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Victoria Cross London Gazette 24.2.1857 Commander John Edmund Commerell Royal Navy
(Jointly with Quartermaster William Thomas Rickard)
Date of Act of Bravery, 11.10.1855. Sea of Azoff.
When commanding the ‘Weser,’ in the Sea of Azoff, crossed the Isthmus of Arabat and destroyed large quantities of forage on the Crimean shore of the Sivash.
This enterprise was performed by Commander Commerell at night, accompanied by William Rickard, Quartermaster, and George Milestone, A.B. Having hauled their small boat across the Spit of Arabat, they traversed the Sivash to the Crimean shore of the Putrid Sea. The magazine of corn, of which they were in search, lay about two miles and a-half off, and to reach it they had to forge two rivers, the Kara-su and the Salghir. The forage and corn amounting to 400 tons were stacked on the banks of the latter river, in the vicinity of a guard-house, and close to from twenty to thirty mounted Cossacks, who were encamped in the neighbouring village. Commander Commerell and his two companions contrived to ignite the stacks, the rapid blazing of which alarmed the guard, who pursued them to the shore with a heavy fire of musketry, and very nearly succeeded in taking them prisoners.
Chief Officer of Coast Guards W. T. Rickard, V.C., C.G.M.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 24.2.1857 Quartermaster William Thomas Rickard
Royal Navy
(Jointly with Commander John Edmund Commerell)
Date of Act of Bravery, 11.10.1855. Sea of Azoff.
Accompanied his Commander, Lieutenant Commerell, of the ‘Weser,’ to the Crimean shore of the Sivash, and, whilst under heavy fire of musketry, remained to assist George Milestone, who had fallen.
The service performed by William Rickard is thus described by Commander Commerell, in his despatch:-“I must bring to your notice the excellent conduct of the small party who accompanied me, more especially that of William Rickard, Quartermaster, who though much fatigued himself, remained to assist the other seamen, who from exhaustion had, fallen into the mud, and was unable to extricate himself, notwithstanding the enemy were keeping up a heavy fire on us, at the distance of thirty or forty yards, as we crossed the mud.”
Boatswain’s Mate H. Curtis, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 24.2.1857 Boatswain’s Mate Henry Curtis
Royal Navy
(Jointly with Lieutenant Henry James Raby and Captain of the Forecastle James Taylor)
Date of Act of Bravery, 18.6.1855. Assault on Sebastopol.
On the 18th June, 1855, immediately after the assault on Sebastopol, a soldier of the 57th Regiment, who had been shot through both legs, was observed sitting up, and calling for assistance. Climbing over the breastwork of the advanced sap, Commander Raby and the two seamen proceeded upwards of seventy yards across the open space towards the salient angle of the Redan, and in spite of the heavy fire which was still continuing succeeded in carrying the wounded soldier to a place of safety, at the imminent risk of their own lives.
Major General Sir H.C. Elphinstone, V.C., K.C.B., C.M.G.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 4.6.1858 Lieutenant Howard Craufurd Elphinstone, Royal Engineers
Date of Act of Bravery, 18.6.1855. Attack on the Redan, Sebastopol.
For fearless conduct, in having, on the night after the unsuccessful attack on the Redan, volunteered to command a party a party of volunteers, who proceeded to search for and bring back the scaling ladders left behind after the repulse; and while successfully performing this task, of rescuing trophies from the Russians, Captain Elphinstone conducted a persevering search, close to the enemy, for wounded men, twenty of whom he rescued and brought back to the Trenches.
INDIAN MUTINY 1857-58
Lieutenant Colonel T. B. Hackett, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 12.4.1859 Lieutenant Thomas Bernard Hackett
Royal Welch Fusiliers
Date of Act of Bravery, 18.11.1857. Relief of Lucknow.
For daring gallantry at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, on the 18th November, 1857, in having with others, rescued a Corporal of the 23rd Regiment, who was lying wounded and exposed to very heavy fire. Also for conspicuous bravery, in having, under a heavy fire, ascended the roof, and cut down the thatch of a Bungalow, to prevent its being set on fire. This was a most important service at the time.
General Sir C. J. S. Gough, V.C., G.C.B.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 21.10.1859 Major Charles John Stanley Gough
5th Bengal European Cavalry
Date of Acts of Bravery, 15.8.1857. Action at Khurkowdah.
18.8.1857. Action at Rhotuck.
27.1.1858. Action at Shumshabad.
23.2.1858. Action at Meangunge.
First, for gallantry in affair at Khurkowdah near Rhotuck, on the 15th of August, 1857, in which he saved his brother, who was wounded, and killed two of the Enemy.
Secondly, for gallantry on the 18th of August, when he led a Troop of the Guide Cavalry in a charge, and cut down two of the Enemy’s Sowar, with one of whom he had a desperate hand to hand combat.
Thirdly, for gallantry on the 27th of January, 1858, at Shumshabad, where in a charge, he attacked one of the Enemy’s leaders and pierced him with his sword, which was carried out of his hand in the melee. He defended himself with his revolver, and shot two of the Enemy.
Fourthly, for gallantry on the 23rd of February at Meangunge, where he came to the assistance of Brevet-Major O.H. St. George Anson, and killed his opponent, immediately afterwards cutting down another of the Enemy in the same gallant manner.
NEW ZEALAND 1845-66
Major General Sir J. C. McNeill, V.C., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.M.G.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 16.08.1864 Lieutenant-Colonel John Carstairs McNeill
Bengal Infantry
Date of Act of Bravery, 30.3.1864. Action at Ohanpu.
For the valour and presence of mind which be displayed in New Zealand, on the 30th of March, 1864, which is thus described by Private Vosper, of the Colonial Defence Force.
Private Vosper states that he was sent on that day with Private Gibson, of the same Force, as an escort to Major (now Lieutenant Colonel) McNeill, Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-General Sir Duncan Cameron. Lieutenant Colonel McNeill was proceeding to Te Awamutu on duty at the time. On returning from that place, and about a mile on this side of Ohanpu, this Officer, having seen a body of the enemy in front, sent Private Gibson back to bring up Infantry from Ohanpu, and he and Private Vosper proceeded leisurely to the top of a rise to watch the enemy. Suddenly they were attacked by about 50 natives, who were concealed in the fern close at hand. Their only chance of escape was by riding for their lives, and as they turned to gallop, Private Vosper’s horse fell and threw him. The natives thereupon rushed forward to seize him, but Lieutenant-Colonel McNeill, on perceiving that Private Vosper was not following him, returned, caught his horse, and helped him to mount. The natives were firing sharply at them, and were near that, according to Private Vosper’s statement, it was only by galloping as hard as they could that they escaped. He says that he owes his life entirely to Lieutenant-Colonel McNeill’s assistance, for he could not have caught his horse alone, and in a few minutes must have been killed.
JAPAN 1865
Midshipman D. G. Boyes, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 21.4.1865 Midshipman Duncan Gordon Boyes
Royal Navy
(Jointly with Captain of the After Guard Thomas Pride)
Date of Act of Bravery, 6.9.1864. Shimonoseki Expedition
For conspicuous gallantry which according to the testimony of Captain Alexander, C.B., at that time Flag Captain to Vice Admiral Sir Augustus Kuper, K.C.B., Mr Boyes displayed on the occasion of the capture of the enemy’s stockade. He carried a colour with the leading Company, kept it in advance of all, in the face of the thickest fire, his Colour-Serjeants having fallen, one mortally, the other dangerously wounded; and he was only detained from proceeding yet further by the orders of his superior Officer. The Colour he carried was six times pierced by musket balls.
Thomas Pride, Captain of the After-guard, the survivor of the two Colour-Serjeants who supported Mr. Boyes in the gallant rush which he made in advance of the attack, is also recommended for the Victoria Cross for his conduct on this occasion.
SOUTH AFRICA 1877-79
Colonel John Rouse Merriott Chard, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.5.1879 Lieutenant John Rouse Merriott Chard
Royal Engineers
(Jointly with Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead)
Date of Act of Bravery, 22-23.1.1879. Defence of Rorke’s Drift.
For their gallant conduct at the defence of Rorke’s Drift, on the occasion of the attack by the Zulus on the 22nd and 23rd January, 1879.
The Lieutenant-General commanding the troops reports that, had it not been for the fine example and excellent behaviour of these two Officers under the most trying circumstances, the defence of Rorke’s Drift post would not have been conducted with that intelligence and tenacity which so essentially characterised it.
The Lieutenant-General adds, that its success must, in a great degree, be attributable to the two young Officer’s who exercised the Chief Command on the occasion in question.
Private Robert Jones, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.5.1879
2nd Battalion 24th Regiment of Foot
(Jointly with Private William Jones)
Date of Act of Bravery, 22-23.1.1879. Defence of Rorke’s Drift.
In another ward, facing the hill, Private William Jones and Private Robert Jones defended the post to the last, until six out of the seven patients it contained had been removed. The seventh, Sergeant Maxfield, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment, was delirious from fever. Although they had previously dressed him, they were unable to induce him to move. When Private Robert Jones returned to endeavour to carry him away, he found him being stabbed by Zulus as he lay on his bed.
FIRST BOER WAR 1880-81
Surgeon Major J. F. McCrea, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 28.6.1881 Surgeon John Frederick McCrea
1st Cape Mounted Yeomanry, South African Forces
Date of Act of Bravery, 14.1.1881. Attack at Tweefontein.
For his conspicuous bravery during the severely contested engagement with the Basutos on the 14th January, 1881, at Tweenfontein, near Thaba Tsen, when, after the enemy had charged the Burghers in the most determined manner, forcing them to retire with a loss of sixteen killed and twenty-one wounded, Surgeon McCrea went out for some distance, under a heavy fire, and, with the assistance of Captain Buxton of the Mafeteng Contingent, conveyed a wounded Burgher named Aircamp to the shelter of a large ant-heap, and having placed him in a position of safety returned to the Ambulance for a stretcher. Whilst on his way thither Surgeon McCrea was severely wounded in the right breast by a bullet, notwithstanding which, he continued to perform his duties at the Ambulance, and again assisted to bring in several wounded men, continuing afterwards to attend the wounded during the remainder of the day, and scarcely taking time to dress his own wound, which he was obliged to do himself, there being no other Medical Officer in the field.
Had it not have been for this gallantry and devotion to his duty on the part of Surgeon McCrea, the suffering of the wounded would undoubtedly have been much aggravated, and greater loss of life might very probably have ensued.
EGYPT AND THE SUDAN 1882-89
Colonel Sir P. S. Marling, V.C., C.B.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 21.5.1884 Lieutenant Percival Scrope Marling
3rd Battalion, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, late Mounted Infantry
Date of Act of Bravery, 13.3.1884. Battle of Tamaai.
For his conspicuous bravery at the battle of Tamaai, on 13th March last, in risking his life to save that of Private Morley, Royal Sussex Regiment, who, having been shot, was lifted and placed in front of Lieutenant Marling on his horse. He fell off almost immediately, when Lieutenant Marling dismounted, and gave up his horse for the purpose of carrying off Private Morley, the enemy pressing close on them until they succeeded in carrying him about 80 yards to a place of comparative safety.
CRETE 1898
Staff Surgeon W. J. Maillard, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.12.1898 Surgeon William Job Maillard
Royal Navy
Date of Act of Bravery, 6.9.1898. Action on Crete.
On the 6th September, 1898, during the landing of seamen from Her Majesty’s ship “Hazzard”, Surgeon Maillard, who had disembarked and reached a place of safety, returned through a perfect deluge of bullets to the boat and endeavoured to bring into safety Arthur Stroud, Ordinary Seaman, who had fallen back wounded into the boat as the other men jumped ashore. Surgeon Maillard failed to bring Stroud in only through the boat being adrift, and it being beyond his strength to lift the man (who was almost dead) out of so unstable a platform. Surgeon Maillard returned to his post with his clothes riddled with bullets, though he himself was unhurt.
SUDAN 1896-98
Brigadier General The Earl of Gowrie, V.C., G.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 28.2.1899 Captain The Honourable Alexander Gore Arkwright Hore-Ruthven
3rd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
Date of Act of Bravery, 22.9.1898. Action at Gedarif.
On the 22nd September, 1898, during the action of Gedarif, Captain Hore-Ruthven, seeing an Egyptian officer lying wounded within 50 yards of the advancing Dervishes, who were firing and charging picked him up and carried him towards the 16th Egyptian Battalion. He dropped the wounded officer two or three times, and fired upon the Dervishes, who were following, to check their advance. Had the officer been left where he first dropped, he must have been killed.
SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902
Brigadier General C. FitzClarence, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 4.7.1900 Captain Charles FitzClarence
The Royal Fusiliers
Date of Act of Bravery, 14.10.1899. Defence of Mafeking.
On the 14th October, 1899, Captain FitzClarence went with his squadron of the Protectorate Regiment, consisting of only partially trained men, who had never been in action, to the assistance of an armoured train which had gone from Mafeking. The enemy were in greatly superior numbers, and the squadron was for a time surrounded, and it looked as if nothing could save them from being shot down. Captain FitzClarence, however, by his personal coolness and courage inspired the greatest confidence in his men, and, by his bold and efficient handling of them, not only succeeded in relieving the armoured train, but inflicted a heavy defeat on the Boers, who lost 50 killed and a large number wounded, his own losses being 2 killed and 15 wounded. The moral effect of this blow had a very important bearing on subsequent encounters with the Boers.
On the 27th October, 1899, Captain FitzClarence led his squadron from Mafeking across the open, and made a night attack with the bayonet on one of the enemy’s trenches. A hand-to-hand fight took place in the trench, while a heavy fire was concentrated on it from the rear. The enemy was driven out with heavy loss. Captain FitzClarence was the first man into the position and accounted for four of the enemy with his sword. The British lost 6 killed and 9 wounded. Captain FitzClarence was himself slightly wounded. With reference to these two actions, Major-General Baden Powell states that had this Officer not shown an extraordinary spirit and fearlessness the attacks would have been failures, and we should have suffered heavy loss both in men and prestige. On the 26th December, 1899, during the action at Game Tree, near Mafeking, Captain FitzClarence again distinguished himself by his coolness and courage, and was again wounded (severely through both legs).
Lieutenant H. R. Martineau, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 6.7.1900 Sergeant Horace Robert Martineau
Protectorate Regiment (N.W. Cape Colony), South African Forces
Date of Act of Bravery, 26.12.1899. Action at Game Tree, Mafeking.
On the 26th December, 1899, during the fight at Game Tree, near Mafeking, when the order to retire had been given, Sergeant Martineau stopped and picked up Corporal Le Camp, who had been struck down about 10 yards from the Boer trenches, and half dragged, half carried, him towards a bush about 150 yards from the trenches. In doing this Sergeant Martineau was wounded in the side, but paid no attention to it, and proceeded to stanch and bandage the wounds of his comrade, whom he, afterward, assisted to retire. The firing while they were retiring was very heavy and Sergeant Martineau was again wounded. When shot the second time he was absolutely exhausted from supporting his comrade, and sank down unable to proceed further. He received three wounds, one of which necessitated the amputation of his arm near the shoulder.
Trooper H. E. Ramsden, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 6.7.1900 Trooper Horace Edward Ramsden
Protectorate Regiment (N.W. Cape Colony), South African Forces
Date of Act of Bravery, 26.12.1899. Action at Game Tree, Mafeking.
On the 26th December, 1899, during the fight at Game Tree, near Mafeking, after the order to retire was given. Trooper H.E. Ramsden picked up his brother, Trooper A.E. Ramsden, who had been shot through both legs and was lying about 10 yards from the Boer trenches, and carried him about 600 or 800 yards under heavy fire (putting him down from time to time for a rest) till they met some men who helped to carry him to a place of safety).
Lieutenant Colonel F. H. Kirby, V.C., C.B.E., D.C.M.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 5.10.1900 Corporal Frank Howard Kirby
Royal Engineers
Date of Act of Bravery, 2.6.1900. Action at Delogoa Bay.
On the morning of the 2nd June, 1900, a party sent to try to cut the Delogoa Bay Railway were retiring, hotly pressed by very superior numbers.
During one of the successive retirements of the rearguard, a man, whose horse had been shot, was seen running after his comrades. He was a long way behind the rest of his troop and was under a brisk fire. From among the retiring troop Corporal Kirby turned and rode back to the man’s assistance. Although by the time he reached him they were under a heavy fire at close range, Corporal Kirby managed to get the dismounted man up behind him and to take him clear off over the next rise held by our rearguard. This is the third occasion on which Corporal Kirby has displayed gallantry in the face of the enemy.
Lieutenant Colonel B. T. T. Lawrence, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 15.1.1901 Sergeant Brian Turner Tom Lawrence
17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge’s Own)
Date of Act of Bravery, 7.8.1900. Action at Essenbosch Farm.
On the 7th August, 1900, when on patrol duty near Essenbosch Farm, Sergeant Lawrence and a Private Hayman were attacked by 12 or 14 Boers. Private Hayman’s horse was shot, and the man was thrown, dislocating his shoulder. Sergeant Lawrence at once came to his assistance, extricated him from under the horse, put him on his own horse, and sent him on the picket. Sergeant Lawrence took the soldier’s carbine, and with his own carbine as well, kept the Boers off until Private Hayman was safely out of range. He then retired for some two miles on foot followed by the Boers, and keeping them off till assistance arrived.
Sergeant A. E. Curtis, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 15.1.1901 Private Albert Edward Curtis
2nd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment
Date of Act of Bravery, 23.2.1900. Action at Onderbank Spruit.
On the 23rd February, 1900, Colonel Harris lay all day long in a perfectly open space under close fire of a Boer breastwork. The Boers fired all day at any man who moved, and Colonel Harris was wounded eight or nine times.
Private Curtis, after several attempts succeeded in reaching the Colonel, bound his wounded arm, and gave him his flask-all under heavy fire.
He then tried to carry him away, but was unable on which he called for assistance, and Private Morton came out at once. Fearing that the men would be killed, Colonel Harris told them to leave him, but they declined, and after trying to carry the Colonel on their rifles, they made a chair with their hands, and so carried him out of fire.
Brigadier General F. A. Maxwell, V.C., C.S.I., D.S.O.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 8.3.1901 Lieutenant Francis Aylmer Maxwell
Indian Staff Corps attached to Robert’s Light Horse
Date of Act of Bravery, 31.3.1900. Action at Korn Spruit.
Lieutenant Maxwell was one of three Officers not belonging to “Q” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, specially mentioned by Lord Roberts as having shown the greatest gallantry, and disregard of danger, in carrying out the self-imposed duty of saving the guns of that Battery during the affair at Korn Spruit on 31st March, 1900.
This Officer went out on five different occasions and assisted to bring two guns and three limbers, one of which he, Captain Humphreys, and some Gunners, dragged in by hand.
He also went out with Captain Humphreys and Lieutenant Stirling to try to get the last gun in, and remained there till the attempt was abandoned.
During a previous Campaign (the Chitral Expedition of 1895) Lieutenant Maxwell displayed gallantry in the removal of the body of Lieutenant-Colonel F.D. Battye, Corps of Guides, under fire, for which, though recommended, he received no reward.
Sergeant J. J. Clements, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 4.6.1901 Corporal John James Clements
Rimington’s Guides, South African Forces
Date of Act of Bravery, 24.2.1900. Action at Strijdenburg.
On the 24th February, 1900, near Strijdenburg, when dangerously wounded through the lungs and called upon to surrender, Corporal Clements threw himself into the midst of a party of five Boers, shooting three of them with his revolver, and thereby causing the whole party to surrender to himself and unwounded men of Rimington’s Guides.
CHINA 1900
Commander B. J. D. Guy, V.C., D.S.O.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 1.1.1901 Midshipman Basil John Douglas Guy
Royal Navy
Date of Act of Bravery, 13.7.1900. Attack on Tientsin.
On 13th July, 1900, during the attack on Tientsin City, a very heavy cross-fire was brought to bear on the Naval Brigade, and there were several casualties. Among those who fell was A.B., J. McCarthy, shot about 50 yards short of cover.
Mr Guy stopped with him, and, after seeing what the injury was, attempted to lift him up and carry him in, but was not strong enough, so after binding up the wound Mr Guy ran to get assistance. In the mean time the remainder of the company has passed in under cover, and the entire fire from the city wall was concentrated on Mr Guy and McCarthy. Shortly after Mr Guy had got in under cover the stretchers came up, and again Mr Guy dashed out and assisted in placing McCarthy on the stretcher and carrying him in.
The wounded man was however shot dead just as he was being carried into safety. During the whole time a very heavy fire had been brought to bear upon Mr Guy, and the ground around him was absolutely ploughed up.
SOMALILAND EXPEDITION 1903
Major G. M. Rolland, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 7.8.1903 Captain George Murray Rolland
1st Bombay Grenadiers, Indian Army, employed Berbera-Bohotle Flying Column
(Jointly with Major John Edmund Gough and Captain William George Walker)
Date of Act of Bravery, 22.4.1903. Action at Daratoleh.
During the return of Major Gough’s column to D-nop on the 22nd April last, after the action at Daratoleh, the rear-guard got considerably in rear of the column, owing to the thick bush, and to having to hold their ground while wounded men were being placed on camels. At this time Captain Bruce was shot through the body from a distance of about 20 yards, and fell on the path unable to move.
Captains Walker and Rolland, two men of the 2nd Battalion King’s African Rifles, one Sikh and one Somali of the Camel Corps were with him when he fell.
In the meantime the column, being unaware of what had happened, were getting further away. Captain Rolland then ran back some 500 yards and returned with assistance to bring off Captain Bruce, while Captain Walker and the men remained with that Officer, endeavouring to keep off the enemy, who were all round in thick bush. This they succeeded in doing though not before Captain Bruce was hit a second time, and the Sikh wounded. But for the gallant conduct displayed by these Officers and men Captain Bruce must have fallen into the hands of the enemy.
GREAT WAR 1914-18
Sergeant F. Luke, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 24.11.1914 Driver Frederick Luke
37th Battery, Royal Field Artillery
(Jointly with Driver Job Henry Charles Drain)
Date of Act of Bravery, 26.8.1914. Battle of Le Cateau, Western Front.
At Le Cateau on 26th August, as volunteers, helping to save guns under fire from hostile infantry who were 100 yards away.
Regimental Sergeant Major S. J. Bent, V.C., M.M.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 9.12.1914 Drummer Spencer John Bent
1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment
Date of Act of Bravery, 1-2.11.1914. Battle of Le Gheer, Western Front.
For conspicuous gallantry near Le Gheer on the night of the 1st-2nd November, when after, his Officer, Platoon Sergeant, and Section Commander had been struck down, he took command, and, with great presence of mind and coolness, succeeded in holding the position.
Drummer Bent had previously distinguished himself on two occasions, 22nd and 24th October, by bringing up ammunition under a heavy shell fire, and again, on the 3rd November, when he brought into cover some wounded men who were lying exposed in the open.
Major-General E. W. Alexander, V.C., C.B., C.M.G.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 18.2.1915 Major Ernest Wright Alexander
119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery
Date of Act of Bravery, 24.8.1914. Battle of Elouges, Western Front.
For conspicuous bravery and great ability at Elouges on 24th August, 1914, when the flank guard was attacked by a German corps, in handling his battery against overwhelming odds with such conspicuous success that all his guns were saved, notwithstanding that they had to be withdrawn by hand by himself and three other men. This enabled the retirement of the 5th Division to be carried out without serious loss. Subsequently Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander (then Major) rescued a wounded man under a heavy fire, with the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty.
Lieutenant W. B. Rhodes-Moorhouse, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 22.5.1915 Second Lieutenant William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse
2 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
Date of Act of Bravery, 26.4.1915. Attack on Courtrai, Western Front.
For the most conspicuous bravery on 26th April, 1915, in flying to Courtrai and dropping bombs on the railway line near that station. On starting the return journey he was mortally wounded, but succeeded in flying for 35 miles to his destination, at a very low altitude, and reported the successful accomplishment of his object. He has since died of his wounds.
Able Seaman W. C. Williams, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 16.8.1915 Able Seaman William Charles Williams
Royal Navy
Date of Act of Bravery, 25.4.1915. Service in H.M.S. River Clyde, Gallipoli Landings.
Held on to a line in the water for over an hour under heavy fire, until killed.
Second Lieutenant S. C. Woodroffe, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 3.9.1915 Second Lieutenant Sidney Clayton Woodroffe
8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort Own)
Date of Act of Bravery, 30.7.1915. Battle of Hooge, Western Front.
For the most conspicuous bravery on 30th July, 1915, at Hooge. The enemy having broken through the centre of our front trenches, consequent on the use of burning liquids, this Officer’s position was heavily attacked with bombs from the flank and subsequently from the rear, but he managed to defend his post until all his bombs were exhausted, and then skilfully withdrew his remaining men.
This very gallant Officer immediately led his party forward in a counter-attack under an intense rifle and machine-gun fire, and was killed whilst in the act of cutting the wire obstacles in the open.
Private G. S. Peachment, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 18.11.1915 Private George Stanley Peachment
2nd Battalion, The King’s Royal Rifle Corps
Date of Act of Bravery, 25.9.1915. Battle of Hulluch, Western Front.
For most conspicuous bravery near Hulluch on 25th September, 1915. During very heavy fighting, when our front line was compelled to retire in order to reorganise, Private Peachment, seeing his Company Commander, Captain Dubs, lying wounded, crawled to assist him. The enemy’s fire was intense, but though there was a shell hole quite close, in which a few men had taken cover, Private Peachment never thought of saving himself. He knelt in the open by his Officer and tried to help him, but while doing this he was first wounded by a bomb and a minute later mortally wounded by a rifle bullet. He was one of the youngest men in his battalion and gave this splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice.
Corporal A. G. Drake, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 22.1.1916 Corporal Alfred George Drake
8th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own)
Date of Act of Bravery, 23.11.1915. Action at La Brique, Western Front.
For most conspicuous bravery on the night of 23rd November, 1915, near La Brique, France. He was one of a patrol of four which was reconnoitring towards the German lines. The patrol was discovered when close to the enemy, who opened heavy fire with rifles and a machine gun, wounding the Officer and one man. The latter was carried back by the last remaining man. Corporal Drake remained with his Officer and was last seen kneeling beside him and bandaging his wounds regardless of the enemy’s fire. Later, a rescue party crawling near the German lines found the Officer and Corporal, the former unconscious but alive and bandaged. Corporal Drake beside him dead and riddled with bullets. He had given his own life and saved his Officer.
Lieutenant W. Leefe-Robinson, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 5.9.1916 Lieutenant William Leefe-Robinson
Worcestershire Regiment and 39 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
Date of Act of Bravery, 2-3.9.1916. Zeppelin Attack over Hertfordshire.
For the most conspicuous bravery. He attacked an enemy airship under circumstances of great difficulty and danger, and sent it crashing to the ground as a flaming wreck. He had been in the air for more than two hours and had previously attacked another airship during his flight.
Sergeant T. Mottershead, V.C., D.C.M.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 12.2.1917 Sergeant Thomas Mottershead
20 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
Date of Act of Bravery, 7.1.1917. Attack over Ploegsteert Wood, Western Front.
For the most conspicuous bravery, endurance and skill when, attacked at an altitude of 9,000 feet, the petrol tank was pierced and the machine set on fire. Enveloped in flames, which his observer, Lt. Gower was unable to subdue, this very gallant soldier succeeded in bringing his aeroplane back to our lines, and though he made a successful landing, the machine collapsed on touching the ground, pinning him beneath wreckage from which he was subsequently rescued.
Through suffering extreme torture from burns, Sjt. Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtedly saved the life of his observer. He has since succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant J. E. Grimshaw, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 15.3.1917 Corporal John Elisha Grimshaw
1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
Date of Act of Bravery, 25.4.1915. Lancashire Landings, Gallipoli.
On the 25th April 1915, headquarters and three companies of the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, in effecting a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula to the West of Cape Helles, were met by very deadly fire from hidden machine guns, which caused a great number of casualties. The survivors, however, rushed up to and cut the wire entanglements, notwithstanding the terrific fire from the enemy, and after overcoming supreme difficulties, the cliffs were gained and the position maintained.
Second Lieutenant F. B. Wearne, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.8.1917 Second Lieutenant Frank Bernard Wearne
3rd Battalion, attached 11th Battalion, Essex Regiment
Date of Act of Bravery, 28.6.1917. Battle of Loos, Western Front.
For conspicuous bravery when in command of a small party on the left of a raid on enemy’s trenches.
He gained his objective in the face of much opposition and by his magnificent example and daring was able to maintain this position for a considerable time, according to instructions. During this period 2nd Lt. Wearne and his small party were repeatedly counter attacked. Grasping the fact that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, 2nd Lt. Wearne, at a moment when the enemy’s attack was being heavily pressed and when matters were most critical, leapt on the parapet and, followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre threw the enemy off his guard and back in disorder. Whilst on the top of the trench 2nd Lt. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. Afterwards he remained in the trench directing operations, consolidating his position and encouraging all ranks. Just before the order to withdraw was given, this gallant officer was again severely hit for the second time, and while being carried away was mortally wounded.
By his tenacity in remaining at his post, though severely wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit, he was enabled to hold on to the flank.
Chief Petty Officer E. H. Pitcher, V.C., D.S.M.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.11.1917 Petty Officer Ernest Herbert Pitcher
Royal Navy
Date of Act of Bravery, 8.8.1917. Service in ‘Q’ or ‘Mystery’ Ship H.M.S. Dunraven.
P.O Pitcher was selected by the crew of a gun of one of the H.M. Ships to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant dated the 29th January, 1856.
Lieutenant Colonel R. A. West, V.C., D.S.O.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 30.10.1918 Acting Lieutenant Colonel Richard Annesley West
The North Irish Horse (S.R.) seconded to the 6th Battalion Tank Corps
Date of Act of Bravery, 21.8.1918. Attack at Courcelles, Western Front.
During an attack, the infantry having lost their bearings in the dense fog, this officer at once collected and re-organised any men he could find and led them to their objective in face of heavy machine-gun fire. Throughout the whole action he displayed the most utter disregard of danger, and the capture of the objective was in a great part due to his initiative and gallantry. On a subsequent occasion it was intended that a battalion of light Tanks under the command of this officer should exploit the initial infantry and heavy Tank attack. He therefore went forward in order to keep in touch with the progress of the battle, and arrived at the front line when the enemy were in process of delivering a local counter attack. The infantry battalion had suffered heavy officer casualties, and its flanks were exposed. Realising that there was a danger giving way, he at once rode out in front of them under extremely heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and rallied the men. In spite of the fact that the enemy were close upon him he took charge of the situation and detailed non-commissioned officers to replace officer casualties. He then rode up and down in front of them in face of certain death, encouraging the men and calling to them, “Stick it, men; show them fight; and for God’s sake put up a good fight.” He fell riddled by machine-gun bullets.
The magnificent bravery of this very gallant officer at the critical moment inspired the infantry to be redoubled efforts, and the hostile attack was defeated.
NORTHWEST FRONTIER 1919-21
Lieutenant W. D. Kenny, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 9.9.1920 Lieutenant William David Kenny
4/39th Garhwal Rifles, Indian Army
Date of Act of Bravery, 2.1.1920. Action at Kot Kai, Waziristan.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Kot Kai (Waziristan), on the 2 January 1920, when in command of a company holding an advanced covering position, which was repeatedly attacked by the Mahsuds in greatly superior numbers.
For over four hours this officer maintained his position, repulsing three determined attacks, being foremost in the hand-to-hand fighting which took place, and repeatedly engaging the enemy with bomb and bayonet. His gallant leadership undoubtedly saved the situation and kept intact the right flank, on which depended the success of the operation and the safety of the troops in rear.
In subsequent withdrawal, recognising that a diversion was necessary to enable the withdrawal of the company, which impeded by their wounded, with a handful of his men he turned back and counter-attacked the pursuing enemy, and, with the rest of his party, was killed fighting to the last.
This very gallant act of self-sacrifice not only enabled the wounded to be withdrawn but also averted a situation which must have resulted in considerable loss of life.
SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-45
Lieutenant P. S. W. Roberts, V.C., D.S.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 9.6.1942 Lieutenant Peter Scawen Watkinson Roberts
Royal Navy
(Jointly with Petty Officer Thomas William Gould)
Date of Act of Bravery, 16.2.1942. Enemy Waters, Crete.
On February 16th, in daylight, H.M. Submarine Thrasher attacked and sank a heavily escorted supply ship. She was at once attacked by depth charges and was bombed by aircraft.
The presence of two unexploded bombs in the gun-casing was discovered when after dark the submarine surfaced and began to roll.
Lieutenant Roberts and Petty Officer Gould volunteered to remove the bombs, which were of a type unknown to them. The danger in dealing with the second bomb was very great. To reach it they had to go through the casing which was so low that they had to lie at full length to move in it. Through this narrow space, in complete darkness they pushed and dragged the bomb for a distance of some 20 feet until it could be lowered over the side. Every time the bomb was moved there was a loud twanging noise as of a broken spring which added nothing to their peace of mind. This deed was the more gallant as H.M.S Thrasher’s presence was known to the enemy; she was close to the enemy coast, and in waters where his patrols were known to be active day and night. There was a very great chance, and they knew it, that the submarine might have to crash-dive while they were in casing. Had this happened they must have been drowned.
Lieutenant Colonel G. C. T. Keyes, V.C., M.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 19.6.1942 Temporary Lieutenant Colonel
Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes
Royal Scots Greys, Royal Armoured Corps (11th Scottish Commando)
Date of Act of Bravery, 17-18.11.1941. Rommel Raid, Libya.
Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes commanded a detachment of a force which landed some 250 miles behind enemy lines to attack Headquarters, Base Installations and Communications. From the outset Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes deliberately selected for himself the command of the detachment detailed to attack what was undoubtedly the most hazardous of these objectives – the residence and Headquarters of the General Officer Commanding the German forces in North Africa. This attack, even if initially successful, meant almost certain death for those who took part in it.
He led his detachment without guides, in dangerous and precipitous country and in pitch darkness, and maintained by his stolid determination and powers of leadership the morale of the detachment. He then found himself forced to modify his original plans in the light of fresh information elicited from neighbouring Arabs, and was left with only one officer and an N.C.O. with whom to break into General Rommel’s residence and deal with guards and Headquarters staff. At zero hour on the night of 17th-18th November, 1941, having despatched the covering party to block the approaches to the house, he himself with the two others crawled forward past the guards, through the surrounding fence and so up to the house itself. Without hesitation, he boldly led his party up to the front door, beat on the door and demanded entrance.
Unfortunately, when the door was opened, it was found impossible to overcome the sentry silently, and it was necessary to shoot him. The noise of the shot naturally aroused the inmates of the house and Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes appreciating that speed was now of the utmost importance, posted the N.C.O. at the foot of the stairs to prevent interference from the floor above.
Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes, who instinctively took the lead, emptied his revolver with great success into the first room and was followed by the other officer who threw a grenade. Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes with great daring then entered the second room on the ground floor but was shot almost immediately on flinging open the door and fell back into the passage mortally wounded. On being carried outside by his companions he died within a few minutes.
By his fearless disregard of the great dangers which he ran and of which he was fully aware, and by his magnificent leadership and outstanding gallantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes set an example of supreme self sacrifice and devotion to duty.
Flying Officer L. T. Manser, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 23.10.1942 Flying Officer Leslie Thomas Manser
50 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Act of Bravery, 30.5.1942. Attack on Cologne.
Flying Officer Manser was captain and first pilot of a Manchester aircraft which took part in the mass raid on Cologne on the night of May 30th, 1942. As the aircraft was approaching its objective it was caught by searchlights and subjected to intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Flying Officer Manser held on his dangerous course and bombed the target successfully from a height of 7,000 feet. Then he set course for base. The Manchester had been damaged and was still under heavy fire. Flying Officer Manser took violent evasive action, turning and descending to under 1,000 feet. It was of no avail. The searchlights and flak followed him until the outskirts of the city were passed. The aircraft was hit repeatedly and the rear gunner was wounded. The front cabin filled with smoke; the port engine was over-heating badly.
Pilot and crew could all have escaped safely by parachute. Nevertheless Flying Officer Manser disregarding the obvious hazards persisted in his attempts to save aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands. He took the aircraft up to 2,000 feet. Then the port engine burst into flames. It was ten minutes before the fire was mastered, but then the engine went out of action for good, part of one wing was burnt, and the air-speed of the aircraft became dangerously low.
Despite all the efforts of the pilot and crew, the Manchester began to lose height. At this critical moment, Flying Officer Manser once more distained the alternative of parachuting to safety with his crew. Instead, with grim determination, he set a new course for the nearest base, accepting for himself the prospect of almost certain death in a firm resolve to carry on to the end.
Soon, the aircraft became extremely difficult to handle and, when a crash was inevitable, Flying Officer Manser ordered the crew to bale out. A sergeant handed him a parachute but he waved it away, telling the non-commissioned officer to jump at once as he could only hold the aircraft steady for a few seconds more. While the crew were descending to safety they saw the aircraft, still carrying their gallant Captain, plunge to earth and burst into flames.
In pressing home his attack in the face of strong opposition, in striving, against heavy odds, to bring back his aircraft and crew and, finally when in extreme peril, thinking only of the safety of his comrades, Flying Officer Manser displayed determination and valour of the highest order.
Captain F. T. Peters, V.C., D.S.O, D.S.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 18.5.1943 Acting Captain Frederick Thornton Peters
Royal Navy
Date of Act of Bravery, 8.11.1942. Oran Harbour, North Africa.
For valour in taking H.M.S. Walney, in an enterprise of desperate hazard, into the harbour of Oran on the 8th November, 1942. Captain Peters led his force through the boom towards the jetty in the face of point-blank fire from shore batteries, a Destroyer and a Cruiser. Blinded in one eye, he alone of the seventeen Officers and Men on the bridge survived. The Walney reached the jetty disabled and ablaze, and went down with her colours flying.
Flying Officer L. A. Trigg, V.C., D.F.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.11.1943 Flying Officer Lloyd Allan Trigg
Royal New Zealand Air Force, serving with 200 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Date of Act of Bravery, 11.8.1943. Battle of the Atlantic.
Flying Officer Trigg had rendered outstanding service on convoy escort and anti-submarine duties. He had completed 46 operational sorties and had invariably displayed skill and courage of a very high order.
One day in August, 1943, Flying Officer Trigg undertook, as Captain and pilot, a patrol in a Liberator although he had not previously made any operational sorties in that type of aircraft. After searching for 8 hours a surfaced U-boat was sighted.
Flying Officer Trigg immediately prepared to attack. During the approach, the aircraft received many hits from the submarine’s anti-aircraft guns and burst into flames, which quickly enveloped the tail.
The moment was critical. Flying Officer Trigg could have broken off the engagement and made a forced landing in the sea. But if he continued the attack, the aircraft would present a “no deflection” target to deadly accurate anti-aircraft fire, and every second spent in the air would increase the extent and intensity of the flames and diminish his chances of survival. There could have been no hesitation or doubt in his mind. He maintained his course in spite of the already precarious condition of his aircraft and executed a masterly attack. Skimming over the U-boat at less than 50 feet with anti-aircraft fire entering his opened bomb doors, Flying Officer Trigg dropped his bombs on and around the U-boat where they exploded with devastating effect. A short distance further on the Liberator dived into the sea with her gallant captain and crew.
The U-boat sank within 20 minutes and some of her crew were picked up later in a rubber dinghy that had broken loose from the Liberator.
The Battle of the Atlantic has yielded many fine stories of air attacks on the underwater craft, but Flying Officer Trigg’s exploit stands out as an epic of grim determination and high courage. His was the path of duty that leads to courage.
Warrant Officer N. C. Jackson, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 26.10.1944 Sergeant Norman Cyril Jackson
106 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Act of Bravery, 26.4.1944. Action over Schweinfurt, Germany.
This airman was the flight engineer in a Lancaster detailed to attack Schweinfurt on the night of 26th April 1944. Bombs were dropped successfully and the aircraft was climbing out of the target area. Suddenly it was attacked by a fighter at about 20,000 feet. The Captain took evading action at once, but the enemy secured many hits. A fire started near a petrol tank on the upper surface of the starboard wing, between the fuselage and the inner engine. Sergeant Jackson was thrown to the floor during the engagement. Wounds which he received from shell splinters in the right leg and shoulder were probably sustained at that time. Recovering himself, he remarked that he could deal with the fire on the wing and obtained his captain's permission to try to put out the flames. Pushing a hand fire-extinguisher into the top of his life-saving jacket and clipping on his parachute pack. Sergeant Jackson jettisoned the escape hatch above the pilot's head. He then started to climb out of the cockpit and back along the top of the fuselage to the starboard wing. Before he could leave the fuselage his parachute pack opened and the whole canopy and rigging lines spilled into the cockpit. Undeterred, Sergeant Jackson continued. The pilot, bomb aimer and navigator gathered the parachute together and held on to the rigging lines, paying them out as the airman crawled aft. Eventually he slipped and, falling from the fuselage to the starboard wing, grasped an air intake on the leading edge of the wing. He succeeded in clinging on but lost the extinguisher, which was blown away. By this time, the fire had spread rapidly and Sergeant Jackson was involved. His face, hands and clothing were severely burnt. Unable to retain his hold, he was swept through the flames and over the trailing edge of the wing, dragging his parachute behind. When last seen it was only partly inflated and was burning in a number of places. Realising the fire could not be controlled, the captain gave the order to abandon aircraft. Four of the remaining members of the crew landed safely. The Captain and rear gunner have not been accounted for. Sergeant Jackson was unable to control his descent and landed heavily. He sustained a broken ankle, and his right eye was closed through burns and his hands were useless. These injuries, together with the wounds received earlier, reduced him to a pitiable state. At daybreak he crawled to the nearest village, where he was taken prisoner. He bore the intense pain and discomfort of the journey to Dulag Luft with magnificent fortitude. After 10 months in hospital he made a good recovery, though his hands require further treatment and are of only limited use. This airman's attempt to extinguish the fire and save the aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands was an act of outstanding gallantry. To venture outside, when travelling at 200 miles an hour, at an incredible height and in intense cold, was an almost incredible feat. Had he succeeded in subduing the flames, there was little or no prospect of his regaining the cockpit. The spilling of his parachute and the risk of grave damage to its canopy reduced his chances of survival to a minimum. By his ready willingness to face these dangers he set an example of self-sacrifice which will ever be remembered.
Company Sergeant-Major G. H. Eardley, V.C., M.M.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 2.1.1945 Acting Sergeant George Harold Eardley
4th Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Date of Act of Bravery, 16.10.1944. Action at Overloon, Holland.
In North-West Europe, on the 16th October, 1944, during an attack on the wooded area East of Overloon, strong opposition was met from well sited defensive positions in orchards. The enemy were paratroops and well equipped with machine guns.
A Platoon of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry was ordered to clear these orchards and restore the momentum of the advance, but was halted some 80 yards from its objective by automatic fire from enemy machine gun posts. This fire was so heavy that it appeared impossible for any man to expose himself and remain unscathed. Notwithstanding this, Sergeant Eardley, who had spotted one machine gun post, moved forward, firing his Sten gun, and killed the occupants of the post with a grenade. A second machine gun post beyond the first immediately opened up, spraying the area with fire. Sergeant Eardley, who was in a most exposed position, at once charged over 30 yards of open ground and silenced both the enemy gunners. The attack was continued by the Platoon but was again held up by a third machine gun post, and a section in to dispose of it, was beaten back, losing four casualties. Sergeant Eardley, ordering the section he was with to lie down, then crawled forward alone and silenced the occupants of the post with a grenade. The destruction of these three machine gun posts singlehanded by Sergeant Eardley, carried out under fire so heavy that it daunted those who were with him, enabled his Platoon to achieve its objective, and in so doing, ensured the success of the whole attack. His outstanding initiative and magnificent bravery were the admiration of all who saw his gallant actions.
Corporal R. H. Burton, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 4.1.1945 Private Richard Henry Burton
1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment
Date of Act of Bravery, 8.10.1944. Attack at Monte Ceco, Italy.
In Italy on 8th October 1944, two Companies of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment moved forward to take a strongly held feature 760 metres high. The capture of this feature was vital at this stage of the operation as it dominated all the ground on the main axis of advance. The assaulting troops made good progress to within yards twenty yards of the crest when they came under withering fire from Spandaus on the crest. The leading platoon was held up and the Platoon was wounded. The Company Commander took another platoon, of which Private Burton was runner, through to assault the crest from which four Spandaus at least were firing. Private Burton rushed forward and, engaging the first Spandau position with his Tommy gun, killed the crew of three. When the assault was again held up by murderous fire from two more machine guns Private Burton, again showing complete disregard for his own safety, dashed forward toward the first machine gun using his Tommy gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He then picked up a Bren gun and firing from the hip succeeded in killing or wounding the crews of the two machine guns. Thanks to his outstanding courage the Company then able to consolidate on the forward slope of the feature. The enemy immediately counter-attacked fiercely but Private Burton, in spite of most of his comrades being either dead or wounded, once again dashed forward on his own initiative and directed such accurate fire with his Bren gun on the enemy that they retired leaving the feature firmly in our hands. The enemy later counter-attacked again on the adjoining platoon position and Private Burton, who had placed himself on the flank, brought such accurate fire to bear that this counter-attack also failed to dislodge the Company from its position.
Private Burton’s magnificent gallantry and total disregard of his own safety during many hours of fierce fighting in mud and continuous rain were an inspiration to all his comrades.
Lieutenant-Commander I. E. Fraser, V.C., D.S.C.
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Acting Leading Seaman J. J. Magennis, V.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 13.11.1945 Lieutenant Ian Edward Fraser
Royal Naval Reserve
Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis
Royal Navy
Date of Act of Bravery, 31.7.1945. Johore Strait, Singapore.
Lieutenant Fraser commanded His Majesty’s Midget XE-3 in a successful attack on a Japanese heavy cruiser of the Atago class at her moorings in Johore Strait, Singapore, on 31st July, 1945. During the long approach up the Singapore Straits XE-3 deliberately left the believed safe channel and entered mined waters to avoid suspected hydrophone posts. The target was aground, or nearly aground, both fore and aft, and only under the midship portion was there just sufficient water for XE-3 to place herself under the cruiser. For forty minutes XE-3 pushed her way along the seabed until finally Lieutenant Fraser managed to force her right under the centre of the cruiser. Here he placed the limpets and dropped his main side charge. Great difficulty was experienced in extricating the craft after the attack had been completed, but finally XE-3 was clear, and commenced her long return journey out to sea. The courage and determination of Lieutenant Fraser are beyond all praise. Any man not possessed of his relentlessness determination to achieve his object in full, regardless of all consequences, would have dropped his side charge alongside the target instead of persisting until he had forced his submarine right under the cruiser. The approach and withdrawal entailed a passage of 80 miles through water which had been mined by both the enemy and ourselves, past hydrophone positions, over loops and controlled minefields, and through an anti-submarine boom.
Leading Seaman Magennis served as Diver in His Majesty’s Midget Submarine XE-3 for her attack on 31st July, 1945, on a Japanese cruiser of the Atago class. Owing to the fact that XE-3 was tightly jammed under the target the diver’s hatch could not be fully opened, and Magennis had to squeeze himself through the narrow space available.
He experienced great difficulty in placing his limpets on the bottom of the cruiser owing both to the foul state of the bottom of the cruiser and to the pronounced slope upon which the limpets would not hold. Before a limpet could be placed therefore Magennis had thoroughly to scrape the area clear of barnacles, and in order to secure the limpets he had to tie them in pairs by a line passing under the cruiser keel. This was very tiring work for a diver, and he was moreover handicapped by a steady leakage of oxygen which was ascending in bubbles to the surface. A lesser man would have been content to place a few limpets and then to return to the craft.
Magennis, however, persisted until he had placed his full outfit before returning to the craft in an exhausted condition. Shortly after withdrawing Lieutenant Fraser endeavoured to jettison his limpet carriers, but one of these would not realise itself and fall clear of the craft. Despite his exhaustion, his oxygen leak and the fact that there was every probability of his being sighted, Magennis at once volunteered to leave the craft and free the carrier rather than allow a less experienced diver to undertake the job. After seven minutes of nerve-racking work he succeeded in releasing the carrier. Magennis displayed very great courage and devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety.
Flight Lieutenant D. S. A. Lord, V.C., D.F.C.
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Victoria Cross London Gazette 13.11.1945 Flight Lieutenant David Samuel Anthony Lord
271 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Date of Act of Bravery, 19.9.1944. over Arnhem, Holland.
Flight Lieutenant Lord was pilot and captain of a Dakota aircraft detailed to drop supplies at Arnhem on the afternoon of the 19th September, 1944. Our airborne troops had been surrounded and were being pressed into a small area defended by a large number of anti-aircraft guns. Air crews were warned that intense opposition would be met over the dropping zone. To ensure accuracy they were ordered to fly at 900 feet when dropping their containers. While flying at 1,500 feet near Arnhem the starboard wing of Flight Lieutenant Lord’s aircraft was twice hit by anti-aircraft fire. The starboard engine was set on fire. He would have been justified in leaving the main stream of supply aircraft and continuing at the same height or even abandoning his aircraft. But on learning that his crew were uninjured and that the dropping zone would be reached in three minutes he said he would complete his mission, as the troops were in dire need of supplies.
By now the starboard engine was burning furiously. Flight Lieutenant Lord came down to 900 feet, where he was singled out for the concentrated fire of all the anti-aircraft guns. On reaching the dropping zone he kept the aircraft on a straight and level course while supplies were dropped. At the end of the run, he was told that two containers remained. Although he must have known that the collapse of the starboard wing could not be long delayed, Flight Lieutenant Lord circled, rejoined the stream of aircraft and made a second run to drop the remaining supplies.
These manoeuvres took eight minutes in all, the aircraft being continuously under heavy anti-aircraft fire. His task completed, Flight Lieutenant Lord ordered his crew to abandon the Dakota, making no attempt himself to leave the aircraft, which was down to 500 feet. A few seconds later, the starboard wing collapsed and the aircraft fell into flames. There was only one survivor, who was flung out while assisting other members of the crew to put on their parachutes.
By continuing his mission in a damaged and burning aircraft, descending to drop the supplies accurately, returning to the dropping zone a second time and, finally, remaining at controls to give his crew a chance of escape, Flight Lieutenant Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice.
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