Lieutenant Commander M D Wanklyn VC, DSO Memorial

A modest stone memorial stands in recognition of one of the Second World War's most decorated submariners. Lieutenant Commander Malcolm Wanklyn VC, DSO earned his Victoria Cross commanding HMS Upholder in the Mediterranean, sinking more enemy tonnage than any other British submarine captain of the war. The memorial itself is straightforward - the kind of local monument you'll find across Britain honouring extraordinary service - but what makes it worth seeking out is the story behind it.

Wanklyn was from this part of Dumfries and Galloway, and the memorial connects you to a genuinely remarkable naval history that feels surprisingly personal when you're standing there. It's not a major attraction with crowds or facilities. Instead, it's the sort of place that appeals to military history enthusiasts, veterans, or anyone interested in the quieter corners of wartime sacrifice. The memorial requires no admission and you can visit it freely, though given its location in Stranraer it's best combined with other activities in the area.

If you're staying at Sands of Luce Holiday Park just down the coast, it's absolutely worth a short detour. Allow fifteen minutes maximum at the memorial itself, but the drive through the lowlands and time spent reading about Wanklyn's exploits makes for a proper piece of Scottish military heritage. Go when you're exploring Stranraer rather than as a destination in itself, and bring a camera if you're into recording these quieter memorials.