves at the march past. The crowning success of the afternoon, however, was the presentation of the Brigade Cross for Heroism to Sergeant James Massie, of the 12^th Company (Ferryhill Parish), boys and visitors alike giving vent to their feelings in deafening cheering at the inspecting officer pinned the much coveted honour on his breast.

Aberdeen Evening Express, 7^th September 1914 – At the meeting of Aberdeen Town Council this afternoon, James Massie a smart-looking lad, was presented with a silver watch from the Carnegie Trustees with a silver watch from the Carnegie Trustees in recognition of gallantry. Lord Provost Maitland, who presided, said that at the August meeting Massie received the Royal Humane Society’s parchment for gallantry in attempting to save the lives of two companions from drowning in the river Dee, opposite the Duthie Park, on 9^th July.