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Private W. Buckingham Rescuing The Wounded Under Heavy Fire.
For conspicuous acts of bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing and rendering aid to the wounded whilst exposed to heavy fire, Private William Buckingham, of the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0880
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Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) B. C. Freyberg, D.S.O., Leading The Assault On A Fortified Village.
After having been twice wounded, Captain Bernard Cyril Freyberg, D.S.O., of the Royal West Surrey Regiment and Royal Naval Division, organised the attack on a strongly fortified village, and leading the assault, captured the village and five hundred prisoners in this operation her was wounded. Later in the afternoon, he was again wounded severely, but refused to leave the line until he had issued final instructions. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0884
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Sergeant A. F. Saunders Directing The Fire Of Two Machine Guns though Severely Wounded In The Thigh.
When his officer had been wounded in the attack Sergeant Arthur Frederick Saunders, of the 9th (Service) Battalion, the Suffolk Regiment, took charge of two machine guns and a few men, and although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four charges of another battalion, and rendered every possible support. Later, when the remains of the battalion, which he had been supporting, had been forced to retire he stuck to one of his guns, continued to give clear orders, and by continuous firing did his best to cover the retirement. For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0887
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Second Lieutenant Hallowes encouraging his men, as he lay mortally wounded.
For six days Second Lieutenant Hallowes had shown the greatest bravery in the face of danger. Not only did he mount the parapet of his trench under heavy fire, but also carried out more than one reconnaissance of the German position, and when bombs ran short, went back for a fresh supply under very heavy shell fire. His end, which seemed inevitable with so much daring, came on October 1st. Though mortally wounded, he continued to cheer those under his command and to inspire them with courage. He had been awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty after the fighting on September 25th.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0384
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Temporary Second Lieutenant D. S. Bell Dashes Across The Open, Under Very Heavy fire, To Attack A Machine Gun Party.
During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by a hostile machine gun. Temporary Second Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell, late of the Yorkshire Regiment, immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corporal Colwill and Private Batey, rushed across the open, under very heavy fire, and attacked the machine gun, shooting the gunner with his revolver, and destroying gun and personnel with bombs. This very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack. Five days later this gallant officer lost his life performing a very similar act of bravery. A posthumous award of the V.C. was made.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0722
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Lieutenant J. V. Holland Leading His Bombers Through A Village Held By The Enemy, After Driving Them From Their Dug Outs.
Not content with bombing hostile dug outs during a heavy engagement, Lieutenant John Vincent Holland, of the Leinster Regiment, fearlessly led his bombers through the British artillery barrage and cleared a greater part of the village in front. He started out with twenty-six bombers and finished up with only five, after capturing some fifty prisoners. By this very gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of the enemy and thus saved many casualties. For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0751
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A German Officer And Fourteen Of His Men Cry For Mercy To Lieutenant Leach.
Section by section the trench was recaptured, and driven back until they could go no further, the Germans decided to surrender. Lieutenant Leach (2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment) was surprised to hear a voice calling in English Dont shoot sir! The speaker was one of his own men who had been captured in the morning. He had come from a German officer to say he wished to surrender. On going round the corner of the traverse Lieutenant Leach came upon the officer and fourteen of his men, who kneeling, raised their hands and begged for mercy. For their conspicuous bravery Lieutenant Leach and Sergeant Hogan were both deservedly awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0755
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Corporal G. Sanders And His Party Driving Off A German Attack And Rescuing Some Prisoners.
After an advance into the enemys lines, Corporal George Sanders, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, found himself isolated with a party of thirty men. But he organized his defences, and detailed a bombing party. Next morning his party drove off an attack by the enemy and rescued some prisoners who had fallen into their hands. Later two strong bombing attacks were beaten off. The following day he was relieved, after showing the greatest courage, determination and good leadership. For thirty-six hours his party was without food and water, having given all their water to the wounded during the first night. Corporal Sanders was deservedly awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0756
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Lance-Naik Lala Drags A Wounded Officer, Whom He Found Lying Close To The Enemy, To A Shelter And There Bandages His Wounds.
Finding a British Officer of another regiment lying close to the enemy, Lance-Naik Lala, of the 41st Dogras Indian Army, dragged him into a temporary shelter. After bandaging his wounds he heard calls from the adjutant of his own regiment, who was lying in the open severely wounded. The enemy were not more than a hundred yards distant, but Lance-Naik Lala insisted on going out to his adjutant. He stripped off his own clothing to keep the wounded officer warmer and stayed with him until just before dark. After dark he carried the first wounded officer back to the main trenches, and then, returning with a stretcher, he carried back his adjutant. He set a magnificent example of courage and devotion to his officers, and was deservedly awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0759
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Temporary Lieutenant G. ST. G. S. Cather Bringing In A Wounded Man In Full View Of The Enemy And Under Machine Gun And Artillery Fire.
From early in the evening till midnight Temporary Lieutenant Geoffrey St. George Shillington Cather, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, searched No mans land and brought in three wounded men. Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later. Finally at 10.30 a.m. he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire. He set a splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice, and was posthumously awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0764
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The Rev E. N. Mellish Walking Across Ground, Which Was Being Swept By Machine Gun Fire, To Tend The Wounded.
During heavy fighting at St. Eloi on March 27th 1916, and the two following days the Rev. Edward Noel Mellish journeyed under continuous and heavy fire, between the original British trenches and those captured, in order to tend and rescue wounded men. He brought in ten on the first day from ground swept by machine gun fire, and three were actually killed while he was dressing their wounds. His battalion was relieved on the second day, but he went back and brought in twelve more men. On the night of the third day he took charge of some volunteers and returned to the trenches to rescue the remaining wounded. This splendid work, for which he was awarded the V.C., was quite voluntary on his part and outside the scope of his ordinary duties.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0767
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Lieutenant De Pass bombing the enemy after entering one of their Saps.
On November 24th 1914, Lieutenant Frank Alexander de Pass of the 34th Prince Albert Victors Own Poona horse, gallantry entered a German sap near Festubert, and succeeded in destroying a traverse while being bombed by the enemy. He subsequently rescued under heavy fire a wounded man who was lying exposed in the open. He lost his life, however, on the same day in a second attempt to capture the sap, which had been reoccupied by the enemy. For his conspicuous bravery. Lieutenant de Pass was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0399
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Captain W. B. Allen Assisting Men Wounded By The Explosion Of Ammunition, after being himself wounded.
A German shell having exploded some ammunition which was being unloaded, causing several casualties, Captain William Barnsley Allen, M.C., M.B., of the royal Army Medical Corps, with utter disregard of danger, ran across the open, under heavy shellfire, and commenced dressing the wounded, thereby saving many men from bleeding to death. He was himself hit four times by pieces of shell, one of which fractured two of his ribs, but he coolly went on with his work until the last men were dressed and safely removed. For his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty then was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0768
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Bombardier Horlock laying his gun after having been twice wounded.
On September 15th 1914, during the battle of the Aisne, Bombardier Ernest George Harlock, of the 113th Battery, Royal field Artillery, was twice wounded while his battery was in action under heavy shellfire near Vendresse. He perished, however, on each occasion in returning to lay his gun after his wound had been dressed. For his conspicuous gallantry, Bombardier, now Sergeant Horlock, was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0412
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Private R. Ryder Dashes Unsupported At An Enemy Trench And Clears It With A Lewis Gun.
A company was held up by heavy rifle fire, all its officers had become casualties, and for want of leadership the attack feared. Realising the situation, Private Robert Ryder, of the Middlesex Regiment, without a moment’s thought for his own safety, dashed absolutely alone at the enemy trench and, by skilful manipulation of his Lewis gun, succeeded in clearing the trench. This very gallant act, for which Ryder was awarded the V.C., not only made possible, but also greatly inspired, the subsequent advance of his comrades, and turned possible failure into success.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0772
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Private J. Hutchinson Shooting Two German Sentries When Leading An Attack On A German Trench.
During an attack on the enemys position, Private James Hutchinson, of the Lancashire Fusiliers (of Bury), was the leading man, and, entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses. After the British object had been gained and retirement ordered, Private Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of covering the retirement, and he did this with such gallantry and determination that the wounded were removed safely. During all this time this gallant soldier was exposed to fierce fire from machine guns and rifles at close quarters. For his most conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0776
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Private T. A. Jones Attacks And Disarms Singlehanded 102 Of The Enemy And Then Marches Them To The British Lines.
Private Thomas Alfred Jones, of the Cheshire Regiment, was with his company consolidating the defences, and, noticing an enemy sniper at 200 yards distance, he went out, and returned the snipers fire and killed him. He then saw two more of the enemy firing at him, although displaying a white flag. Both of them he also shot. On reaching the enemy trench he found several occupied dug outs, and single-handed disarmed 102 of the enemy, including three or four officers, and marched them back to the British lines though a heavy barrage. He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0784
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Temporary Second Lieutenant T. E. Adlam, Though Wounded Leads His Men In A Dashing Attack, Capturing A German Position And Killing The Defenders.
A portion of a village had to be captured, and under heavy fire Temporary Second Lieutenant Tom Edwin Adlam, of the Bedfordshire Regiment, rushed from shell hole collecting men and also enemy grenades for a sudden rush. At this stage he was wounded in the leg, but in spite of his wounds led a dashing attack, captured the position, and killed the occupants. Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing attacks. On the following day, when again wounded and unable to throw bombs, he continued to lead his men. His magnificent example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation, produced far-reaching results. He was deservedly awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0787
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Second Lieutenant G. G. Coury Assisting Men Digging A Communication Trench Under Intense Fire.
During an advance Second Lieutenant Gabriel George Coury, of the South Lancashire Regiment, was in command of two platoons, which had been ordered to dig a communication trench, and his fine example kept up the spirits of his men, who completed the task under intense fire. Later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties and the commanding officer had been wounded, he went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight and brought him back over ground swept by machine gun fire. He also assisted in rallying the attacking troops and in leading them forward. He has been awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0804
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Sapper W. Hackett Refuses To Leave A Comrade Who Was Lying Seriously Injured In A Mine Gallery.
Sapper William Hackett, of the Royal Engineers, was entombed with four others in a gallery owing to the explosion of an enemy mine. After working for twenty hours a hole was made through fallen earth and broken timber, and the outside party was met. Hackett helped three of the men through the hole, but refused to leave the fourth, which had been seriously injured. Meanwhile the hole was getting smaller, and finally the gallery collapsed. The rescue party worked desperately for four days, but the attempt to reach the two men failed. Hackett deliberately gave his life for his comrade, and in recognition of his most conspicuous bravery award of the V.C. was made.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0812
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Major W. LA T. Congreve, Conducting A Battalion To Its Position Of Deployment.
During preparations for the attack Major Williams La Touche Congreve, D.S.O., M.C., of the Rifle Brigade, carried out, under fire, reconnaissances of the enemy lines. By night he conducted a battalion to its position of deployment, afterwards returning to it and establishing himself in an exposed forward position from whence he successfully observed the enemy and gave his orders. Two days later he went out and assisted a medical officer to safely, although he was himself suffering severely from gas and other shell effects. On a subsequent occasion he showed supreme courage in tending wounded under heavy shellfire. He was shot dead while writing his report, after returning to the front line. In recognition of his great gallantry a posthumous award if the V.C. was made.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0815
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Private T. Hughes Dashes Out In Front Of His Company, Shoots A Machine Gunner, And, Single-handed Captures The Gun.
Private Thomas Hughes, of the Connaught Rangers, was wounded in an attack, but returned at once to the firing line after having his wounds dressed. Later, seeing a hostile machine gun, he dashed out in front of his company shot the gunner and single-handed captured the gun. Though again wounded, he brought back three or four prisoners and was subsequently awarded the V.C. for this most conspicuous bravery and determination.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0816
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Acting Sergeant J. Erskine Bandaging His Wounded Officer While Being Repeatedly Fired At.
Whilst the near lip of a crater, caused by the explosion of a large enemy mine, was being consolidated, Acting-Sergeant John Erskine, of the Scottish Rifles (T. F.) rushed out under continuous fire with utter disregard of danger, and rescued a wounded sergeant and a private. Later seeing his officer, who was believed to be dead, show signs of movement, he ran out to him, bandaged his head, and remained with him for fully an hour, though repeatedly fired at, whilst a shallow trench was being dug to them. He then assisted in bringing in his officer, shielding him with his own body in order to lessen the chance of his being hit again. He was rewarded with the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0820
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Private (Acting-Corporal) L. Clarke, Single-handed, Holding At Bay A Party Of Germans During A Counter Attack.
Private (Acting-Corporal) Leo Clarke, Canadian Infantry, was building a block when about twenty of the enemy with two officers counter-attacked. He boldly advanced against them, emptied his revolver into them and afterwards two enemy rifles, which he had picked up in the trench. One of the officers then attacked him with the bayonet wounding him in the leg, but he shot him dead. The enemy then ran away, pursued by Acting-corporal Clarke, who shot four more and captured a fifth. Later, he was ordered to the dressing station, but returned next day to duty. For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0836
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A Shell burst close To Private Jackson, Blowing Off His Arm When Assisting To Bring In A Wounded Man.
Following a successful raid, several raiders were seriously wounded by shellfire. Private William Jackson, of the Australian Infantry, got safely back, and after handing over a prisoner, went out again, under heavy shellfire, and assisted in bringing in a wounded man. He then went out again, and with a sergeant was bringing in another wounded man, when a shell blew off his arm and the sergeant was rendered unconscious. He set a splendid example, and for his most conspicuous bravery was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0839
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Lieutenant (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) R. B. Bradford, M.C., Rallies The Men Of Another Battalion And Leads Them Forward With His Own Battalion.
A leading battalion having suffered severe casualties, and the commander wounded, its flank became dangerously exposed. Raked by machine gun fire, the situation was critical. At the request of the wounded commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford, M.C., of the Durham Light Infantry, obtained permission to command the exposed battalion in addition to his own. By his fearless energy and skilful leadership he succeeded in rallying the attack, and captured and defended the objective. He was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0840
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Temporary Captain A. C. T. White Leading A Counter-Attack And Driving The Enemy From A Redoubt.
Temporary Captain Archie Cecil Thomas White, of the Yorkshire Regiment, was in command of troops holding the southern and western faces of a redoubt. For four days and nights, by his indomitable spirit, great personal courage, and skilful dispositions, he held his position under heavy fire of all kinds and against counter attacks. Though short of supplies and ammunition, his determination never wavered. When the enemy attacked in greatly superior numbers and had almost ejected the British from the redoubt, he led a counter attack, which finally cleared the enemy out of the southern and western faces. He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0844
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Sergeant D. Jones Directing The Survivors Of A Platoon After The Officer Had Been Killed.
The platoon to which Sergeant D. Jones of the Liverpool Regiment, belonged was ordered to a forward position, and during the advance came under heavy machine gunfire, the officer being killed and the platoon suffering heavy losses. Sergeant Jones led forward the remainder, occupied the position, and held it for two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved. On the second day he drove back three counter attacks, inflicting heavy losses. It was due entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence and held to their post. He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0847
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Lance Sergeant Belcher and his men dispersing the enemy by rapid firing.
Early on the morning of May 13th 1915, the enemy opened a very fierce and continuous bombardment on an advanced breastwork, south of the Wieltje-St Julien toad, frequently blowing it in. Lance Sergeant Douglas Walter, of the 1/5th (City of London) Battalion. The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) determined that he would remain with a mere handful of men, and endeavour to hold his position after the troops near him had been withdrawn. He and his men stood their ground throughout the day, opening rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150 to 200 yards distant, whenever they were seen massing for an attack. The bold front shown by the British party prevented the enemy from breaking through on the Wieltje Road, besides averting besides averting an attack on the flank of one of the British Divisions. Lance Sergeant Belcher was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous gallantry.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm) . Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0420
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Second Lieutenant A. V. Smith Throws Himself On A Live Bomb, Sacrificing His Life For His Comrades.
Second Lieutenant Alfred Victor Smith, of the 1/5th Battalion, the East Lancashire Regiment (T.F.) was throwing a grenade, when it slipped from his hand and fell to the bottom of the trench, close to several British officers and men. He shouted, and he jumped clear, but seeing that the others could not get into cover, he returned without any hesitation and flung down on the grenade. The explosion instantly killed him. For this set of most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice he was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0848
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Private F. G. Turrall Guarding A Wounded Officer And Holding His Ground Amid Machine Gun Fire And Bombs.
During a bombing attack the officer in charge was badly wounded, ad the party, having penetrated the enemy position, was compelled to retire. Eventually Private Turrall remained with the officer for three hours, under continuous and very heavy fire from machine guns and bombs, and though both himself and the officer were at one time completely cut off, he held to his ground with determination, and finally carried the officer into the British lines after counter attacks had made this possible. He was awarded the V.C. for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0851
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Lance Corporal tombs dragging back a severely wounded man by means of a rifle sling placed round his own neck and the mans body.
Seeing wounded men lying about one hundred yards in front of the British trenches at Rue du Bois, on June 16th 1915, Lance Corporal Joseph tombs, of the 1st Battalion, The Kings (Liverpool Regiment) crawled out repeatedly under a very heavy shell and machine gun fire to rescue them. He brought back four men. One of them was so severely wounded that unless he had been immediately attended to he must have died. Lance Corporal tombs therefore placed a rifle sling round his own neck and round the mans body, and in this way dragged him back to the trenches. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous gallantry.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0456
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Private W. Young Assisting To Bring In A Wounded Non-Commissioned Officer, After He Himself Had Both Jaws Shattered.
On seeing that his Sergeant had been wounded, Private William Young, of the East Lancashire Regiment, left his trench to attend to him under very heavy fire. The wounded non-commissioned officer requested Private Young to get under cover, but he refused, and was almost immediately very seriously wounded by having both jaws shattered. Notwithstanding his terrible injuries, young continued endeavouring to affect the rescue upon which he had set his mind, and eventually succeeded with the aid of another soldier. He then went unaided to the dressing station, where it was discovered that he had also been wounded by a rifle bullet in the chest. The great fortitude, determination, courage, and devotion to duty displayed by this soldier could hardly be surpassed. He was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0864
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Captain Read, though partially gassed, rallying his men who were disorganised and retiring.
Although partially gassed during the first attack near Hulluch on the morning of September 25th 1915, Captain Anketell Moutray Read, of the 1st Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment, went out several times in order to rally p[arties of different units which were disorganised and retiring. He led them back into the firing line, and utterly regardless of danger, moved freely about encouraging them under a withering fire. He was mortally wounded while carrying out this gallant work. He had shown great bravery during digging operations on August 29th, 30th and 31st, and on the night of July 29th-30th he carried out of action an officer, who was mortally wounded, under a hot fire from rifles and grenades. For his most conspicuous bravery Captain Read was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0483
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Captain Ranken attending to the wounded after his thigh and leg had been shattered.
In tending the wounded in the trenches under rifle and shrapnel fire at Hautvesnes on September 19th 1914, and in continuing to do so on September 20th after his thigh and leg had been shattered, Captain Harry Sherwood Ranken, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, showed the greatest bravery and devotion to duty. He was awarded the V.C. but has since died of his wounds.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0491
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Private J. Miller Staggers Back, Mortally Wounded, With The Answer To A Message And Falls At The Feet Of An Officer On Delivering It.
Private James Miller, of the Royal Lancaster Regiment, was ordered to take an important message under heavy fire and to bring back a reply. On leaving the trench he was shot almost immediately, the bullet coming out through his abdomen. But he compressed with his hand the gaping wound, delivered his message, staggered back with the answer, and fell at the feet of the officer to whom he delivered it. He gave his life with a supreme devotion to duty, in recognition of which a posthumous award of the V.C. was made.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0871
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Corporal J. D. Pollock Bombing The Enemys Bombers From The Top Of A Trench.
On September 27th 1915, when the enemys bombers, in superior numbers, were successfully working up the Little Willie trench towards Hohenzollern redoubt, Corporal James Dalgleish Pollock, of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, got out of the trench, walked along the top edge with the utmost coolness and disregard of danger, and compelled the enemys bombers to retire by bombing them from above. Though under heavy machine gun fire, he held up the progress of the Germans for an hour, being at length wounded. He was awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0875
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Corporal Burt wrenching out the fuse of a German bomb, which had fallen into his trench.
On September 27th 1915, the company of which Corporal Alfred Alexander Burt, of the 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorial Force) was attached had lined up preparatory to an attack, when a large minenwerfer bomb fell into the trench. Corporal Burt, who well knew the destructive power of this class of bomb, might easily have got under cover behind a traverse. But he immediately went forward, put his foot on the fuse, wrenched it out of the bomb and threw it over the parapet, thus rendering the bomb harmless. His presence of mind and great pluck saved the lives of others in the traverse. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0499
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Captain A. C. De Wiart Advancing To The Attack Through An Intense Fire Barrage.
Owing largely to the dauntless courage and inspiring example of Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Adrian Carton De Wiart, D.S.O., of the Grenadier Guards, a serious reverse was averted during severe and prolonged operations. He displayed the utmost energy and courage in facing the British attack home. After three other battalion commanders had become casualties, he controlled their commands, and ensured that the ground won was maintained at all costs. He frequently exposed himself in the organisation of positions and of supplies, passing unflinchingly through a most intense fire barrage. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery, coolness and determination.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0876
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Captain A. F. G. Kilby Cheering His Men On To The Attack After Being Seriously Wounded.
Though wounded at the outset of the attack, Captain Arthur Forbes Gordon Kilby, of the 2nd Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, continued to lead his men along a narrow two path right up to the enemy wire, under a devastating machine gun fire and a shower of bombs. Here he was shot down, but, although his foot had been blown off, he continued to cheer on his men and to use a rifle. He has been missing since the date of the great act of valour, but in recognition of it an award of the V.C. has been made.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0879
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Acting Sergeant Raynes putting his smoke helmet on Sergeant Ayres following the explosion of a gas shell.
On October 11th 1915, Acting Sergeant John Crawshaw Raynes, of A Battery, the 7th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, went out under an intense fire at Fosse 7 de Bethune to assist Sergeant Ayres, who had been wounded. Having bandaged him, Sergeant Raynes returned to his gun, but shortly afterwards Cease fire was ordered. He thereupon went out with two gunners and carried Sergeant Ayres into a dugout. A gas shell burst at the mouth of the dugout, and Sergeant Raynes ran across the open for his smoke helmet, put it on Sergeant Ayres, and then, though he badly gassed, staggered back to serve his gun. He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0507
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Second Lieutenant Rochfort picks up a bomb, which was about to explode, and hurls it from the trench.
While a party of men was at work in a communication trench between Cambrin and La Bassee at 2 a.m. on the morning of August 3rd 1915, a bomb from a German trench mortar landed on the side of the parapet, close to them. Second Lieutenant George Arthur Boyd Rochfort, of the Special Reserve, 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, was standing a short way off at the time, and shouting to the men, he rushed at the bomb, seized it and hurled it over the parapet, where it instantly exploded. His courage and presence of mind saved the lives of many of the working party, and he was rewarded with the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0459
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Lieutenant Lorrain Brodie And His Men Driving The Enemy From British Trenches At Becelaere.
On attacking the British line at Becelacre, on November 11th 1915, the enemy succeeded in capturing part of the trenches. A dangerous situation was created by their presence, as they held their ground with a strong force of men, and it appeared probable that the advantage gained would be followed by another attack in company with troops from the main German line. At a moment, therefore, when a leader of great dash and determination was required, Lieutenant Brodie took command. As usual in such an encounter, the men fixed bayonets, then rushing forward through the trench they bayoneted or shot, as they went no less than eighty Germans, besides capturing fifty-one prisoners. Lieutenant Brodie high courage and determination was rewarded with the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0138
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The Rev. W. R. F. Addison Carries A Wounded Man To The Cover Of A Trench Under Heavy Rifle And Machine Gun Fire.
The Rev. William Robert Fountaine Addison, temporary Chaplain to the Forces, 4th Class, Army Chaplain Department, carried a wounded man to the cover of a trench, and assisted several others to the same cover, after binding up their wounds under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. In addition to these unaided efforts, by his splendid example and utter disregard to personal danger he encountered the stretcher-bearers to go forward under heavy fire and collect the wounded. He was deservedly rewarded with the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0709
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Private W. F. Faulds Carries Back A Wounded Officer, Lieutenant Craig, To His Trench Across Open Ground Between The British And German Lines.
A bombing party attempted to rush across the ground between the British and enemy trenches, but in doing so the officer, Lieutenant Craig, and the majority of his men were killed or wounded. Lieutenant Craig was unable to move, and in full daylight Private William Faulds, of the South African Infantry, and two others, climbed over the parapet, ran out, picked up the officer and carried him back, one man being severely wounded in doing so. Two days later Faulds again showed most conspicuous bravery in going out alone to bring in a wounded man. He was deservedly awarded the V.C.
First World War antique black and white book plate published c.1916-18 of glorious acts of heroism during the Great War. This plate may also have text on the reverse side which does not affect the framed side. Title and text describing the event beneath image as shown. Paper size 10.5 inches x 8.5 inches (27cm x 22cm). Price £13.00
ITEM CODE DTE0702
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Private W. Buckingham Rescuing The Wounded Under
Heavy Fire.
For conspicuous acts of bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing
and rendering aid to the wounded whilst exposed to heavy fire, Private
William Buckingham, of the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire
Regiment was awarded the V.C.
Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) B. C.
Freyberg, D.S.O., Leading The Assault On A Fortified Village.
After having been twice wounded, Captain Bernard Cyril Freyberg,
D.S.O., of the Royal West Surrey Regiment and Royal Naval Division,
organised the attack on a strongly fortified village, and leading the
assault, captured the village and five hundred prisoners in this
operation her was wounded. Later
in the afternoon, he was again wounded severely, but refused to leave
the line until he had issued final instructions.
He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and
brilliant leading.
Sergeant A. F. Saunders Directing The Fire Of Two
Machine Guns though Severely Wounded In The Thigh.
When his officer had been wounded in the attack Sergeant Arthur
Frederick Saunders, of the 9th (Service) Battalion, the
Suffolk Regiment, took charge of two machine guns and a few men, and
although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four
charges of another battalion, and rendered every possible support.
Later, when the remains of the battalion, which he had been
supporting, had been forced to retire he stuck to one of his guns,
continued to give clear orders, and by continuous firing did his best to
cover the retirement. For
his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C.
Second
Lieutenant Hallowes encouraging his men, as he lay mortally wounded.
For six days Second Lieutenant Hallowes had shown the
greatest bravery in the face of danger.
Not only did he mount the parapet of his trench under heavy fire,
but also carried out more than one reconnaissance of the German
position, and when bombs ran short, went back for a fresh supply under
very heavy shell fire. His
end, which seemed inevitable with so much daring, came on October 1st.
Though mortally wounded, he continued to cheer those under his
command and to inspire them with courage.
He had been awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery and
devotion to duty after the fighting on September 25th.
Temporary Second Lieutenant D. S. Bell Dashes
Across The Open, Under Very Heavy fire, To Attack
A Machine Gun Party.
During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the
attacking company by a hostile machine gun.
Temporary Second Lieutenant Donald Simpson Bell, late of the
Yorkshire Regiment, immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a
communication trench and then, followed by Corporal Colwill and Private
Batey, rushed across the open, under very heavy fire, and attacked the
machine gun, shooting the gunner with his revolver, and destroying gun
and personnel with bombs. This
very brave act saved many lives and ensured the success of the attack.
Five days later this gallant officer lost his life performing a
very similar act of bravery. A
posthumous award of the V.C. was made.
Lieutenant J. V. Holland Leading His Bombers
Through A Village Held By The Enemy, After Driving Them From Their Dug Outs.
Not content with bombing hostile dug outs during a heavy
engagement, Lieutenant John Vincent Holland, of the Leinster Regiment,
fearlessly led his bombers through the British artillery barrage and
cleared a greater part of the village in front.
He started out with twenty-six bombers and finished up with only
five, after capturing some fifty prisoners.
By this very gallant action he undoubtedly broke the spirit of
the enemy and thus saved many casualties.
For his most conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C.
A German Officer And Fourteen Of His Men Cry For
Mercy To Lieutenant Leach.
Section by section the trench was recaptured, and driven back
until they could go no further, the Germans decided to surrender.
Lieutenant Leach (2nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment)
was surprised to hear a voice calling in English Dont shoot
sir! The speaker was one
of his own men who had been captured in the morning.
He had come from a German officer to say he wished to surrender.
On going round the corner of the traverse Lieutenant Leach came
upon the officer and fourteen of his men, who kneeling, raised their
hands and begged for mercy. For
their conspicuous bravery Lieutenant Leach and Sergeant Hogan were both
deservedly awarded the V.C.
Corporal G. Sanders And His Party Driving Off A
German Attack And Rescuing Some Prisoners.
After an advance into the enemys lines, Corporal George
Sanders, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, found himself isolated with a
party of thirty men. But he
organized his defences, and detailed a bombing party.
Next morning his party drove off an attack by the enemy and
rescued some prisoners who had fallen into their hands.
Later two strong bombing attacks were beaten off.
The following day he was relieved, after showing the greatest
courage, determination and good leadership.
For thirty-six hours his party was without food and water, having
given all their water to the wounded during the first night.
Corporal Sanders was deservedly awarded the V.C.
Lance-Naik Lala Drags A Wounded Officer, Whom He
Found Lying Close To The Enemy, To A Shelter And There Bandages His Wounds.
Finding a British Officer of another regiment lying close to the
enemy, Lance-Naik Lala, of the 41st Dogras Indian Army,
dragged him into a temporary shelter.
After bandaging his wounds he heard calls from the adjutant of
his own regiment, who was lying in the open severely wounded.
The enemy were not more than a hundred yards distant, but Lance-Naik
Lala insisted on going out to his adjutant.
He stripped off his own clothing to keep the wounded officer
warmer and stayed with him until just before dark.
After dark he carried the first wounded officer back to the main
trenches, and then, returning with a stretcher, he carried back his
adjutant. He set a
magnificent example of courage and devotion to his officers, and was
deservedly awarded the V.C.
Temporary Lieutenant G. ST. G. S. Cather Bringing
In A Wounded Man In Full View Of The Enemy And Under Machine Gun And Artillery
Fire. From early in the evening till midnight Temporary
Lieutenant Geoffrey St. George Shillington Cather, of the Royal Irish
Fusiliers, searched No mans land and brought in three wounded men.
Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in
another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their
rescue later. Finally at
10.30 a.m. he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further
on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under
direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire.
He set a splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice, and was
posthumously awarded the V.C.
The Rev E. N. Mellish Walking Across Ground,
Which Was Being Swept By Machine Gun Fire, To Tend The Wounded.
During heavy fighting at St. Eloi on March 27th 1916,
and the two following days the Rev. Edward Noel Mellish journeyed under
continuous and heavy fire, between the original British trenches and
those captured, in order to tend and rescue wounded men.
He brought in ten on the first day from ground swept by machine
gun fire, and three were actually killed while he was dressing their
wounds. His battalion was
relieved on the second day, but he went back and brought in twelve more
men. On the night of the
third day he took charge of some volunteers and returned to the trenches
to rescue the remaining wounded. This
splendid work, for which he was awarded the V.C., was quite voluntary on
his part and outside the scope of his ordinary duties.
Lieutenant De Pass bombing the
enemy after entering one of their Saps.
On November 24th 1914, Lieutenant Frank
Alexander de Pass of the 34th Prince Albert Victors Own Poona
horse, gallantry entered a German sap near Festubert, and succeeded in
destroying a traverse while being bombed by the enemy.
He subsequently rescued under heavy fire a wounded man who was
lying exposed in the open. He
lost his life, however, on the same day in a second attempt to capture
the sap, which had been reoccupied by the enemy.
For his conspicuous bravery.
Lieutenant de Pass was awarded the V.C.
Captain W. B. Allen Assisting Men Wounded By The
Explosion Of Ammunition, after being himself wounded.
A German shell having exploded some ammunition which was being
unloaded, causing several casualties, Captain William Barnsley Allen,
M.C., M.B., of the royal Army Medical Corps, with utter disregard of
danger, ran across the open, under heavy shellfire, and commenced
dressing the wounded, thereby saving many men from bleeding to death.
He was himself hit four times by pieces of shell, one of which
fractured two of his ribs, but he coolly went on with his work until the
last men were dressed and safely removed.
For his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty then was
awarded the V.C.
Bombardier
Harlock laying his gun after having been twice wounded.
On September 15th 1914, during the battle of
the Aisne, Bombardier Ernest George Harlock, of the 113th
Battery, Royal field Artillery, was twice wounded while his battery was
in action under heavy shellfire near Vendresse.
He perished, however, on each occasion in returning to lay his
gun after his wound had been dressed.
For his conspicuous gallantry, Bombardier, now Sergeant Harlock,
was awarded the V.C.
Private R. Ryder Dashes Unsupported At An Enemy
Trench And Clears It With A Lewis Gun.
A company was held up by heavy rifle fire, all its officers had
become casualties, and for want of leadership the attack feared.
Realising the situation, Private Robert Ryder, of the Middlesex
Regiment, without a moment’s thought for his own safety, dashed
absolutely alone at the enemy trench and, by skilful manipulation of his
Lewis gun, succeeded in clearing the trench.
This very gallant act, for which Ryder was awarded the V.C., not
only made possible, but also greatly inspired, the subsequent advance of
his comrades, and turned possible failure into success.
Private J. Hutchinson Shooting Two German
Sentries When Leading An Attack On A German Trench. During an attack on the enemys position, Private James
Hutchinson, of the Lancashire Fusiliers (of Bury), was the leading man,
and, entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the
traverses. After the
British object had been gained and retirement ordered, Private
Hutchinson, on his own initiative, undertook the dangerous task of
covering the retirement, and he did this with such gallantry and
determination that the wounded were removed safely.
During all this time this gallant soldier was exposed to fierce
fire from machine guns and rifles at close quarters.
For his most conspicuous gallantry he was awarded the V.C.
Private T. A. Jones Attacks And Disarms
Singlehanded 102 Of The Enemy And Then Marches Them To The British Lines
Private Thomas Alfred Jones, of the Cheshire Regiment, was with
his company consolidating the defences, and, noticing an enemy sniper at
200 yards distance, he went out, and returned the snipers fire and
killed him. He then saw two
more of the enemy firing at him, although displaying a white flag.
Both of them he also shot. On
reaching the enemy trench he found several occupied dug outs, and
single-handed disarmed 102 of the enemy, including three or four
officers, and marched them back to the British lines though a heavy
barrage. He was awarded the
V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
Temporary Second Lieutenant T. E.
Adlam, Though
Wounded Leads His Men In A Dashing Attack, Capturing A German Position And Killing The Defenders.
A portion of a village had to be captured, and under heavy fire
Temporary Second Lieutenant Tom Edwin Adlam, of the Bedfordshire
Regiment, rushed from shell hole collecting men and also enemy grenades
for a sudden rush. At this
stage he was wounded in the leg, but in spite of his wounds led a
dashing attack, captured the position, and killed the occupants.
Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing
attacks. On the following
day, when again wounded and unable to throw bombs, he continued to lead
his men. His magnificent
example and valour, coupled with the skilful handling of the situation,
produced far-reaching results. He
was deservedly awarded the V.C.
Second Lieutenant G. G. Coury Assisting Men
Digging A Communication Trench Under Intense Fire.
During an advance Second Lieutenant Gabriel George Coury, of the
South Lancashire Regiment, was in command of two platoons, which had
been ordered to dig a communication trench, and his fine example kept up
the spirits of his men, who completed the task under intense fire.
Later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties and the
commanding officer had been wounded, he went out in front of the
advanced position in broad daylight and brought him back over ground
swept by machine gun fire. He
also assisted in rallying the attacking troops and in leading them
forward. He has been
awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
Sapper W. Hackett Refuses To Leave A Comrade Who
Was Lying Seriously Injured In A Mine Gallery.
Sapper William Hackett, of the Royal Engineers, was entombed with
four others in a gallery owing to the explosion of an enemy mine.
After working for twenty hours a hole was made through fallen
earth and broken timber, and the outside party was met.
Hackett helped three of the men through the hole, but refused to
leave the fourth, which had been seriously injured.
Meanwhile the hole was getting smaller, and finally the gallery
collapsed. The rescue party
worked desperately for four days, but the attempt to reach the two men
failed. Hackett
deliberately gave his life for his comrade, and in recognition of his
most conspicuous bravery award of the V.C. was made.
Major W. LA T.
Congreve, Conducting A Battalion
To Its Position Of Deployment.
During preparations for the attack Major Williams La Touche
Congreve, D.S.O., M.C., of the Rifle Brigade, carried out, under fire,
reconnaissances of the enemy lines. By night he conducted a battalion to its position of
deployment, afterwards returning to it and establishing himself in an
exposed forward position from whence he successfully observed the enemy
and gave his orders. Two
days later he went out and assisted a medical officer to safely,
although he was himself suffering severely from gas and other shell
effects. On a subsequent
occasion he showed supreme courage in tending wounded under heavy
shellfire. He was shot dead
while writing his report, after returning to the front line.
In recognition of his great gallantry a posthumous award if the
V.C. was made.
Private T. Hughes Dashes Out In Front Of His
Company, Shoots A Machine Gunner, And, Single-handed Captures The Gun.
Private Thomas Hughes, of the Connaught Rangers, was wounded in
an attack, but returned at once to the firing line after having his
wounds dressed. Later,
seeing a hostile machine gun, he dashed out in front of his company shot
the gunner and single-handed captured the gun.
Though again wounded, he brought back three or four prisoners and
was subsequently awarded the V.C. for this most conspicuous bravery and
determination.
Acting Sergeant J. Erskine Bandaging His Wounded
Officer While Being Repeatedly Fired At.
Whilst the near lip of a crater, caused by the explosion of a
large enemy mine, was being consolidated, Acting-Sergeant John Erskine,
of the Scottish Rifles (T. F.) rushed out under continuous fire with
utter disregard of danger, and rescued a wounded sergeant and a private.
Later seeing his officer, who was believed to be dead, show signs
of movement, he ran out to him, bandaged his head, and remained with him
for fully an hour, though repeatedly fired at, whilst a shallow trench
was being dug to them. He
then assisted in bringing in his officer, shielding him with his own
body in order to lessen the chance of his being hit again.
He was rewarded with the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
Private (Acting-Corporal) L. Clarke,
Single-handed, Holding At Bay A Party Of Germans During A Counter Attack.
Private (Acting-Corporal) Leo Clarke, Canadian Infantry, was
building a block when about twenty of the enemy with two officers
counter-attacked. He boldly
advanced against them, emptied his revolver into them and afterwards two
enemy rifles, which he had picked up in the trench.
One of the officers then attacked him with the bayonet wounding
him in the leg, but he shot him dead.
The enemy then ran away, pursued by Acting-corporal Clarke, who
shot four more and captured a fifth.
Later, he was ordered to the dressing station, but returned next
day to duty. For his most
conspicuous bravery he was awarded the V.C.
A Shell burst close To Private Jackson, Blowing
Off His Arm When Assisting To Bring In A Wounded Man.
Following a successful raid, several raiders were seriously
wounded by shellfire. Private William Jackson, of the Australian Infantry, got
safely back, and after handing over a prisoner, went out again, under
heavy shellfire, and assisted in bringing in a wounded man.
He then went out again, and with a sergeant was bringing in
another wounded man, when a shell blew off his arm and the sergeant was
rendered unconscious. He set a splendid example, and for his most
conspicuous bravery was awarded the V.C.
Lieutenant (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) R. B.
Bradford, M.C., Rallies The Men Of Another Battalion And Leads Them Forward With His Own Battalion.
A leading battalion having suffered severe casualties, and the
commander wounded, its flank became dangerously exposed.
Raked by machine gun fire, the situation was critical. At the request of the wounded commander, Lieutenant-Colonel
Bradford, M.C., of the Durham Light Infantry, obtained permission to
command the exposed battalion in addition to his own.
By his fearless energy and skilful leadership he succeeded in
rallying the attack, and captured and defended the objective. He was awarded the V.C.
Temporary Captain A. C. T. White Leading A
Counter-Attack And Driving The Enemy From A Redoubt.
Temporary Captain Archie Cecil Thomas White, of the Yorkshire
Regiment, was in command of troops holding the southern and western
faces of a redoubt. For
four days and nights, by his indomitable spirit, great personal courage,
and skilful dispositions, he held his position under heavy fire of all
kinds and against counter attacks.
Though short of supplies and ammunition, his determination never
wavered. When the enemy
attacked in greatly superior numbers and had almost ejected the British
from the redoubt, he led a counter attack, which finally cleared the
enemy out of the southern and western faces.
He was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery.
Sergeant D. Jones Directing The Survivors Of A
Platoon After The Officer Had Been Killed.
The platoon to which Sergeant D. Jones of the Liverpool Regiment,
belonged was ordered to a forward position, and during the advance came
under heavy machine gunfire, the officer being killed and the platoon
suffering heavy losses. Sergeant
Jones led forward the remainder, occupied the position, and held it for
two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved.
On the second day he drove back three counter attacks, inflicting
heavy losses. It was due
entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence
and held to their post. He
was awarded the V.C. for his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to
duty.
Lance Sergeant Belcher and his
men dispersing the enemy by rapid firing.
Early on the morning of May 13th 1915, the
enemy opened a very fierce and continuous bombardment on an advanced
breastwork, south of the Wieltje-St Julien toad, frequently blowing it
in. Lance Sergeant Douglas
Walter, of the 1/5th (City of London) Battalion.
The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade) determined that he
would remain with a mere handful of men, and endeavour to hold his
position after the troops near him had been withdrawn.
He and his men stood their ground throughout the day, opening
rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150 to 200 yards distant,
whenever they were seen massing for an attack.
The bold front shown by the British party prevented the enemy
from breaking through on the Wieltje Road, besides averting besides
averting an attack on the flank of one of the British Divisions.
Lance Sergeant Belcher was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous
gallantry.
Second Lieutenant A. V. Smith Throws Himself On A
Live Bomb, Sacrificing His Life For His Comrades.
Second Lieutenant Alfred Victor Smith, of the 1/5th
Battalion, the East Lancashire Regiment (T.F.) was throwing a grenade,
when it slipped from his hand and fell to the bottom of the trench,
close to several British officers and men.
He shouted, and he jumped clear, but seeing that the others could
not get into cover, he returned without any hesitation and flung down on
the grenade. The explosion
instantly killed him. For
this set of most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice he was awarded
the V.C.
Private F. G. Turrall Guarding A Wounded Officer
And Holding His Ground Amid Machine Gun Fire And Bombs.
During a bombing attack the officer in charge was badly wounded,
ad the party, having penetrated the enemy position, was compelled to
retire. Eventually Private
Turrall remained with the officer for three hours, under continuous and
very heavy fire from machine guns and bombs, and though both himself and
the officer were at one time completely cut off, he held to his ground
with determination, and finally carried the officer into the British
lines after counter attacks had made this possible. He was awarded the V.C. for conspicuous bravery and devotion
to duty.
Lance Corporal tombs dragging
back a severely wounded man by means of a rifle sling placed round his
own neck and the mans body.
Seeing wounded men lying about one hundred yards in front
of the British trenches at Rue du Bois, on June 16th 1915,
Lance Corporal Joseph tombs, of the 1st Battalion, The Kings
(Liverpool Regiment) crawled out repeatedly under a very heavy shell and
machine gun fire to rescue them. He
brought back four men. One
of them was so severely wounded that unless he had been immediately
attended to he must have died. Lance
Corporal tombs therefore placed a rifle sling round his own neck and
round the mans body, and in this way dragged him back to the trenches.
He was awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous gallantry.
Private W. Young Assisting To Bring In A Wounded
Non-Commissioned Officer, After He Himself Had Both Jaws Shattered.
On seeing that his Sergeant had been wounded, Private William
Young, of the East Lancashire Regiment, left his trench to attend to him
under very heavy fire. The
wounded non-commissioned officer requested Private Young to get under
cover, but he refused, and was almost immediately very seriously wounded
by having both jaws shattered. Notwithstanding
his terrible injuries, young continued endeavouring to affect the rescue
upon which he had set his mind, and eventually succeeded with the aid of
another soldier. He then
went unaided to the dressing station, where it was discovered that he
had also been wounded by a rifle bullet in the chest.
The great fortitude, determination, courage, and devotion to duty
displayed by this soldier could hardly be surpassed. He was awarded the V.C.
Captain Read, though partially
gassed, rallying his men who were disorganised and retiring.
Although partially gassed during the first attack near
Hulluch on the morning of September 25th 1915, Captain
Anketell Moutray Read, of the 1st Battalion, The
Northamptonshire Regiment, went out several times in order to rally
parties of different units which were disorganised and retiring.
He led them back into the firing line, and utterly regardless of
danger, moved freely about encouraging them under a withering fire.
He was mortally wounded while carrying out this gallant work.
He had shown great bravery during digging operations on August 29th,
30th and 31st, and on the night of July 29th-30th
he carried out of action an officer, who was mortally wounded, under a
hot fire from rifles and grenades.
For his most conspicuous bravery Captain Read was awarded the V.C.
Captain
Ranken attending to the wounded after his thigh and leg had been
shattered.
In tending the wounded in the trenches under rifle and
shrapnel fire at Hautvesnes on September 19th 1914, and in
continuing to do so on September 20th after his thigh and leg
had been shattered, Captain Harry Sherwood Ranken, of the Royal Army
Medical Corps, showed the greatest bravery and devotion to duty.
He was awarded the V.C. but has since died of his wounds.
Private J. Miller Staggers Back, Mortally
Wounded, With The Answer To A Message And Falls At The Feet Of An Officer On Delivering
It. Private James Miller, of the Royal Lancaster Regiment, was
ordered to take an important message under heavy fire and to bring back
a reply. On leaving the
trench he was shot almost immediately, the bullet coming out through his
abdomen. But he compressed
with his hand the gaping wound, delivered his message, staggered back
with the answer, and fell at the feet of the officer to whom he
delivered it. He gave his
life with a supreme devotion to duty, in recognition of which a
posthumous award of the V.C. was made.
Corporal J. D. Pollock Bombing The Enemys
Bombers From The Top Of A Trench.
On September 27th 1915, when the enemys bombers, in
superior numbers, were successfully working up the Little Willie
trench towards Hohenzollern redoubt, Corporal James Dalgleish Pollock,
of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, got out of the trench, walked
along the top edge with the utmost coolness and disregard of danger, and
compelled the enemys bombers to retire by bombing them from above.
Though under heavy machine gun fire, he held up the progress of
the Germans for an hour, being at length wounded.
He was awarded the V.C.
Corporal
Burt wrenching out the fuse of a German bomb, which had fallen into his
trench. On September 27th 1915, the company of which
Corporal Alfred Alexander Burt, of the 1st Battalion
Hertfordshire Regiment (Territorial Force) was attached had lined up
preparatory to an attack, when a large minenwerfer bomb fell into the
trench. Corporal Burt, who
well knew the destructive power of this class of bomb, might easily have
got under cover behind a traverse.
But he immediately went forward, put his foot on the fuse,
wrenched it out of the bomb and threw it over the parapet, thus
rendering the bomb harmless. His
presence of mind and great pluck saved the lives of others in the
traverse. He was awarded
the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery.
Captain A. C. De Wiart Advancing To The Attack
Through An Intense Fire Barrage.
Owing largely to the dauntless courage and inspiring example of
Captain (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Adrian Carton De Wiart, D.S.O.,
of the Grenadier Guards, a serious reverse was averted during severe and
prolonged operations. He
displayed the utmost energy and courage in facing the British attack
home. After three other
battalion commanders had become casualties, he controlled their
commands, and ensured that the ground won was maintained at all costs. He frequently exposed himself in the organisation of
positions and of supplies, passing unflinchingly through a most intense
fire barrage. He was
awarded the V.C. for most conspicuous bravery, coolness and
determination.
Captain A. F. G. Kilby Cheering His Men On To The
Attack After Being Seriously Wounded.
Though wounded at the outset of the attack, Captain Arthur Forbes
Gordon Kilby, of the 2nd Battalion, The South Staffordshire
Regiment, continued to lead his men along a narrow two path right up to
the enemy wire, under a devastating machine gun fire and a shower of
bombs. Here he was shot
down, but, although his foot had been blown off, he continued to cheer
on his men and to use a rifle. He
has been missing since the date of the great act of valour, but in
recognition of it an award of the V.C. has been made.
Acting
Sergeant Raynes putting his smoke helmet on Sergeant Ayres following the
explosion of a gas shell.
On October 11th 1915, Acting Sergeant John
Crawshaw Raynes, of A Battery, the 7th Brigade, Royal Field
Artillery, went out under an intense fire at Fosse 7 de Bethune to
assist Sergeant Ayres, who had been wounded.
Having bandaged him, Sergeant Raynes returned to his gun, but
shortly afterwards Cease fire was ordered.
He thereupon went out with two gunners and carried Sergeant Ayres
into a dugout. A gas shell burst at the mouth of the dugout, and Sergeant
Raynes ran across the open for his smoke helmet, put it on Sergeant
Ayres, and then, though he badly gassed, staggered back to serve his
gun. He was awarded the V.C.
for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
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