Church Lads' Brigade badge. Image courtesy Terry Hissey, CLCGB Historical Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Church Lads & Church Girls Brigade

Victoria Cross Recipients

 

The Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade (CLCGB) is a Church of England Youth Organisation, with branches in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Barbados, Bermuda, Kenya, South Africa, Newfoundland and St Helena.

 It was formed as the Church Lads' Brigade in 1891, by Mr Walter M Gee. Ten years later, the Church Nursing and Ambulance Brigade for Young Women was formed by the Reverend Thomas Milner. The two Brigades amalgamated in 1978, to form the Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade.

Over the years, there have been twenty-two known Victoria Cross recipients (see list below) associated with the Church Lads’ Brigade, but as more research is done, there could be more.

 

On 22^nd June, 2002, the CLCGB sponsored a Memorial Garden, which Brigade members designed, built, and planted. Today, they still maintain that plot at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Alrewas, Staffordshire.

 

The memorial garden is laid out in the shape of a Christian Cross as a pathway, with areas surrounding the cross planted out. Within the memorial garden are benches for quiet contemplation, and a memorial plinth surmounted with a plaque which states, “Dedicated to members of The Church Lads’ & Church Girls’ Brigade who served their country in war and peace.”  Thoughtfully, as with many other memorials sited in the NMA, the plaque inscription is also in Braille.

 

This memorial is also dedicated to those very brave men from all walks of life, and all ranks within the armed forces from Privates to a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, who have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Much thought has gone into the planting scheme, and twenty-two shrubs (Berberis) have been planted,. Two Rowan trees have also been planted because as they grow, “they will always be greater than the past.”(Quote from the NMA guide book)

 

As with all the memorials at the NMA, accessibility has been given priority, with good level pathways, a road train, and the use of mobility scooters which are available for a small fee. On hand are a number of very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to give help, advice, and a very concise history of the memorials and what they stand for.

 

The CLCGB garden is located very close to the Millennium Chapel, which is a wonderful place of worship. Here a Service of Remembrance, which includes at two minutes silence at 11.00am, is held every day of the year. Prior to the two minutes silence, a recorded introduction is played, followed by the recorded sounding of the Last Post and Reveille by Royal Marine buglers.

Everything in and around the Chapel has some significance, from the twelve Douglas Fir pillars, to handcuffs suspended from the Elm crosses behind the altar. Before the daily Service, a very informative talk is given, in which explanations are given about everything contained within the Chapel. Outside the Chapel, on the wall by the entrance door, is a short but beautiful Millennium Prayer written by Anna Crompton, a 13 year old from Ipswich, which reads:-

 

 

 

 

Dear Lord Our Heavenly Father

 

At the dawn of a new millennium

In a world of darkness, give us your light

In lands of war and prejudice, grant us peace

In a world of despair give us hope

In a world of sadness and tears, show us your joy

In a world of hatred, show us your love

In a world of arrogance, give us humility

In a world of disbelief, give us faith

Give us courage to face the challenges

 of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked,

 housing the homeless and healing the sick

Give us the power to make a difference in

Your world, and protect your creation.

Through Jesus Christ Our Lord

 

Amen

 

Anna Crompton Aged 13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below is the known list of VC recipients associated with the CLB showing

Recipient

Regiment

Brigade Company

Company Number

 

Along with some basic information and facts about each individual

 

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Francis David Millet Brown

VC

1st European Bengal Fusiliers

Brigade Company St. George’s Tiverton

Company No 232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 7^th August, 1837, in Bhagalpur, India.

Died: 21^st November, 1895, aged 58 years, at Sandown, Isle of Wight, Hampshire.

Attended Grosvenor College, Bath. From 1852 to 1854 he was educated by a private tutor, Brisco Morland Gane, late Curate of Honiton.

Served: 1st European Bengal Fusiliers (later The Royal Munster Fusiliers). At  20 years old, and a Lieutenant during the Indian Mutiny, he was promoted to Captain on 23rd August, 1864. He returned to the army as a Major on 7th December, 1875, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 8th December, 1881.

Date of VC Action: 16^th November, 1857.

Place of VC Action: Narrioul, India.

Gazetted: 17^th February, 1860.

Citation: For great gallantry at Narrioul, on the 16th November, 1857, in having, at the imminent risk of his own life, rushed to the assistance of a wounded soldier of the 1st European Bengal Fusiliers, whom he carried off, under a very heavy fire from the enemy, whose cavalry were within forty or fifty yards of him at the time.

He was presented to Queen Victoria at a Levee at St James' Palace, on 24th April, 1860. He later achieved the rank of Colonel.

Buried: West Hill Cemetery, Winchester, Hampshire.

Commemorations: Headstone; name on Royal Munster Fusiliers’ Memorial, Winchester.

Medals held at: Wellington College, Berkshire.

He was the 207^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

He was gazetted Ensign, Bengal Army, December 8th, 1855, promoted to Second-Lieutenant, 1st Bengal European Fusiliers, March 7th, 1856, and promoted to Lieutenant, June 7th, 1857. 

He served in the Umbeyla Campaign in the Indian Mutiny, receiving the General Service Medal with clasp for Umbeyla, and the Mutiny Medal with clasps for Delhi and Lucknow.

 

 

 

 

Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts (later Earl Roberts)

 VC, KG, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, PC, VD

Bengal Artillery

CLB Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 30^th September, 1832, Cawnpore, India.

Died: 14^th November, 1914, aged 82 at St Omer, while visiting the Indian Corps on the Western Front during the First World War

Served: Bengal Artillery, Royal Artillery, Indian Mutiny, Siege of Delhi, Siege of Lucknow, Umbeyla Campaign,
1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, Battle of Magdala, Lushai Campaign (1871–1872),

Second Anglo-Afghan War,
Battle of Peiwar Kotal, Siege of the Sherpur Cantonment, Battle of Kandahar,

Second Boer War Siege of Kimberley.

 

Date of VC Action: 2^nd January, 1858.

Place of VC Action: Khodagunge, India.

Gazetted: 24^th December, 1858.

Citation: Lieutenant Roberts' gallantry has on every occasion been most marked. On following the retreating enemy on the 2nd January, 1858, at Khodagunge, he saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. Lieutenant Roberts put spurs to his horse, and overtook them just as they were about to enter a village. They immediately turned round, and presented their muskets at him, and one of the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the caps snapped, and the standard-bearer was cut down by this gallant young officer, and the standard taken possession of by him. He also, on the same day, cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay, with musket and bayonet, keeping off a Sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman, and, rushing at the Sepoy, with one blow of his sword cut him across the face, killing him on the spot.

 

Buried: Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral, City of London.

Commemorations: Vault; name in Ascot Church; memorial plaque at house “Englemere”, Kings Ride Ascot; statue in Horse Guards Parade, London;  plaque in the Sanctum Crypt, St Luke’s Church, Chelsea; name on family grave, Priory Road, Ascot; wooden plaque by the vault, St Pauls Cathedral, London.

Medals held at: National Army Museum.

 

He was the 231^st person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

Field Marshal Sir George Stuart White

VC,

GCB, OM, GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, GCVO

92^nd Regiment (Gordon Highlanders)

CLB Governing Body

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 6^th July, 1835, at Rock Castle, Portstewart, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

Died: 24^th June, 1912, aged 76, at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. He had been the Governor there.

Served: 92^nd Regiment (later The Gordon Highlanders), Indian Mutiny, Second Afghan War, Third Anglo-Burmese War, Mahdist War, Second Boer War.

Date of VC Action: 6^th October, 1879.

Place of VC Action: Charasiah, Afghanistan (Afghan War)

Gazetted: 2^nd June, 1881.

Citation: For conspicuous bravery during the engagement at Charasiah on the 6th October, 1879, when, finding that the artillery and rifle fire failed to dislodge the enemy from a fortified hill which it was necessary to capture, Major White led an attack upon it in person. Advancing with two companies of his regiment; and climbing from one steep ledge to another, he came upon a body of the enemy, strongly posted, and outnumbering his force by about 8 to 1. His men being much exhausted, and immediate action being necessary, Major White took a rifle, and, going on by himself, shot the leader of the enemy. This act so intimidated the rest that they fled round the side of the hill, and the position was won.

Again, on the 1st September, 1880, at the battle of Kandahar, Major White, in leading, the final charge, under a heavy fire from the enemy, who held a strong position and were supported by two guns, rode straight up to within a few yards of them, and seeing the guns, dashed forward and secured one, immediately after which the enemy retired.

Buried: Broughshane Presbyterian Churchyard, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Commemorations: Headstone and plaque at Broughshane Church; memorial at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire; memorial at Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst; memorial at his home “Whitehouse,”  Broughshane; plaque at the Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen.

Medals held at:  Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen.

He was the 349^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

Medal Entitlement

 

Victoria Cross

Knight Grand Cross, Order of the Bath (GCB)

Order of Merit (OM)

Knight Grand Commander, Order of the Star of India (GCSI)

Knight Grand Cross, Order of St Michael & St George (GCMG)

Knight Grand Commander, Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE)

Knight Grand Cross, Royal Victorian Order (GCVO)

Queen Victoria Jubilee Medal 1897

King Edward VII Coronation Medal 1902

King George V Coronation Medal 1911

Indian Mutiny Medal l1857-58

Afghanistan Medal 1878-80 3 clasps: Charasiah - Kabul - Kandahar

Kabul to Kandahar Star 1881

Egypt Medal 1882-89 1 clasp: The Nile 1884-85

India General Service Medal 1854-95 1 clasp: Burma 1885-7

Queen's South Africa Medal 1899-1902 2 clasps: Elandslaagte - Defence of Ladysmith

Franz Joseph I Diamond Jubilee Gold Medal 1908 Austria

Khedive's Star 1884-86 Egypt

 

 

 

Corporal Charles Ernest Garforth

VC

15th Hussars

Roxeth & Harrow

Company No 3534

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Garforth VC page on this site,

Click Link 

 

 

 

Private Edward Barber

VC

Grenadier Guards

St. Peter & St. Paul, Tring

Company No 196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 10^th June, 1893, at 40 King Street, Tring, Hertfordshire.

Died: 12^th March, 1915, at Neuve Chapelle, France. Thought to be during his VC action, or later the same day by a sniper’s bullet.

Served: 1^st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

Date of VC Action: 12^th March, 1915.

Place of VC Action: Neuve Chapelle, France.

Gazetted: 19^th April, 1915, and awarded posthumously.

Citation:  For most conspicuous bravery on 12th March, 1915, at Neuve Chapelle. He ran speedily in front of the Grenade Company to which he belonged, and threw bombs on the enemy with such effect that a very great number of them at once surrendered.  When the grenade party reached Private Barber they found him quite alone and unsupported, with the enemy surrendering all about him.

Buried: Edward Barber VC, sadly, has no known grave.

Commemorations: Name on Le Touret Memorial, France; name on Tring War Memorial.

Medals held at: Grenadier Guards Museum.

He was the 577^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.  

 

Private Edward Barber medal entitlement

Victoria Cross

1914 Star

British War Medal 1914-20

Victory Medal 1914-19

 

 

 

Corporal James Upton

VC

Sherwood Foresters

Lincoln Church House & Institute

Company No 681

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Upton VC page on this site

 Click Link

 

 

 

Captain Douglas Belcher

VC

London Rifle Brigade (Now the Royal Green Jackets)

St. Mark’s Surbiton

Company No 479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 15th July, 1889, in Surbiton, Surrey.

Died: 3^rd June, 1953, aged 63 at Claygate, Surrey.

Served: 1^st/5^th Battalion the London Regiment (The London Rifle Brigade)

Date of VC Action: 13^th May, 1915.

Place of VC Action: Near St. Julien, Belgium.

Gazetted:  23^rd June, 1915.

Citation: On 13th May, 1915, south of the Wieltje, St.Julien Road, Belgium, Belcher was in charge of a portion of an advanced breastwork during continuous bombardment by the enemy. With very few men, Belcher elected to remain and try to hold his position after the troops near him had been withdrawn, and with great skill he succeeded in his objective, opening rapid fire on the enemy, who were only 150-200 yards away, whenever he saw them collecting for an attack. This bold action prevented the enemy breaking through and averted an attack on the flank of one of our Divisions.

 

Buried: Holy Trinity Churchyard, Claygate, Surrey.

Commemorations: Headstone.

Medals held at: Royal Green Jackets Museum

He was the 617^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

     Medal entitlement

Victoria Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal 1914-20

Victory Medal 1914-19

King George VI Coronation Medal 1937

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953

 

Reverend Edward Mellish

VC

Army Chaplains’ Department

St. Paul’s Deptford

Company No 411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Mellish VC on the Chaplains’ VC page

Click Link

 

 

Reverend William Addison

VC

Army Chaplains’ Department

St. Edmund’s Salisbury

Company No 788

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Addison VC on the Chaplains VC page

Click Link

 

 

Private Arthur Herbert Procter

VC

King’s Liverpool Regiment

St. Luke’s Tranmere

Company No 221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 11^th August, 1890, at 55 Church Street, Bootle, Lancashire.

Died: 26^th January, 1973, in Sheffield, aged 82. In later life he became a Reverend, and served as an RAF Chaplain in WW2.

Served: 1^st/5^th Battalion, The King’s Liverpool Regiment.

Date of VC Action:  4^th June, 1916.

Place of VC Action: Near Ficheux, France.

Gazetted: 5^th August, 1916.

Citation: On 4th June, 1916, near Ficheux, France, Private Procter noticed some movement on the part of two wounded men who were lying in full view of the enemy about 15 yards in front of the trenches. He at once went out on his own initiative and, although heavily fired at, ran and crawled to the two men, got them under cover of a small bank dressed their wounds and promised that they would be rescued after dark. He left them with warm clothing and then returned to the trenches, again being heavily fired at. The men were rescued at dusk.

 Buried: Cremated 1^st February, 1973, at City Road Crematorium, Sheffield (Ref No 96040). Cremated remains were buried in All Saints Chapel, Sheffield Cathedral.

Commemorations: Wooden memorial in Sheffield Cathedral; plaque outside Manchester Regimental Museum

Medals held at: The Museum of The King’s Regiment, Liverpool.

He was the 707^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

Medal entitlement of

Victoria Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal 1914-20

Victory Medal 1914-19

Defence Medal 1939-45

War Medal 1939-45

King George VI Coronation Medal 1937

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953

 

 

 

 

Private James Hutchinson

VC

Lancashire Fusiliers

Radcliffe Parish Church

Company No 2941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 9^th July, 1895, at 18 Bank Top, Radcliffe, Lancashire.

Died: 21^st January, 1972, aged 76, at his home “Barnshill”, Zion Road, Torquay, Devon, from bronchitis.

Served: 2^nd/5^th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers.

Date of VC Action:  28^th June, 1916.

Place of VC Action: Near Ficheux, France

Gazetted: 9^th September, 1916.

Citation:  For most conspicuous bravery. During an attack on the enemy's position this soldier was the leading man, and, entering their trench, shot two sentries and cleared two of the traverses.

After our 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 into safety. During all this time this gallant soldier was exposed to fierce fire from machine-guns and rifles at close quarters

 

Buried: Cremated on 26^th January, 1972, at Torquay Crematorium. Cremated remains scattered in Garden of Remembrance. No known memorial.

Commemorations: None known.

Medals held at: Not publicly held.

He was the 712^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

      Medal entitlement

Victoria Cross

1914-15 Star

British War Medal 1914-20

Victory Medal 1914-19

King George VI Coronation Medal 1937

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953

 

 

 

 

 

Brigadier General Roland Boys Bradford

VC, MC

Durham Light Infantry

Holy Trinity Darlington

Company No 947

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 23^rd February, 1892, at Wilton Park, Bishop, Auckland, Co Durham.

Died: 30^th November, 1917, aged 25. Killed by a stray shell that hit Brigade HQ near Graincourt, France.

Served: In the Durham Light Infantry, commanding the 9^th Battalion. On 20th November, 1917, at the age of 25, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General; he was the youngest general officer in the British Army of modern times (and the youngest promoted professionally, as earlier young Generals were simply due to position). Ten days later he was killed in action at Cambrai, France.

His two brothers, Lieutenant Commander George Nicholson Bradford VC, and Second Lieutenant James Barker Bradford, both died in service. George and Roland were the only brothers to win the Victoria Cross in World War I.

Date of VC Action:  1^st October, 1916.

Place of VC Action: Eaucourt L’Abbaye, France.

Gazetted: 24^th November,1916.

Citation:  Brigadier General. For most conspicuous bravery and good leadership in attack, whereby he saved the situation on the right flank of his Brigade and of the Division. Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford's Battalion was in support. A leading Battalion having suffered very severe casualties, and the Commander wounded, its flank became dangerously exposed at close quarters to the enemy. Raked by machine-gun fire, the situation of the Battalion was critical. At the request of the wounded Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Bradford asked permission to command the exposed Battalion in addition to his own. Permission granted, he at once proceeded to the foremost lines. By his fearless energy under fire of all description, and his skilful leadership of the two Battalions, regardless of all danger, he succeeded in rallying the attack, captured and defended the objective, and so secured the flank.

Buried: Hermies British Cemetery, France, Row F, Grave 10.

Commemorations: Headstone; memorial window in St. James Church, Witton Park.

Medals held at: Durham Light Infantry Museum.

He was the 761^st person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

       Medal entitlement

 

Victoria Cross

Military Cross (MC)

1914 Star + clasp 5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914

British War Medal 1914-20

Victory Medal 1914-19

 

 

 

 

Private John Readitt

VC

South Lancashire Regiment

Christ Church Bradford, Manchester

Company No 2475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 10^th January, 1897, at 34 Bamford Street, Clayton, Manchester.

 Died: 9^th June, 1964, aged 67, at his home in Bury Row, Clayton.

Served: 6^th Battalion, The South Lancashire Regiment.

Date of VC Action:  25^th February, 1917.

Place of VC Action: Alqayat-al-Gaharbigah Bend, Mesopotamia. (Now Iraq)

Gazetted: 5^th July, 1917.

Citation: On 25 February 1917 at Alqayat-al-Gaharbigah Bend, Mesopotamia, Private Readitt advanced five times along a water-course in the face of heavy machine-gun fire at very close range, being the sole survivor on each occasion. These advances drove the enemy back and about 300 yards of the watercourse was made good in an hour. After his officer had been killed, Private Readitt, on his own initiative, made several more advances. On reaching the enemy barricade he was forced to retire, but gave ground slowly continuing to throw bombs. When support reached him he held a forward bend by bombing until the position was consolidated

Buried: Gorton Cemetery, Manchester.

Commemorations: Headstone.

Medals held at: Lord Ashcroft Collection, now on display in the Imperial War Museum London.

He was the 779^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

Medal entitlement

Victoria Cross

1914 - 15 Star

British War Medal 1914-20

Victory Medal 1914-19

King George VI Coronation Medal 1937

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953

Medal of Military Valour (Italy)

 

 

 

 

Four Church Lads’ were part of the Honour Guard to the Unknown Warrior

William Addison

Arthur Procter

John Readitt

Sidney Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE INTERMENT OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY
THURSDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER, 1920.

 

The Cenotaph in Whitehall was completed shortly after the end of the 1914-1918 War, and was scheduled to be unveiled by King George V on Armistice Day, 1920. However, in October of that year, the Dean of Westminster suggested to Buckingham Palace that the body of an unidentified soldier be exhumed from the battlefields and reburied in Westminster Abbey. To ensure the warrior was unknown, the military authorities on the old Western Front were instructed to exhume six unidentified 'British' soldiers. On 9th November, 1920, six working parties commanded by Subalterns, went to the six main battlefields - Aisne, Arras, Cambrai, Marne, Somme and Ypres - each to exhume the remains of one soldier buried in a grave marked “Unknown.”

The six bodies were put in coffins and taken to a hut near Ypres, where they were received by a clergyman. A blindfolded officer went inside the hut and, at random, touched the coffin of the soldier who was to be laid among Kings in Westminster Abbey. The body was brought across the English Channel from Boulogne to Dover on HMS Verdun. Following a brief service, the Unknown Warrior was lowered into a grave near the Great West Door on 11th November, 1920. The grave was backfilled with earth brought from the battlefields. The Order of Service in Westminster Abbey was published in 'The Times' newspaper on Tuesday, 9th November, 1920.

"The Unknown Warrior will be carried to his last resting place in Westminster Abbey between two lines of men who won the Victoria Cross, or who had otherwise distinguished themselves by special valour during World War I. These will include representatives of the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force.”

Extracted from the Victoriacross.org website

 

 

 

Private John George Pattison

VC

Alberta Regiment, CEF

St. James’ Hatcham

Company No 483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 8^th September, 1875, at Woolwich, South East London.

Died: 3^rd June, 1917. He was killed in action in Lens, France.

Served: 50^th (Calgary) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. (C.E.F).

Date of VC Action:  10^th April, 1917.

Place of VC Action:  Vimy Ridge, France.

Gazetted: 2^nd August, 1917.

Citation:  On 10th April, 1917, at the Battle of Vimy Ridge when the advance of Canadian troops was held up by an enemy machine-gun, which was inflicting severe casualties, Private Pattison, with utter disregard of his own safety, sprang forward and jumping from shell-hole to shell-hole, reached cover within thirty yards of the enemy gun. From this point, in the face of heavy fire he hurled bombs killing and wounding some of the crew, and then rushed forward overcoming and bayoneting the surviving five gunners. His initiative and valour undoubtedly saved the situation.

One of four soldiers to earn the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, (the others were Thain Wendell MacDowell, Ellis Wellwood Sifton, and William  Johnstone  Milne).

Buried: La Chaudiere Military Cemetery, North of Arras, France, Plot IV, Row C, Grave 14.

Commemorations: Headstone; Pattison Mountain, The Victoria Cross Range, Jasper National Park, Alberta; name on memorial in Lewisham Civic Centre, South East London.

Medals held at: Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

He was the 799^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

 

Acting Lance Corporal Frederick Room

VC

Royal Irish Regiment

St. Ambrose’s Bristol

Company No 2815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 31^st May, 1895, in Congleton Road, St George’s, Bristol.

Died: 19^th January, 1932, from pneumonia, at Ham Green Sanatorium, Bristol.

Served: 2^nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

Date of VC Action:  16^th August, 1917.

Place of VC Action: Frezenburg, Belgium.

Gazetted: 17^th October, 1917.

Citation: On 16th August, 1917, at Frezenberg, Belgium, when the Company which was holding a line of shell-holes and short trenches had many casualties, Lance-Corporal Room was in charge of the stretcher-bearers. He worked continuously under intense fire, dressing the wounded and helping to evacuate them. Throughout this period, with complete disregard for his own life, he showed unremitting devotion to his duties.

Buried: 25^th January, 1932, in Greenbank Cemetery, Bristol, Section 41, Pink, K.

Commemorations: Headstone.

Medals held at: National Army Museum.

He was the 864^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

 

Corporal Sidney James Day

VC

Suffolk Regiment

St. John de Sepulchre, Norwich

Company No 1786

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 3^rd July, 1891, in Norwich, Norfolk.

Died: 17^th July, 1959, aged 68, in St. Marys Hospital, Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Served: 11^th Battalion, The Suffolk Regiment (now The Royal Anglian Regiment).

Date of VC Action:  26^th August, 1917.

Place of VC Action: East of Hargicourt, France.

Gazetted: 17^th October, 1917.

Citation: On 26th August, 1917, east of Hargicourt, France, Corporal Day was in command of a bombing section detailed to clear a maze of trenches still held by the enemy; this he did, killing two machine gunners and taking four prisoners. Immediately after he returned to his Section a stick bomb fell into a trench occupied by five men, one badly wounded. The corporal seized the bomb and threw it over the trench where it immediately exploded. He afterwards completed the clearing of the trench and established himself in an advanced position, remaining for 66 hours at his post which came under intense fire.

Buried: Milton Cemetery, Portsmouth, Plot R, Row 11, Grave 6

Commemorations: Headstone; The Sidney Day Tea Rooms, Landport, Portsmouth.

Medals held at: Medals not publicly held.

He was the 871^st person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

 

2^nd Lieutenant Frederick Birks

VC, MM

Australian Imperial Force

St. Matthew’s Buckley

Company No 2836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 16^th August, 1894, Lane End, Buckley, Flintshire, Wales.

Died: 21^st September, 1917. Killed by a shell burst the day after his VC action, while trying to rescue wounded men in Glencorse Wood.

Served: 6^th Battalion (Victoria), Australian Imperial Force. (A.I.F.)

Date of VC Action:  20^th September, 1917.

Place of VC Action: Glencorse Wood, Belgium.

Gazetted: 8^th November, 1917.

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery in attack when accompanied by only a Corporal, he rushed a strong point which was holding up the advance. The Corporal was wounded by a bomb, but 2nd Lt. Birks went on by himself killed the remainder of the enemy occupying the position, and captured a machine gun.

Shortly afterwards he organised a small party and attacked another strong point which was occupied by about twenty-five of the enemy, of whom many were killed and an officer and fifteen men captured.

During the consolidation, this officer did magnificent work in reorganising parties of other units which had been disorganised during the operations.

By his wonderful coolness and personal bravery 2nd Lt. Birks kept his men in splendid spirits throughout. He was killed at his post by a shell whilst endeavouring to extricate some of his men who had been buried by a shell.

 

Buried: Perth Cemetery (China Wall), Ypres, Belgium. Plot I, Row G, Grave 45.

Commemorations: Headstone; name on his parents’ grave in St. Matthews Churchyard, Buckley.

Medals held at: Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.

He was the 876^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major Edward Bamford

 

VC, DSO

 

Royal Marine Light Infantry

 

St. Mary’s Alverstoke

 

Company No 3360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 28^th May, 1897, at 34 Langdon Park Road, Highgate, London.

Died: 30^th September, 1928, aged 41, and on board HMS Cumberland, sailing to Hong Kong.

Served: Royal Marine Light Infantry, Royal Marines.

Date of VC Action:  22-23^rd April, 1918.

Place of VC Action: Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Gazetted: 23^rd July, 1918.

Citation: On 22nd/23rd April, 1918, at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Captain Bamford landed on the Mole from HMS Vindictive with three Platoons of the Royal Marines storming force in the face of great difficulties. When on the Mole and under heavy fire, he commanded his Company with total disregard of personal danger, and he showed a magnificent example to his men. He first established a strong point on the right of the disembarkation and when satisfied that it was safe, led an assault on the battery to the left.

As with several World War I actions, where so many officers and other ranks distinguished themselves, such as "The Six VCs Before Breakfast" won by the Lancashire Fusiliers at Gallipoli, and the Royal Marines at Zeebrugge, VCs were awarded by ballot, whereby those involved in the action voted for whom they deemed to merit the award. Bamford later achieved the rank of Major.

 

Buried: Bubbling Road Cemetery, Shanghai, China. This was an English cemetery but, during the “Cultural Revolution,” cemeteries which contained the bodies of foreigners were destroyed. A shopping centre now stands on the site.

Commemorations: Memorial in Depot Church, Deal, Kent; Bamford House; RM Barracks, Eastney, Hampshire.

Medals held at: Royal Marines Museum, Southsea.

He was the 987^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

 

 

Major Edward Mannock

VC, DSO, & 2 Bars, MC & bar

Royal Air Force

St. Gregory’s Canterbury

Company No 1991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 24^th May, 1897, Preston Cavalry Barracks, Brighton Sussex. (Many records state he was born in Ireland)

Died: 26^th July, 1918. Killed in a plane crash behind enemy lines, following combat over Lillers, France.

Buried: No known grave but beleive to be in Laventien Cemtery

Served: 85^th Squadron, Royal Air Force.

Date of VC Action:  17^th – 22^nd July, 1918.

Place of VC Action: Over France and Flanders.

Gazetted: 18^th July, 1919.

Citation: His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the late Captain (acting Major) Edward Mannock, D.S.O., M.C., 85th Squadron Royal Air Force, in recognition of bravery of the first order in Aerial Combat:

On the 17th June, 1918, he attacked a Halberstadt machine near Armentieres, and destroyed it from a height of 8,000 feet.

 On the 7th July, 1918, near Doulieu, he attacked and destroyed one Fokker (red-bodied) machine, which went vertically into the ground from a height of 1,500 feet [460 m]. Shortly afterwards he ascended 1,000 feet [300 m] and attacked another Fokker biplane, firing 60 rounds into it, which produced an immediate spin, resulting, it is believed, in a crash.

On the 14th July, 1918, near Merville, he attacked and crashed a Fokker from 7,000 feet, and brought a two-seater down damaged.

On the 19th July, 1918, near Merville, he fired 80 rounds into an Albatross two-seater, which went to the ground in flames.

On the 20th July, 1918, east of La Bassee, he attacked and crashed an enemy two-seater from a height of 10,000 feet [3,000 m].

About an hour afterwards he attacked at 8,000 feet [2,400 m] a Fokker biplane near Steenwercke and drove it down out of control, emitting smoke.

On the 22nd July, 1918, near Armentieres, he destroyed an enemy triplane from a height of 10,000 feet [3,000 m].

Major Mannock was awarded the under mentioned distinctions for his previous combats in the air in France and Flanders:-

Military Cross. Gazetted 17th September, 1917.
Bar to Military Cross. Gazetted 18th October 1917.
Distinguished Service Order. Gazetted 16th September, 1918.
Bar to Distinguished Service Order (1st). Gazetted 16th September, 1918.
Bar to Distinguished Service Order (2nd). Gazetted 3rd August, 1918.

This highly distinguished officer, during the whole of his career in the Royal Air Force, was an outstanding example of fearless courage, remarkable skill, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice, which has never been surpassed.

The total number of machines definitely accounted for by Major Mannock, up to the date of his death in France (26th July, 1918), is fifty - the total specified in the Gazette of 3rd August, 1918, was incorrectly given as 48, instead of 41.

 

Commemorations: Name on Arras Memorial; plaque on South aisle Canterbury Cathedral; name on War Memorial Christchurch Gate, Canterbury; Mannock House, Military Road, Canterbury; A VC.10c Mk 1 XV103 named after him; name on St. Clement Dane’s Church, London; display at the Air Force Museum.

Medals held at: Lord Ashcroft Collection, now on display in the Imperial War Museum, London.

He was the 1012^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

Sergeant Arthur George Knight

VC

Alberta Regiment, CEF

St. Mary Magdalene, Reigate

Company No 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 26^th June, 1886, Haywards Heath, near Lewes, Sussex, England.

Died: 3^rd September, 1918, at a Field Hospital near Hendescourt, France, from wounds received during his VC action.

Served: 10^th Battalion Alberta Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force. (C.E.F.)

Date of VC Action:  2^nd September, 1918.

Place of VC Action: Near Cagnicourt, France.

Gazetted: 15^th November, 1918.

Citation: On 2nd September, 1918, at Villers-les-Cagnicourt, France. When a bombing section which he was leading was held up, Sergeant Knight went forward alone, bayoneting several machine-gunners and trench mortar crews, and forcing the rest to retire. Then, bringing forward a Lewis gun, he directed his fire on the retreating enemy; his platoon went in pursuit and the Sergeant, seeing about 30 of the enemy going into a tunnel leading off the trench, again went forward alone, killing an officer and two NCOs and taking 20 prisoners. After this, again single-handed, he routed another hostile party. Later he was fatally wounded.

 

Buried: Dominion Cemetery, South of Arras, France. Plot I, Row F, Grave 15.

Commemorations: Headstone; Mount Knight, Jasper National Park, Alberta; Knight Crescent Saskatchewan.

Medals held at: Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada.

He was the 1067^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

 

Sergeant William Henry Johnson

VC

Sherwood Foresters

Priory Parish, Worksop

Company No 1156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See William Henry Johnson VC page

Click Link 

 

 

 

 

 

Sergeant Thomas Ricketts

VC, DCM

Royal Newfoundland Regiment

Bishop Feild, Newfoundland

Company No 1970

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born:15th April, 1901, at Middle Arm, White Bay, Newfoundland, Canada.

Died:10^th February, 1967, at his home in St. Johns, Newfoundland.

Served:1^st Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force. (C.E.F.)

Date of VC Action:  14^th October, 1918.

Place of VC Action: Ledgehem, Belgium.

Gazetted: 6^th January, 1919.

Citation: During the advance from Ledgehem the attack was temporarily held up by heavy hostile fire, and the Platoon to which he belonged suffered severe casualties from the fire of a Battery at point blank range. Private Ricketts at once volunteered to go forward with his Section Commander and a Lewis gun to attempt to outflank the Battery. They advanced by short rushes while subject to severe fire from enemy machine guns, when 300 yards away, their ammunition gave out. The enemy, seeing an opportunity to get their field guns away, began to bring up their gun teams. Private Ricketts at once realized the situation. He doubled back 100 yards, procured some ammunition and dashed back to the Lewis gun and, by very accurate fire, drove the enemy and their gun teams into a farm. His Platoon then advanced without casualties, and captured four field guns, four machine guns and eight prisoners. A fifth field gun was subsequently intercepted by fire and captured. By his presence of mind in anticipating the enemy intention, and his utter disregard for personal safety, Private Ricketts secured the further supplies of ammunition which directly resulted in these important captures and undoubtedly saved many lives.

 

Buried: Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. He was given a State funeral when he died in 1967, and is commemorated by memorial on the site of his former pharmacy.

Commemorations: Headstone; memorial on the site of his former pharmacy.

Medals held at: Royal Canadian Legion Branch No 1 St. John's NFLD

He was the 1123^rd person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

 

 

Company Quartermaster Sergeant Norman Harvey

VC

Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

St. Peter’s Newton-le-Willows, Manchester

Company No 2970

                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 6^th April, 1889, Newton-le-Willows, Manchester.

Died: 16^th February, 1942, aged 42. Killed while serving with the Royal Engineers near Haifa, Palestine, during WW2.

Served: 1^st Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (now Royal Irish Regiment).

Date of VC Action:  25^th October, 1918.

Place of VC Action: Ingoyghem, Belgium.

Gazetted: 6^th January, 1918.

Citation: No. 42954 Private Norman Harvey, 1st Bn., R. Innis. Fus. (Newton-le-Willows). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Ingoyghem on the 25th October, 1918, when his Battalion was held up and suffered heavy casualties from enemy machine guns.

On his own initiative he rushed forward and engaged the enemy single-handed, disposing of twenty enemy, and capturing two guns.

Later, when his Company was checked by another enemy strong point, he again rushed forward alone and put the enemy to flight.

Subsequently, after dark, he voluntarily carried out single-handed, an important reconnaissance and gained valuable information.

Private Harvey throughout the day displayed the greatest valour, and his several actions enabled the line to advance, saved many casualties, and inspired all.

 

Buried: Beach War Cemetery, Israel. Plot A, Row A, Grave 4.

Commemorations: Headstone; name on plaque St. Ann’s Cathedral, Belfast; name on VC memorial Ulster Tower, Thiepval, France.

Medals held at: Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Regimental Museum.

He was the 1133^rd person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

 

 

Lt. George Arthur Knowland

VC

Royal Norfolk Regiment

St. Paul’s Grove Park, Chiswick

Company No D12/3967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Born: 16^th August, 1922, Catford, Kent.

Died: 31^st January, 1945. Killed during his VC action at Kangaw, Burma.

Served: The Royal Norfolk Regiment (now Royal Anglian Regiment). Attached to No1 Commando

Date of VC Action:  31^st January, 1945.

Place of VC Action: Near Kangaw, Burma.

Gazetted: 12^th April, 1945.

Citation: On 31st January, 1945, near Kangaw, Burma, Lieutenant Knowland was in command of a forward Platoon of a troop which was being heavily attacked - some 300 of the enemy concentrating on his 24 men. During the attacks he moved among the men distributing ammunition and contributing with rifle fire and throwing grenades at the enemy. When the crew of one of his forward Bren light machine guns had been wounded, he rushed forward to man it himself. The enemy was only 10 yards away but below the level of the trench so, to fire into them, he stood up. He continued to fire until the casualties had been evacuated. A replacement gun team that had been sent for were injured while moving up and he stayed with the gun until a third team arrived.

In a subsequent attack he took over a 2 inch (51 mm) mortar which he fired from the hip directly into the enemy. He returned to the trench for more ammunition and fired the mortar from out in the open. When this was used up he fired his rifle. The enemy were then very close and without time to reload his rifle, he picked up a "Tommy gun" (sub machine gun) and used it. He killed more of the enemy but received mortal wounds. Despite over 50% losses in the Platoon, the remainder held on. By the time they were relieved the men had held the ground for 12 hours; they had prevented the enemy from advancing further on that hill.

 

Buried:Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma. Plot XI, Row J, Grave 1.

Commemorations: Headstone; brass plaque at Elmwood School, Croydon, Surrey; Knowland Grove, Norwich; memorial in Lewisham Civic Centre.

Medals held at: Stolen from a display at a pub in 1958.

He was the 1310^th person to be awarded the Victoria Cross.