BABTIE, William (Reg. No.43) (later Sir William)
Major* Royal Army Medical Corps.
London Gazetted on 20th April 1900
VC Medal's Custodian is the Army Medical Services Museum.
Born on: 7th May 1859 at Dumbarton, Scotland.
Died on: 11th September 1920 at Knocke, Belgium
Memorial at: Not recorded
Citation reads
On 15th December 1899 at the Battle of Colenso, South Africa, Major Babtie rode under heavy rifle fire to attend to the wounded who were lying in advanced donga close to the rear of the guns. When he arrived at the donga he attended to them all, going from place to place, exposed to the heavy rifle fire which greeted anyone who showed himself. Later in the day, Major Babtie went out with another officer * to bring in a Lieutenant* who was lying wounded on the veldt –This also under very heavy fire.
*See CONGREVE,W.N. Reg No.241. Also ROBERTS F.H.S. Reg No.1060.
Additional information: From 1910-1914 he was the Deputy Director \\\general of the Army Medical Services and then as Director of Medical Services in India from 1914 to 1915. He then became Director and later Inspector of the War Office Medical Services from 1916-19. He was Knight of the Order of St. John.
He held the following decorations: K.C.B. &K.C.M.G. *Finally Lt. General
He was the eldest son of John Babtie J.P. of Dumbarton and was educated at the University of Glasgow taking his MB degree in 1880. He joined the Army Medical Service on 30th July 1881. From 1897-98 he served as the Senior Medical Officer during the International occupation of Crete where he was created a CMG(1899). He also served on the Natal Army Staff in South Africa. He was present at all the following operations in Natal and Eastern Transvaal.
His bravery was commended by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who called him ‘the gallant Babtie, a brave surgeon' during the battle of Colenso, where Babtie won his VC. (Reason for death at Knocke to be researched.)

BADCOE, Peter John. (Reg No 44).
Major Australian Training Team Vietnam.
London Gazetted on 13th October 1967.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 11th January 1934 at Adelaide, South Australia.
Died on 7th April 1967 at Huong Tra, Vietnam.
Memorials at Terendak Cemetery, Malaysia and on the Austral;ian War Memorial at Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:.
On 23rd February, 1967 in Vietnam, and Major and bad Co rescued under heavy fire a United States and medical adviser. On 7th March he led his company in an attack and turned what seemed to be a certain defeat into a victory. Again, on 7th April he attempted to lead his company against more powerful opposition. This final acts of bravery resulted in his death.

BADLU SINGH. (Reg. No. 45).
Rissaldar* 14th Lancers (Scinde Horse) attchd. 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse).
London Gazetted on 27th November 1918.
Born on at Dhakla (village)in the Rhotak District of the Punjab, India.
Died on the 23rd September 1918 at River Jordan in Palestine. (Killed in action).
Memorial on the Heliopolis Memorial, the Heliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd September 1918 on the West Bank of the River Jordan, Palestine, when his squadron was charging a strong enemy position, Ressaidar * Badlu Singh realised that heavy casualties were being inflicted from a small hill occupied by machine-guns and 200 infantry. Without any hesitation he collected six other ranks and with entire disregard of danger he charged and captured the position. He was mortally wounded on the very top of the hill when capturing one of the machine-guns single handed, but all the gums and infantry had surrendered to him before he Died on.
* Captain.

BAKER, Charles George. (Reg No. 46)
Lieutenant Bengal Police Battalion
London Gazetted on 25th February 1862.
Born on 8th December 1830 at Neocolly, Bengal.
Died on 19th February 1906 at Southbourne-on-Sea, Hampshire.
Memorial Not Known.
Digest of Citation reads: On 27 September 1858 at Suhejnee, near Peroo, Bengal, Lieutenant Baker was in command of a mixed party of cavalry and mounted police( about 120 strong) which attacked and put to flight a force of about 700 rebels. The whole operation brilliantly conceived and most gallantly carried out, resulted in the utter defeat of the enemy.(See also G.B.Chicken Reg. No.211)
Additional information: Lieutenant Baker started his career with the P&O Company . Whilst serving on the SS Duro she was wrecked, in 1854, on the Paracel Shoal. Along with six others, he volunteered to go in an open boat for 500 miles, with little food and water, in seas infested with Chinese pirates in order to get help. They succeeded.
He served with great distinction, during the Indian Mutiny, in The Bengal Police. His Victoria Cross was awarded for the attack with a combined force of 123 men, consisting of the Irregular cavalry and 3rd Sikhs.
When his health failed him he took service with the Sultan of Turkey He was taken prisoner by the Russians whilst serving under Valentine Baker Pasha in the Campaign in the Balkans.
He went with Valentine Baker to Egypt serving under him and eventually succeeding him as Commander of the Egyptian Police. He was made Major-General (lena Pasha), Head of the Public Security Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior. He retired in 1885 to live in Southbourne-on-Sea, in Hampshire, where he Died on, eleven years later, at the age of 76.

BALL, Albert (Reg. No.47.)
Temp.Captain 7th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) and Royal Flying Corps.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sherwood Forester's Museum, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham.
Born on 14th August 1896 at Lenton, Nottingham.
Died on 7th May 1917 at Annoellin, France.
Memorials at The German extension of Annoellin Communal Cemetery, Nottingham Castle in the Walled Garden and at the site of his crash at the East side of the Cemetery.
.Digest of Citation reads:
From the 26th of April to the 6th May 1917, over France, Captain Ball took Pat in 26 Combats in the course of which he destroyed 11 hostile aircraft, brought down two out of control and forced several others to land. Flying alone, on one occasion he fought six hostile machines, twice he fought five and once four. When leading two other British planes he attacked an enemy formation of eight - on each of these occasions he brought down at least one enemy plane, and several times he returned his plane was badly damaged. On returning with a damaged plane he had always to be restrained from immediately going out in another.
Additional information: He already held the Distinguished Service Order and 2 Bars as well as the MilitaryCross. Also the Legion D'Honneur of France and the Russian Order of St. George 4th Class There is a book about his life and career, Captain Ball VC by Walter A. Briscoe and H. Russell Stannard..
Albert BALL was Born on the 14th August 1896 the son of Alderman and Mrs Albert Ball. His father was an estate agent as well as being a local politician, a JP and Mayor. He was educated at Grantham Grammar School followed by Nottingham High School finally attending Trent College.His father had interests in engineering firms and young Albert took an interest in anything mechanical or electrical. At the age of seventeen he bought an interest in a Nottingham engineering firm.
He was one of the first to volunteer at the outbreak of the European War (WW 1), joining the Nottingham 2/7th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters (The Robin Hood Territorial Battalion). He was in Kitchener.s first 100,000.
On the 28th October 1914 he became a Second Lieutenant, promoted to Lieutenant on the 10th August 1916 before becoming a Captain and Flight Commander a month later on the 13th September 1916.
It was whilst he was serving with the Sherwood Foresters that he rose in the morning and traveled from Luton to Hendon, a return journey of 60 miles, in order to take flying lessons. He would do his days work with his regiment, then return to Hendon in the evening for more lessons.
He attended church whenever possible, never wavering in his belief in God
"No vice had ever made his vision blurred or his hand shake, and he practised and worked, using to the uttermost the gifts of God which he had not marred by evil thinking or living."
His enthusiasm, for flying, was such that he spent most of his time on the ground maintaining his aircraft and its weapons.
In spite of his bravery he was always a boy at heart as letters home showed. He was very fond of adjectives like ripping. An excerpt from a letter to his sister said, "I was so pleased to get your ripping cake, but I have nearly finished it. I love to take a huge piece with me when I fly." another said, "I then took a dive to the ground and landed ripping."
He also kept himself very fit
Whilst on leave and pressed for stories of his combats he told of the skill of an enemy pilot. The Hun, as he tended to call them, was as evasive as he himself was. Attacking from above, below and from the sides, each taking the evasive required it was not too long before they were both out of ammunition. They flew side by side waving at each other and both couldn't help but laugh at the situation. They waved goodbye and flew home.
On August the 30th, 1916 he wrote to his sister that he had been asked for a list of his actions. The list stated that he had been involved in 84 Combats; 11 machines and 1 balloon brought down and seen to crash; 5 machines brought down but not seen to crash; 12 machines forced down and damaged.
After being told by his Major that he had more Huns to his credit than any other English or French pilots, his simple statement said, ‘So its not so bad. I have done my best.'

BAMBRICK, Valentine.(Reg. No.48)
Private 1st Battalion 60th Regiment. (King's Royal Rifle Corps)
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
Born on 13th April 1837 at Cawnpore, India.
Died on 1st April 1863 at Pentonville Prison by committing suicide.
Buried in an unmarked grave at Islington Cemetery.
Citation reads. On 6th May 1858 at Bareilly, India, Private Bambrick showed conspicuous bravery when, in a serai*, he was attacked by three Ghazees, one of whom he cut down. He was wounded twice on this occasion.
Additional information: He had to forfeit his VC for stealing medals from a comrade. Sentenced to prison at Pentonville he killed himself in his cell on All Fool's Day 1863.(See Forfeitures)

BAMFORD, Edward (Reg. No.49)
Captain Royal Marine Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 23rd July 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Marine museum, Eastney Barracks, Southsea, Hants.
Born on 28th May 1887 at London.
Died on 29th September 1928 at Shanghai, China.
Memorial at Bubbling Well Rd., Cemetery, Shanghai, RM Depot Church at Deal, Kent & RM Museum Southsea.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22/23 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 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 a battery to the left. (VC awarded by Ballot. See Zeebrugge Page)
Additional information: He was the son of the Rev. and Mrs Robert Bamford of 34, Langdon Park Rd., London.
His education at Sherbourne was followed by further tuition at Malvern House, Kearnsey, Nr. Dover by Mr R.A. Hammond.
His began his career in the RM on the 1st September 1905 as a 2nd Lieut. He attended the Royal Naval College, Greenwich , where he excelled. He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 1st July 1906. He joined the Portsmouth Division of the RMLI on the 1st July 1907.
In 1908 he served with the Channel Squadron in HMS Bulwark, in March 1910 he joined HMS magnificent, in the 3rd Division Home Fleet. On 5th September 1911 he joined HMS Brittania. It was whilst on the way to support the cruisers at the Battle of Dogger Bank that Brittania ran aground, thus missing the action. In May 1916 he was promoted T/Captain and he joined HMS Chester, serving on her during the Battle Of Jutland where the ship was hit several times. For his action in this battle he was awarded the DSO.(Gazetted 15th Sept 1916) He was wounded in the face and leg when a shell burst in the after control. With a smaller gun-crew he helped to work one gun whilst controlling another. He also helped put out a fire.
The following 19th of August the Chester was torpedoed. (Also HMS Nottingham).
Promoted to Captain on the 1st September 1916. He took command of the 4th Battalion Royal Marines which would go on to great glory in the Battle of Zeebrugge and Bamford would win the VC.

BANKES, William George Hawtry. (Reg. No. 50)
Cornet 7th Hussars (The Queen's Own).
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Own Hussars Museum.
Born on 11th September 1836 at Kingston Lacy, Dorset.
Died on of his wounds on 6th April 1858 at Lucknow in India.
Memorial at Wimbourne Minster, Dorset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 19 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Cornet Bankes led three charges against a body of fanatical rebels who had rushed the guns in the vicinity of Moosa-Bagh. In the course of these charges the young officer was almost cut to pieces. He Died on of his wounds 18 days later.

BARBER, Edward. (Reg. No. 51).
Private 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
London Gazetted on 19th April 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 10th June 1893 at Tring, Hertfordshire..
Died on 12th March 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France. (Killed in action).
Memorial on Le Touret Memorial, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12 March at Neuve Chapelle, France, Private Barber ran 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 surrendered at once. When the grenade party reached Private Barber they found him alone and unsupported, with the enemy surrendering all about him. He was killeds soon afterwards.

BARKER, William George. (Reg. No. 52)
Acting Major 201 Squadron Royal Air Force.
London Gazetted on 30th November 1918
VC Medal's Custodian is the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada.
Born on 3rd November 1894 at Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada.
Died on 1st March 1930 near Ottawa, Canada.
Memorial at grave in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27 October 1918 over the Foret de Mormal, France, Major Barker attacked a two-seater enemy aircraft causing it to break up in the air. He was afterwards attacked by a formation of Fokker fighters and was wounded in both thighs and his elbow was shattered. He lost consciousness twice but each time, on recovering, went back to the attack and sent three of his opponents down in flames. Finally he brought his crippled aircraft back to our lines where he crashed on landing.
Additional information: His other medals included DSO and Bar, the MC and 2 Bars, The French Croix de Guerre and the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour.
He was the son of Mr G.W.J.Barker of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was educated at Dauphin College, Manitoba before joining the Army (Manitoba Regt.) on the 1st November 1914. He was attached to the Royal Air Force.
As a soldier he was awarded the Military Cross at the capture of Beaumont Hamel on 20th November 1916 whilst the Bar for this Medal came during the capture of Bulecourt on 9th of April 1917. The second Bar to his MC was awarded for destroying enemy aircraft on the 24th April 1918 and the Croix de Guerre for destroying enemy aircraft on the French Sector, 26th May 1918.
He got his DSO for destroying enemy aircraft on the 5th January 1918 and the Bar for the destruction of enemy aircraft on 20th July 1918. The Italian Silver Medal for Valour was for destroying enemy aircraft on the Italian Front. Along with these he also had the 1914-15 Star and other campaign medals.
He went on to serve as a Wing Commander in the Canadian Air Force from 1920-24.
Along with William Bishop VC., (Reg No.93) he planned to start a business to be called the Bishop-Barker Aviation Company Ltd. (I have no record so far of this)

BARRATT, Thomas (Reg. No. 53)
Private 7th Battalion The South Staffordshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 6th September 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Staffordshire Regimental Museum.
Born on 5th May 1895 at Dudley in Worcestershire.
Died on 27th July 1917 near Boesinghe, Ypres, Belgium. (Killed in action.).
Memorials at grave in Essex Farm Cemetery, Boesinghe, Belgium and in Coseley Parish Church, also in the Garrison Church, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27 July 1917 north of Ypres, Belgium, Private Barratt, as a scout to patrol, worked his way towards the enemy under continuous fire from hostile snipers, which he stalked and killed. Later his patrol was similarly held up and again he disposed of the snipers. When a party of the enemy were endeavouring to outflank the patrol on their withdrawal, Private Barratt volunteered to cover the withdrawal which he did, his accurate shooting causing many casualties and preventing the enemy advance. After safely regaining our lines this gallant soldier was killed by a shell.

BARRETT, John Cridlan. (Reg. No.54)
Lieutenant* 1/5th Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 14th December, 1918.
Born on 10th August 1897 at Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Died on 7th March 1977 at Leicester.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th September, 1918 at a Pontruet, France, during an attack, owing to the darkness and smoke barrage, Lieutenant Barrett found himself advancing towards a trench containing numerous machine-guns. He at once collected all available men and charged the nearest group of guns and in spite of being wounded, gained the trench, personally disposing of two machine-guns and inflicting many casualties. Notwithstanding a second wound he then climbed out of the trench to fix his position and locate the enemy, then ordered his men to cut their way back to the Battalion, which they did. He was again wounded, very seriously
Additional information. * Promoted Colonel. He also held the decoration TD (Not Identified)

BARRON, Colin Fraser. ( Reg. No. 55)
Corporal* 3rd Battalion 1st Central Ontario Regiment (Toronto Regiment) C E F.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
Born on 20th September 1893 at Baldavie , Boyndie, Banff, Canada.
Died on 15th August 1958 at Toronto, Canada.
Memorial at Prospect Cemetery, Toronto.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th November 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium, when his unit was held up by three machine-guns, Corporal Barren opened fire on them at point-blank range, rushed the guns, killed four of the crew and captured the remainder. He then turned one of the captured guns on the retiring enemy, causing severe casualties. This action produced far-reaching results and enabled the advance to continue
*Promoted Sergeant

BARRY, John. (Reg.No. 56)
Private 1st. Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.
London Gazetted on 8th August 19 02.
Born on 1st February 1873 at Kilkenny, Ireland.
Died on 8th January 1901 at Belfast, South Africa.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 7th/ 8th January, 1901 at Monument Hill, South Africa, during a night attack, or Private Barry, although wounded and threatened by the enemy, smashed the breach of the Maxim gun, thus rendering the useless to its captors. It was while doing this gallant act that he met his death.

BARTER, Frederick. (Reg. No. 57)
Company Sergeant-Major Special Reserves attchd. The Royal Welch Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 29th June 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
Born on 17th of January 1891 at Cardiff, Wales.
Diet on 15th May 1952 at Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth.
Memorials: cremated at Bournemouth.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th May 1915 at Festubert, France, Company Sergeant-Major Barter, when in the first line of German trenches, called for volunteers to enable him to extend our line, and with the eight men who responded, he attacked the German position with bombs, capturing three German officers, 102 men and 500 yards of their trenches. He subsequently found and cut 11 of the enemy's mine. leads situated about 20 yards apart.
Additional information: Captain Barter served with the Home Guards during the Second World War. He also held the Military Cross.

BARTON, Cyril Joe. (Reg. No. 58)
Pilot Officer 578 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve to.
London Gazetted on 27th June 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Air Force Museum.
Born on 5th June 1921 at Elveden, Suffolk.
Died on 31st March 1944 at Ryhope, County Durham.
Memorial us at Kingston upon Thames cemetery, that the village war memorial at Ryhope and a memorial plaque in New Malden Church, Surrey.
VCs Medal's Custodian is the RAF Museum, Hendon, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 30th March 1944 in an attack on Nuremberg, Germany and while 70 miles from the target, Pilot Officer Barton's Halifax bomber was badly damaged by enemy aircraft. A misinterpreted signal resulted in three of the crew bailing out and Pilot Officer Barton was left with no Navigator, air bomber or wireless operator. He pressed on with the attack, however, releasing the bombs himself. On the return journey, as he crossed the English coast, the fuel ran short and with only one engine working he crashed trying to avoid the houses of a village, and was killed

BASKEYFIELD, John Daniel. (Reg. No. 59).
Lance Sergeant. South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Airbourne Division
London Gazetted on 23rd November 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Staffordshire Regimental Museum.
Born on 18th November 1922 at Burslem, Staffordshire.
Died on the 20th September 1944 at Arnhem, Holland.
Memorials at the Garrison Church, at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Also at The Groesbeek Memorial, Holland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 20th September, 1944 at Arnhem, Holland, Lance Sergeant Baskeyfield was in charge of a six pounder anti-tank gun and in the course of the engagement when two tanks and at least one self-propelling gun were destroyed, the Lance Sergeant was wounded and all his crew became casualties. Nevertheless he continued to man his gun quite alone, keeping the enemy at bay, until it was put out of action, when he crawled to another six-pounder and proceeded to man that single-handed. He fired two shots at a self-propelling gun, one of which was a direct hit, and was preparing to fire a third when he was killed.

BASSETT, Cyril Royston Guyton. (Reg No. 60)
Corporal New Zealand Divisional Signal Company, N Z E F.
London Gazetted on 15th October 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Auckland Museum, New Zealand.
Born on 3rd January 1892 at Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand.
Died on 2nd January 1983 at Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand.
Memorial at Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th August 1915 at Chunuk Bair Ridge, Gallipoli, the New Zealand Brigade had attacked and established itself on the ridge, Corporal Bassett, in full daylight and under continuous fire, succeeded in laying a telephone line from the old position to the new one on Chunuk Bair. He also did further gallant work in connection with the repair of telephone lines by day and night under heavy fire.
Additional information: Promoted Colonel

BATES, Sidney. (Reg. No. 61)
Corporal The Royal Norfolk Regiment
London Gazetted on 2nd November 1944
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Norfolk Regiment Museum
Born on 14th June 1921 at Camberwell, London.
Died on 8th August 1944 at Sourdeval, Normandy.(Died on of wounds)
Memorial at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th August 1944 near Sourdeval, North West Europe, when the enemy had penetrated deeply in the area occupied by his section, Corporal Bates seized a light machine gun and charged, moving forwards through a hail of bullets. Although wounded twice he was undaunted and continued firing until the enemy started to withdraw before him. At this moment he was wounded for a third time mortally. He still went on firing, however, until his strength failed him, but by this time the enemy had withdrawn and the situation had been restored. He Died on two days later.

BATTEN-POOLL Arthur Hugh Henry. (Reg.No.994)
Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum.
London Gazetted on 5th August 1916.
Born on 25th October 1891 at Knightsbridge, London.
Died on 21st January, 1971 at Ivybridge, Devon.
Memorial on grave at Wolverton, Bath, Somerset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th June, 1916 near Colonne, France, Lieutenant Batten-Pooll was in command of a raiding party when, on entering the enemy's lines he was severely wounded by a bomb which broke and mutilated all the fingers of his right hand. In spite of this he continued to direct operations with unflinching courage. Half-an-hour later during the withdrawal, while personally assisting in the rescue of other wounded men, he received two further wounds, but refusing assistance, he walked to within 100 yards of our lines when he fainted and was carried in by the covering party.
Additional information:. Captain Batten-Pooll also held the Military Cross. (MC). Bob

BAXTER, Edward Felix. (Reg. No. 62)
Second Lieutenant 1st/8th Battalion the King's (Liverpool) Regiment.
London Gazetted on 26th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Imperial War Museum.
Born on 18th September 1885 at Old Swinford, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
Died on 18th April 1916 near Blairville, France.
Memorial at Fillievres British Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 17th/18th April, 1916 near Blairville, France, prior to a raid, Second Lieutenant Baxter was engaged on cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. While doing this, he held a bomb with the pin withdrawn and once the bomb slipped and fell. He picked it up, unscrewed the base plug and dug out the detonator which he smothered in the ground, preventing the alarm being given an saving many casualties. Later, leading a storming party, he was first into the trench. After assisting in bombing dug-outs, he finally climbed out, held in the last man over the parapet. He was not seen again.

BAXTER, Frank William. (Reg. No. 63)
Trooper Bulawayo Field Force.
London Gazetted on 7th May 1897 and 15th January 1907..
Born on 29th December 1869 at Woolwich, London.
Died on 22nd April 1896 in Matabeleland.
Memorial at grave in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, and also on the Matabeleland Rebellion Memorial, at Bulaway.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd April 1896 near Bulawayo, South Africa, trooper Baxter gave up his horse to a wounded comrade who was being hotly pursued by an overwhelming force of the enemy. The trooper then tried to escape on foot, hanging on to the stirrup leather half one of the scouts of the Bulawayo Field Force, until he was hit in the side, whereupon he had to let go of the stirrup and was killed and a few moments later.

BAZALGETTE, Ian Willoughby. (Reg. No. 64).
Squadron Leader 635 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
London Gazetted on 17th August 1945.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Air Force Museum.
Born on 19th October 1918 at Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Died on 4th August 1944 at Senantes, France. (Killed in action).
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4th August 1944 at Trossy St. Maximin, north-west Europe, Squadron Leader Bazalgette was one of the marking formation spearhead on a daylight raid. When near his target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire, both starboard engines were put out of action and serious fires broke out. In spite of this the squadron leader pressed on to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. He then attempted to bring the burning aircraft safety, having ordered those of the crew who were able to do so to bail out. He managed to land the Lancaster, but it immediately exploded, killing him and his two wounded crew members.
Additional information: H was also awarded the DFC

BEACH, Thomas. (Reg. No. 65).
Private 55th Regiment (later The Border Regiment).
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sheesh Mahal Museum, Patiala, Punjab, India.
Born on in January 1824 at Dundee, Scotland.
Died on 24th August 1864 at Dundee, Scotland.
Memorial at Eastern Necropolis, Dundee.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th November 1854 at the Battle of Inkerman, Crimea when on picuet duty, Priory Beach attacked several Russians who were robbing a Colonel who was lying wounded. He killed two of the Russian's and protected the Colonel until help arrived.

BEAK, Daniel Marcus William. (Reg. No. 66).
Temporary Commander (later Major-General). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. (Drake Battalion Royal Naval Division. )
London Gazetted on 15th November 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Naval Museum.
Born on 27th July 1891 at Southampton, Hampshire.
Died on 3rd May 1967 at Swindon, Wiltshire.
Memorial on grave at Brookwood Cemetery,Woking, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 21st/25th August and on 4th September 1918 at Logeast Wood, France, Commander Beak led his men and captured four enemy positions under heavy fire. Four days later, although dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely heavy gunfire and led his men to their objective. When an attack was held up, accompanied by only one runner he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing in and nine or ten prisoners. His initiative and the confidence with which she inspired all ranks, contributed very materially to the success of these operations.

BEAL, Ernest Frederick. (Reg. No. 67)
Second Lieutenant 13th (S) Battalion. The Yorkshire Regiment. (Alexandra, Princess of Wales' Own).
London Gazetted on 4th June 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Green Howards Museum.
Born on 27th January 1885 at Brighton, Sussex.
Died on 22nd March 1918 at St Leger, France.
Memorial at Arras Memorial, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st/22nd March 1918 at San Leger, France, Second Lieutenant Beal was in command of a company detailed to occupy a certain section of trench. When the company was established it was found necessary to clear a gap of about 400 yards held by the enemy between the left flank of the company and a neighbouring unit. Second Lieutenant Beal therefore organised a small party and led them along the trench, capturing four machine-guns and inflicting heavy casualties. Later in the evening he brought in on his back a wounded man who was lying close to an enemy machine gun.

BEATHAM, Robert Matthew. (Reg No. 68).
Private 8th Battalion. (Victoria) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 14th December 1918.
Born on 16th June 1894 had Glassonby, Penrith, Cumberland.
Died on 11th August 1918 at Rosiere, France. (Killed in action)
Memorials at grave in Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France; On the War Memorial, Glassonby; In Addingham-with-Gamblesby Church and the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th August 1918 at Rosiere, east of Amiens, France, when the advance was held up by heavy machine-gun fire, Private Beatham and one other man bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing 10 and capturing 10. This helped the advance to go ahead, and when the final objective was reached, although wounded, he again dashed forward and bombed a machine gun, but he was killed while doing so.

BEATTIE, Stephen Halden. (Reg.No. 69).
Lieutenant Commander Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 21st May 1942.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Imperial War Museum.
Born on 29th March 1908 at Leighton, Montgomery, Wales.
Died on 24th April 1975 at Mullion, Cornwall.
Memorial on grave at Ruan Minor Churchyard, Helston, Cornwall.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27th March 1942, in the attack St. Nazaire, France, Lieutenant Commander Beattie was in command of HMS Campbeltown. Under intense fire directed on the bridge from a range of about 100 yards, and in the full blinding glare of many Searchlights, the Lieutenant Commander steamed Campbeltown into the lock gates, as instructed, and beached and scuttled her in the correct position. The Victoria Cross was awarded not only in recognition of Lieutenant Commander Beattie's own valour, but also of the unnamed officers and men of the ship's company, many of whom did not survive.
Additional information: Captain Beattie held the Croix de Guerre avec Palmes and the Legion d'Honneur (France). In 1956-58 he was a senior naval officer in the Persian Gulf. During that the years 1965 to 1969 he was naval adviser to the Ethiopian government.

BEELEY, John. (Reg. No. 70).
Rifleman The King's Royal Rifle Corps.
London Gazetted on 21st April 1942.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 8th February 1918 at Manchester, Lancashire.
Died on 21st November 1941 at Sidi Rezegh, Western Desert.
Memorial at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, North Africa.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st November 1941 at Sidi Rezegh,, Libya, at an airfield being attacked by Rifleman Beeley's company, progress was held up by short range fire. All the offices of the company were wounded so, on his own initiative the rifleman ran forward over open ground, firing his Ben Gun and at 20 yards range put an anti-tank gun and two machine-guns out of action. He was killed but his bravery inspired his comrades to further efforts to reach their objective, which was eventually captured, together with 700 prisoners.

BEES, William. (Reg No. 71).
Private 1st Battalion The Derbyshire Regiment (later the Sherwood Foresters -- the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment).
London Gazetted on 17th December 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sherwood Foresters Museum, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham.
Born on 12th September 1872 at Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Died on 20th June 1938 at Coalville, Leicestershire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 30th September, 1901 at Moedwil, South Africa, Private Bees was one of the Maxim gun detachment which suffered heavy casualties, six out of nine men being hit. Hearing his wounded comrades asking for water, Private Bees went forward under heavy fire to a spruit held by the Boers about 500 yards ahead of the men, and brought back a kettle filled with water. In doing this he had to pass within 100 yards of some rocks also held by the enemy and the kettle he was carrying was hit by several bullets.

BEESLEY, William (Reg. No. 72)
Private 30 Battalion the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consorts Own).
London Gazetted on 28th June 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 5th October 1895 at Gresley, Staffordshire.
Died on 23rd September 1966 at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Memorial on The Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral. (William Beesley was buried at Coventry Warwickshire.)
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th May 1918 at Bucquoy, France, when Private Beesley's platoon sergeant and all this section commanders were killed he took command. Single-handed he rushed a post, shot four of the enemy, took six prisoners and sent them back to our lines. He and a comrade then brought his Lewis gun into action, inflicting many casualties and holding their position for four hours until the second private was wounded. Private Beesley, by himself, maintained his position until nightfall, when he returned to the original line with the wounded man and the Lewis gun which he kept in action until things quietened down

BEET, Harry Churchill (Reg. No. 73)
Corporal 1st Battalion, The Derbyshire Regiment. (later the Sherwood Foresters-- Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)
London Gazetted on 12th February 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sherwood Foresters Museum, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham.
Born on the 1st April 1873 at Bingham, Nottinghamshire.
Died on 10th January 1946 at a Rupert, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Memorial at Vancouver Veterans Cemetery, Canada.
Citation read:
On 22nd April 1900 at Wakkerstroom, South Africa, an infantry company and two squadrons of the Imperial Yeomanry had to retire from near a farm under a ridge held by the Boers. A corporal was lying on the ground wounded and Corporal Beet, seeing him, remained behind and put him under cover, bound up his wounds and, by firing, prevented the enemy from coming down to the farm until dark when a medical officer came to the wounded man's assistance. Corporal Beet was exposed to very heavy fire during the wholeafternoon.
Additional information: Promoted Captain.

BEHARRY, Johnson Gideon.
Private. 1st Battalion Prince of Wales Royal Regiment.
London Gazetted on 18th March 2005
Born on 27th July 1979 at Granada, West Indies.
VC Medal to be presented.
Digest of Citation Reads:
At Al-Amarah, north of Basra, on 1st May 2004, Private Beharry was driving a Warrior armoured vehicle when they were ordered to an outpost in the troubled city of Al-Amarah. This was intensely hostile territory. They were then redirected to the assistance of a foot patrol that had become pinned down by heavy fire. There was a possibility of potential ambushes and the platoon commander stopped the vehicle. It was immediately overwhelmed with explosions. The commander, Second Lieutenant Richard Dean, and most of the occupants were concussed or wounded, the radio be rendered inoperative. Unable to communicate with the other Warriors and not knowing whether the other members of the crew were dead or alive, he drove forward when another rocket attack set his vehicle on fire filling it noxious fumes. He decided that the only way to save his comrades was to continue on through the ambush. Eventually he stopped and rescued the platoon commander, wounded gunner and the remaining soldiers in the vehicle leading them to a place of safety. He eventually collapsed from both physical and mental exhaustion. A bullet which had penetrated his helmet lodged only mm from his brain.
On his return to duty in June 2004, he was again driving through Al-Amarah when his vehicle was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. Others of his crew were injured, including himself, but he managed to reverse the Warrior out of the ambush enabling himself and his crew to be rescued. He then lost consciousness.

BELCHER, Douglas Walter (Reg. No 74).
Lance Sergeant 1/5th Battalion (City Of London) The London Regiment.(London Rifle Brigade)
London Gazetted on 23rd June 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 15th July 1889 at Surbiton, Surrey.
Died on 3rd June 1953 at Claygate, Surrey.
Memorial at grave in the Churchyard, Holy Trinity Church, Claygate, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th May 1915, south of the Weiltje- St. Julien Road, Belgium, Lance Sergeant Belcher was in charge of a portion of an advanced breastwork during continuous bombardment by the enemy. The lance-sergeant, with very few men, 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.
Additional Information: Promoted Captain.

BELL, David (Reg. No. 75)
Private. 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment. (South Wales Borderers).
London Gazetted on 17th December 1867.
VC Medal's Custodian is the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon, Wales.
Born on in 1845 at County Down, Ireland.
Died on 7th March 1920 at Gillingham, Kent.
Memorial at grave in Woodland Cemetery, Gillingham, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th May it 1867 at the Island of a Little Andaman, Bay of Bengal, Private Bell was one of a party of five* of the 2/24th Regiment, who risk their lives in manning a boat and proceeding through dangerous surf to rescue some of their comrades who had been sent to the island to find out the fate of the Commander and seven of the crew, who had landed from the ship Assam Valley and were feared murdered by the cannibalistic islanders. (* see also Cooper, J reg No. 252-- Douglas, C. M. Reg. 340-Griffith, W Reg No. 1 496 and Murphy T Reg No. 904)
Additional information:. Private Bell was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at sea for saving lives during a storm in the Bay of Bengal.

BELL, Donald Simpson (Reg No. 76).
Second Lieutenant 9th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. (Alexandra, Princess of Wales' Own)
London Gazetted on 9th September 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Green Howards Museum.
Born on 3rd December 1890 at Harrogate, Yorkshire.
Died on 10th July 1916 on the Somme, France.
Memorial us at Gordon Dump Cemetery, France also look son Paul's Parish Church, Harrogate and the Scarbeck War Memorial.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th July, 1916 at Horse Shoe Trench, Somme, France, a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by an enemy gun. Second Lieutenant Bell immediately, on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench, and then, followed by a corporal and a private, rushed across the open under very heavy fire and attacked the machine gun, shooting the firer and destroying the gun and the personnel with bombs. This officer lost his life five days later performing a very similar act of bravery.

BELL, Edward William Derrington. (Reg. No. 77)
Captain 23rd Regiment. (later the Royal Welch Fusiliers)
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
Born on the 18th May 1824 at Kempsey, Worcestershire.
Died on 10th November 1879 at Belfast, Ireland.
Memorial on grave at Kempsey Churchyard, Worcestershire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 20th September 1854 in the Crimea, at the Battle of the Alma, Captain Bell was the first seize upon and capture one of the enemy's guns which was limbered up and being carried off. He moreover took over the command of his regiment, which he brought out of action, all his senior officers having been killed or wounded.
Additional information: Major-General Bell also held the Légion d'Honneur (France).

BELL, Eric Norman Frankland (Reg. No.. 78)
Captain 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached to the Light Trench Mortar Battery.
London Gazetted on 26th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Museum.
Born on 28th August 1895 at Enniskillen, Ireland.
Died on the 1st July 1916 at Thiepval, France.
Memorial on the Thiepval Memorial, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st July 1916 at atThiepval, France, when our front line was checked by enfilading machine-gun fire, Captain Bell crept forward and shot the machine gunner. Later, on no less than three occasions, when our bombing parties were unable to advance, he went forward alone and threw trench mortar bombs among the enemy. When he had no more bombs available, he stood on the parapet, under intense fire, and used a rifle with great coolness and effect on the enemy advancing to counter-attack. Finally, he was killed at rallying and reorganising infantry parties which had lost their officers.

BELL, Frederick William (Reg. No. 79).
Lieutenant West Australian Mounted Infantry.
London Gazetted on 4th October 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Western Australia Museum.
Born on 3rd April 1875 at Perth, Western Australia.
Died on 28th April 1954 at Bristol, England.
Memorials at Canford Cemetery, Bristol and Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th May 1901 at Brakpan, Transvaal, South Africa, when retiring under heavy fire, Lieutenant Bell noticed a man dismounted. He returned and took him up behind him, but the horse not been equal to the weight, fell with them. The Lieutenant then remained behind, covering the man's retirement until he was out of danger.
Additional information he was Commandant of the embarkation camps at Plymouth during the First World War. After the war he was a Political officer, in British Somaliland. He became the senior Administrative officer, northern Nigeria and Kenya Colony.
Additional information: Final rank was Lt. Colonel.

BELL Mark Sever (Reg. No.80)
Lieutenant, Corps of Royal Engineers
London Gazetted on 20th November 1874
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Engineers Museum.
Born on 15th May !843 at Sydney, NSW., Australia.
Died on 26th June 1906 at Windlesham, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4 February 1874 at the Battle of Ordashu, Ashanti West Africa, Lieutenant Bell was always in front, urging and exhorting an unarmed working party of Fantee labourers who were exposed not only to the fire of the enemy, but to the wild irregular fire of the native troops to the rear. He encouraged these men to work under fire without a covering party, and this contributed very materially to the success of the day.
Additional Information: Colonel Bell was the second son of the late Hutchinson Bell of Leconfield, Yorkshire. His education was private and at King's College, London. (Fellow 1890.) In 1862 he entered the Royal Engineers. In 1865-66 he served with the Bhutan Expedition, in command of the Royal Engineers as well as the Bengal Sappers and Miners. He also commanded the Engineers in the Hazara Expedition in 1868 earning a mention in Despatches after a forced march of 600 miles.
During the Ashanti Wars (1873-4) he was Adjutant to the Royal Engineers, Brigade and Special Service Officer. He was mentioned in Despatches for other acts which were in no way connected to his Victoria Cross award.
He married twice. His first wife was Angelina Helen Dickenson (daughter of Capt.R.B.F.Dickenson of the 15th Regiment.) Angelina Died on in 1879.
He was promoted to Major in 1882 (In The Victoria Cross 1856 to 1920he is stated as being a Captain) and served as an Intelligence Officer in the Burma Campaign of 1886-87. He was A.Q.M.G. of Intelligence 1880-85. He was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in 1883 and then to Brevet Colonel in 1887. He was the ADC to Her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1887; D.Q.M.G. 1885-88 Col. Bell commanded the Royal Engineers, Western District from 1894-98.
He married for the second tome to Nora Margaret, daughter of Hext Roger Esq. Of Inceworth South Devon. In 1893 he was created a CB (Military. Because of ill health he was placed on half pay.
He was extremely well travelled covering more than 12,000 miles, visiting Central Asia, China and the East. Many of the places he visited were unknown. He was the author of many military and geographical papers and was the first winner of the McGregor Gold Medal of the United States Institute, Indiana.
He Died on the 26th of June 1906 at Earlywood Lodge, Sunnunghill, Surrey at the age of 63.
His Eldest son Anthony Bell served in the King's Own and was mentioned in Despatches as well as being awarded the Military Cross and the 1914 Star. The youngest son Robert, was killed in action serving with the KRRC on the 3rd September 1916 after being mentioned in Despatches on the 1st of January 1916.

BELLEW, Edward Donald (Reg. No. 81)
Lieutenant 7th Battalion British Columbia Regiment, C E F.
London Gazetted on 15th May 1919.
Born on 28th October 1882 at Bombay, India.
Died on the 1st February 1961 at Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
Memorial its at Hillside Cemetery, Kamloops, British Columbia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th April 1915 near Kerselaere, Belgium, the advance of the enemy was temporarily stayed by Lieutenant Bellew, the battalion machine-gun officer, who had two guns in action on high ground when the enemy's attack broke in full force. Reinforcements which were sent forward having been destroyed, and with the enemy less than 100 yards away and no further assistance in sight, Lieutenant Bellew and a sergeant decided to fight it out. The sergeant was killed and Lieutenant Bellew wounded, nevertheless, he maintained his fire until his ammunition failed, when he seized a rifle smashed his machine gun and fighting to the last, was taken prisoner.
Additional information: Promoted Captain.

BENNETT, Eugene Paul. (Reg. No. 82)
Lieutenant 2nd Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 30th December 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Worcestershire Regimental Museum.
Born on 4th June 1892 at Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Died on 6th April 1970 in Italy.
Memorial not known
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th November 1916 near Le Transloy, France, Lieutenant Bennett was in command of the second wave of the attack, and finding that the first wave had suffered heavy casualties, its commander killed and the line wavering, he advanced at the head of the second wave and reached their objective with only 60 men. Isolated with his small party he took steps to consolidate his position under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from both flanks, and although wounded he remained in command. But for his example of courage the attack would have been checked at the outset.
Additional information: Captain Bennett also held the Military Cross.

BENT, Philip Eric. (Reg. No.. 83)
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 9th Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Leicestershire Regiment's Museum.
Born on 3rd January 1891 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Died on the 1st October 1917 at Polygon Wood, Belgium. (killed in action)
Memorials at Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium and in St Albans Church, Hindhead, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st October 1917 east of Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, when the situation was critical owing to the confusion caused by a heavy enemy attack and the intense artillery fire, Lieutenant Colonel Bent collected a platoon that was in reserve and together with men from other companies and various regimental details, he organised and led them forward to the counter-attack, which was successful and the enemy were checked. The coolness and magnificent example of the Colonel resulted in the securing of a portion of the line essential to a subsequent operation, but he was killed whilst leading a charge.
Additional information, hell-bent also held the Distinguished Service Order.

BENT, Spencer John. (Reg. No.. 84).
Drummer 1st Battalion. The East Lancashire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 9th December 1914.
Born on 18th March 1891 at Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Died on 3rd May 1977 at Hackney, London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the night of 1/2nd November 1914 near Le Gheer, Belgium, when his officer, the platoon sergeant and a number of men had been struck down, Drummer Bent took command of the platoon and with great presence of mind and coolness succeeded in holding the position. He had previously distinguished himself on two occasions, on 22 and 24 October by bring in up ammunition under heavy shell and rifle fire. Again on 3rd November, he brought in to cover some wounded men who were lying, exposed to enemy fire, in the open.
Additional information: Regimental Sergeant-Major Bent also held the Military Medal.

BERESFORD, Lord William Leslie de la Poer. (Reg. No.. 85).
Captain 9th Lancers (the Queen's Royal)
London Gazetted on 23rd August 1879.
Born on 20th July 1847 at Mullaghbrack, Markethill, County Armagh, Ireland.
Died on 28th December 1900 at Dorking, Surrey.
Memorials at Clonagem Churchyard, Curraghmore, Ireland and Mullaghbrack Church. Co. Armagh.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st July 1879 at Ulundi, Zululand, during the retirement of the reconnoitring party Captain Lord William Beresford went to the assistance of an NCO of the 24th Regiment, whose horse had fallen and rolled on him. The Zulus were coming in great numbers, but Lord William, with help from a sergeant * of the Frontier Light Horse, managed to mount the injured man behind him. He was, however, so dizzy that the sergeant, who had been keeping back the advancing Zulus, gave up his carbine and, riding alongside, helped to hold him on. They all finally reached safety.
(* see also O'Toole, E. Reg. No.. 953).
Additional information: Lt. Colonel Lord Beresford was a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire (KCIE).

BERGIN, James. (Reg No.. 86).
Private 33rd Regiment. (later the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment.
London Gazetted on 28th July 1868.
Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum.VC Medal's Custodian is the
Born on 29th June 1845 at Killbricken, Queen's County, Ireland.
Died on 1st December 1880 at Poona, India.
Memorial not known
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th April 1868 in Abyssinia, during the assault on Magdala, when the head of the column of attack was checked by the obstacles at the gate, a small stream of officers and men of the 33rd Regiment and an officer of the Royal Engineers broke away from the main approach to Magdala, and, reaching the defences, climbed a cliff, forced their way over a wall and through a strong and thorny fence, thus turning the defenders of the gateway. The first two men to enter Magdala were Private Bergin and a Drummer*.
(see also Magner, M. Reg. No.. 822).

BERRYMAN, John. (Reg. No.. 87)
Troop Sergeant- Major 17th Lancers (later the Duke of Cambridge's Own).
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
Born on the 18th to July 1825 at Dudley, Worcestershire.
Died on 27th June 1896 at Woldingham, Surrey.
Memorial at grave in St Agatha's Churchyard, Woldingham, Worcestershire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th October 1854 at Balaclava , Crimea, Troop Sergeant-Major Berryman, whose horse had been shot under him, stopped on the field with a wounded officer amidst a storm of shot and shell. Two sergeants * came to his assistance and between them they carried the wounded officer out a range of the guns.
* (see also Farrell, J. reg. No.. 395 and Malone, J. Reg No. 830.).
Additional information: Major Berryman's Victoria Cross was earned during the Charge of the Light Brigade. He also served in the Indian Mutiny and the Zulu Wars.

BHANGBHAGTA GURUNG. (Reg. No. 88)
Rifleman (later Havildar*[Honorary]. ) 2nd Gurkha Rifles Indian Army
London Gazetted on 5th June 1945
VC Medal's Custodian is the 1st Gurkha Rifles
Born on in 1921 at Phallbu, a village in the Gorkha District of Nepal.
No record of death
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5 March 1945 at Snowdon East, near Tamandu, Burma, a section was pinned down by heavy enemy fire and was also being subjected to sniping from a tree. Rifleman Bhanbhagta Gurung killed the sniper and later when the section was again attacked, he dashed forward under continuous fire personally clearing four enemy foxholes and he also silenced a alight machine-gun. With the help of a Bren gunner and two riflemen he then repelled an enemy counter-attack on the captured bunker with heavy losses. His action in clearing these positions was decisive in capturing the objective.
*Havildar = Sergeant

BHANDARI RAM. (Reg. No. 89).
Sepoy 10th Baluch Regiment, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 8th February, 1945.
Born on 24th July 1919 at Serunia (Village)Bilaspur State, Simla, India.
Died on 19th May 2002 at Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh, India..
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd November, 1944 at East Mayu, Arakan, Burma, Sepoy Bhandari Ram's platoon was pinned down by machine-gun fire. Although wounded he crawled up to a Japanese light machine-gun in full view of the enemy and was wounded again, but continued to crawl to within five yards of his objective. He then threw a grenade into the position killing the of Gunner and two others. This action inspired his platoon to rush and capture the enemy position. Only then did he allow his wounds to be dressed.
Additional information:. Promoted Subadur
Captain Bhandari Ram married Champa Devi in 1950. The had three sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him.
Captain Bhandari Ram continued to serve in the Army at the end of the war. He transferred to the Dogra Regiment, in the New Indian Army, from the 10th Baluchi at the Partition of India in 1947 because, as a Hindu, he felt he could not serve in the Baluch.
He served in the army for another 22 years, retiring in November 1969 at the age of 50. He farmed until ill health prevented him.
His old Baluch Regiment created a montage of his army career and his actions in the winning of the Victoria Cross.
He was also awarded the Indian Medal for Most Distinguished Service, the Param Vishissht Seva (PVS).
His death on 19th May 2002 leaves 16 surviving Victoria Cross recipients.

BINGHAM, The Hon. Edward Barry Stewart. (Reg. No. 90)
Commander Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 15th September 1916.
Born on 24th July 1919 in Serunia, India.
Died on 19th May 2002 in the Himachal Pradesh District, India.
VC Medal's Custodian is the North Down Heritage Centre.
Born on the 26 July 1881 at Bangor, County Down, Ireland.
Died on 24th September 1939 in London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st and May it 1916, at the Battle of Jutland, Commander Bingham of HMS Nestor, led his division in their attack, first on enemy destroyers and then on their battle cruisers. He finally sited the enemy Battle Fleet and followed by the one remaining destroyer of his division, HMS Nikator, he closed to within 3,000 and yards of the enemy, in order to attain a favourable position for firing the torpedoes. While making this attack Nestor and Nicator were under concentrated fire of the Secondary batteries of the High Seas Fleet. Nestor was subsequently sunk.
Additional information: Rear Admiral Bingham also held the Order of the British Empire (0BE).

BIRKS, Frederick, (reg. No. 91)
Second Lieutenant 6th Battalion Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 8th November 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 31st August 1894 at Buckley, Flintshire, Wales.
Died on 21st September 1917 at Glencorse Wood, Ypres, Belgium. (killed in action)
Memorials at Perth Cemetery, Belgium, on an obelisk in Buckley, Flintshire, Wales and on the Australian War Memorial at Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 20th September, 1917 at Glencorse Wood, east of Ypres, Belgium, Second Lieutenant Birks, accompanied by a corporal, rushed a strong point which was holding up the advance. The corporal was wounded, but Second Lieutenant Birks went on alone, killed the remainder of the enemy and captured the machine gun. Shortly afterwards he took a small party and attacked another strong point occupied by a about 25 of the enemy, killing some and capturing an officer and 15 men. His coolness and bravery inspired his men throughout these operations. He was fatally wounded whilst trying to rescue some of his men who had been buried by a shell.
Additional information: Lieutenant Birks also held the Military Medal .

BISDEE, John Hutton. (Reg. No. 92).
Trooper Tasmania Imperial Bushmen.
London Gazetted on 13th November 1900.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Tasmanian Museum, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Born on the 28th September, 1869 at Hutton Park, Tasmania.
Died on 14th January 1930 at Melton Mowbray, Tasmania.
Memorial on th Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st September 1900 near Warm Baths, Transvaal, South Africa, Trooper Bisdee was one of an advanced scouting party passing a through a narrow gorge, when the enemy suddenly opened fire at close range and six out of the party of eight were wounded, including two officers. The horse of one of the wounded officers bolted and Trooper Bisdee dismounted, put him on his own horse and took him out a range of the very heavy fire.
Additional information: Lt Colonel Bisdee also held the Order of the British Empire.
He was the first Australian-Born on man to be Gazetted for winning the Victoria Cross while serving under British Command whilst serving in an Australian Regiment. The second man, was Lieutenant G. G. Wylly, who won his VC in the same engagement, was, for some reason, Gazetted 10 days later,

BISHOP, William Avery.(Reg. No.93)
Captain Canadian Cavalry and 60 Squadron of The Royal Flying Corps.
London Gazetted on 11th August 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada.
Born on 8th February 1894 at Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
Died on 11th September 1956 at Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America.
Memorials on grave at Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound, Ontario and a Plaque in Queen's Park, West Owen Sound Ontario.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2nd June 1917 near Cambrai, France, Captain Bishop, patrolling independently, flew to an enemy aerodrome where several machines were standing with their engines running. One of the machines took off, but Captain Bishop fired at very close range and it crashed. He fired at and missed, the second, but his fire made the pilot swerve and hit a tree. Two more aircraft then took off– He emptied his Lewis -gun into the forward fuselage of the first and it crashed. He then emptied a whole drum into the fourth machine which had come up behind him and it dived away. Captain Bishop then flew back to his station.
Further information: Air Marshal Bishop was the son of William Avery Bishop, Registrar of Grey County, Ontario. He attended and was educated at the Royal Military College at Kingston joining the Canadian Militia on the 26th of August 1911. He was commissioned in the Canadian Cavalry in March 1915 travelling to the European War in France with one of the Units. After a short spell in the trenches, he decided to join up as an airman.
He succeeded Captain Albert Ball VC, on his demise, as commander of the Squadron.
In 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order, later he received a Bar for the DSO.. On the 28th August 1917 he was promoted to Major. Later, on the 5th August 1918 he was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant Colonel and took the appointment of General Staff Officer, First Grade of the Canadian Forces. He later became an Air Marshall.
He married Margaret Eaton, the daughter of Mr and Mrs C.E. Burdon, and niece of Sir John Eaton, on the 17th Of October 1917.

BISSETT, William Davidson. (Reg. No. 94).
Lieutenant 1/6th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's)
London Gazetted on 6th January 1990.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum.
Born on 7th August 1893 at St Martin's, Perthshire, Scotland.
Died on 12th May 1971 at Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales.
Memorial on grave at Aldershot Military Cemetery, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th October 1918 east of Maing, France, Lieutenant Bissett was commanding a platoon, but owing to casualties took command of the company and handled it with great skill when an enemy counter attack turned his left flank. Realising the danger he withdrew to the railway, but the enemy continued to advance and when the ammunition was exhausted Lieutenant Bisset mounted the railway embankment under heavy fire and, calling for a bayonet charge, drove back the enemy with heavy loss and again charge forward, establishing the line and saving a critical situation.
Additional information Major Bissett also held the Croix de Guerre avec Palme ( France).
He served in the second world war with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and the Royal Pioneer Corps.

BLACKBURN, Arthur Seaforth. (reg. No. 95)
Second Lieutenant 10th Battalion (S. A.) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 9th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial.Canberra, Australia.
Born on 20th November 1892 at Adelaide, South Australia..
Died on 24th November 1960 at Adelaide, South Australia.
Memorial at AIF Cemetery and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd July 1916, at Posieres, France, Second Lieutenant Blackburn was directed with 50 men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By great determination he eventually captured 250 yards of trench, after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties. Then after crawling forward with A sergeant to reconnoitre, he returned, attacked and seized another 120 yards of trench, establishing communication with the Battalion on his left.
Additional information: Brigadier Blackburn served in World War II, Commanding the 2/2nd machine-gun battalion, 2nd A.M.F., in 1940. He was General Officer Commanding the AMF in Java from 1941-42.
His decorations include the Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG); the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE); and the Military Cross (MM).

BLAIR, James (Reg. No. 96)
Captain (later General) 2nd Bombay Light Cavalry.
London Gazetted on 25th February 1862.
Born on 27th January 1828 at Nimach, Gwalior State, India.
Died on 18th January 1905 at Melrose, Scotland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12th August 1857 at Neemuch, India, Captain Blair volunteered to apprehend seven or eight armed mutineers who had shut themselves up in a house. He burst open the door and after a fierce encounter during which he was severely wounded, the rebels escaped through the roof. In spite of his wounds he pursued, but was unable to catch them. On 23rd October at Jeerum, the captain fought his way through a body of rebels who had surrounded him. In theaction he broke his sword and was wounded, but nevertheless he led his men in a charge on the rebels and dispersed them.
Additional information: He is the cousin of Lieutenant R. Blair VC. (reg. No.. 97). Captain Blair has also a Companion (of the Order) of the Bath. (CB).

BLAIR, Robert. (Reg No. 97).
Lieutenant 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays) attchd to 9th Lancers. (Queen's Royal).
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Dragoon Guards,
Born on 13th March 1834 at Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland.
Died on 28th March 1859 at Cawnpore, India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28 per September 1857 at Bolandshahr, India, Lieutenant Blair was ordered to take a party of one sergeant and 12 men and bring in a deserted ammunition wagon. As they approached, 50 or 60 of the enemy on horseback attacked them, but without hesitation Lieutenant Blair formed up his men and gallantly led them through the rebels. He made good his retreat without losing a man, but leaving 9 of the enemy dead on the field. He himself was severely wounded in this action.
Additional information: he was the cousin of Captain James Blair VC. (Reg.No.96)

BLAKER, Frank Gerald. (Reg. No.98)
Temp. Major The Highland Light Infantry attchd to 3rd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army
London Gazetted on 26th September 1944.
Born on 8th May 1920 at Meiktila, Upper Burma.
Died on 4th July 1944 near Taunghi, Burma. (Killed in action).
Memorial on grave at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Burma.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9 July, 1944 near Taunghi, Burma, Major Blaker was commanding a company which was held up during an important advance by close range firing from medium and light machine-guns. The major went ahead of his men through very heavy fire and in spite of being severely wounded in the arm, located the machine-guns and single-handed charged the position. Even when mortally wounded he continued to cheer on his men whilst lying on the ground. His fearless leadership inspired his men to storm and capture the objective.

BLOOMFIELD, William Anderson. (Reg No. 99).
Captain Scout Corps, 2nd South African Mounted Brigade.
London Gazetted on 30th December 1916.
Born on 30th January 1873 at Edinburgh, Scotland.
Died on 12th May 1954 at Ermelo, Transvaal, South Africa.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th August 1916 at Miali, East Africa, when consolidating his new position after being heavily attacked and being forced to retire, Captain Bloomfield found that one of the wounded, a corporal, had not been evacuated with the rest. At considerable personal risk the captain went back over 400 yards of ground sweapt by machine-gun fire and rifle fire and managed to reach the wounded man and bring him back to safety.

BOGLE, Andrew Cathcart. (Reg. No. 100)
Lieutenant 78th Regiment (later the Seaforth Highlanders---- The Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's)
London Gazetted on 2nd September 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Own Highlanders' Museum.
Born on 20th January 1829 at Glasgow.
Died on 11th December 1890 at SherBorn one, Dorset.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29th July 1857 in the attack on Oonao, India, Lieutenant Bogle led the way into a loopholed house which was occupied by the enemy and from which a heavy fire harassed the advance of his regiment. The lieutenant was severely wounded in this action

BOISRAGON, Guy Hudleston. (Reg. No.101)
Lieutenant Indian Staff Corps and 5th gurkha Rifles, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 12th July 1892.
Born on 5th November 1864 at Kohat in the Punjab.
Died on 14th July 1931 at Biarritz, France.
Memorials are at Kensal Green Cemetery in London and in the Sanctum Crypt at St. Luke's Church, Chelsea.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2 December 1891 during the attack on Nilt Fort, India, Lieutenant Boisragon led the assault , forcing his way through difficult obstacles to the inner gate, when he returned for reinforcements, moving fearlessly to and fro under heavy cross-fire until he had collected sufficient men to drive the enemy from the fort.
Additional information: Brigadier Boisragon won the VC during the Huntza Campaign. He was the eldest son of Major-General Henry Boisragon and his wife Anna, the daughter of William Hudleston of the Madras Civil Service.
He was educated at Charterhouse before going on to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst He served in the 10th Regiment (Lincolnshire) in 1885 before service in the 5th Gurkha Regt. in 1887 From 1888 he served on several expeditions, The Hanzari, (Medal and clasp) the 2nd Hazari (clasp) . He served on the Miranzai expedition (1891) as Orderly Officer to the Gen. Officer (clasp0 which was followed by the 2nd Maranzai Expedition. From 189-92 he served in the Huntza- Nagar area, where he won the VC for his part in the capture of the Nilt Fort. He was mentioned in Despatches (clasp) He served also in the Waziristan Expedition in 1894-5 (clasp) under Sir William Lockhart and as ADC to the Lt. Gen. of the Punjab Command.
Promoted to Captain in 1896 he, in the following two years, took part in the Sumana and Kurrum Valley operations (1897) gaining a medal and two clasps, and in the reconnaissance of the pass at Kharmana and the action of November 7th 1897 as well as the mission against the Khani Khel Chamkannis.
In 1903 he bacame Brevet-Major then Brevet Colonel, Colonel in the Frontier Forces. He received The Order of the Nile, 4th Class for services in the European War (WWI) where he was wounded.
.

BONNER, Charles George (Reg No. 102)
Lieutenant Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 2nd November 1917.
Born on 29th December 1884 at Shuttington, Warwickshire.
Died on 7th February 1951 at Edinburgh.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th August 1917 in the Bay of Biscay, Lieutenant Bonner was with HMS Dunraven (a Q or mystery ship *) when she was shelled by an enemy submarine. The lieutenant was in the thick of the fighting and throughout a whole of the action his pluck and determination had a considerable influence on the crew.
* Ships that were disguised as harmless merchantmen .
Additional information: Lieutenant Bonner also held the Distinguished Service Cross (D S C). After the war Captain Bonner became a salvage expert in shipping.

BOOTH Anthony Clarke. (Reg. No. 103)
Colour Sergeant 80th Regiment (The South Staffordshire Regiment).
London Gazetted on 23rd February 1880.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Staffordshire Regiment's Museum.
Born on 21st April 1846 at Carrington, Nottingham.
Died on 8th December 1899 at Brierley Hill, Staffordshire.
Memorials at the Garrison Church, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12th March 1879 on the Intombi River, South Africa*,during an attack by very large numbers of the enemy, Colour-Sergeant Booth rallied a few men on the South Bank of the river and covered the retreat of 50 soldiers and others for a distance of three miles. Had it not been for the coolness displayed by this NCO not one man would have escaped.
* During the Zulu Wars.

BOOTH, Frederick Charles. (Reg. No. 104).
Sergeant British South African Police attchd Rhodesia Native Infantry.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
Born on 6th March 1890 at Upper Holloway, London.
Died on 14th September 1960 at Brighton, Sussex.
Memorial at grave Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton.
Digest of Citation reads:
Control of February 1917 at Johannesbruck, near Songea, East Africa, during an attack in thick bush on the enemy position and under very heavy rifle fire, Sergeant Booth went forward alone and brought in a man who was dangerously wounded. Later he rallied native troops who were badly disorganised and brought them to the firing line. On many previous occasions this NCO had set a splendid example of pluck and endurance.
Additional information: Sergeant Booth also holds the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

BORELLA, Albert Chalmers. (Reg No. 1 05).
Lieutenant 26th Battalion (Queensland and Tasmania) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 16th September 1918.
Born on 7th August 1881 at Borung, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 7th February 1968 at Albury, Victoria, Australia.
Memorial on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 17th/18th July 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, Lieutenant Borella, whilst leading his platoon, charged and captured an enemy machine gun, shooting two gunners. He then led his party, by now reduced to 10 men and two Lewis guns, against a very strongly held trench, using his revolver and later a rifle with great effect and causing many casualties. Two large dug-outs were also bombed and 30 prisoners taken. On another occasion, although outnumbered 10 to one, he and his men repulsed the enemy causing heavy losses.
Additional information: Captain Borrello also held the Military Medal (MM)

BORTON, Arthur Drummond. (Reg No. 106).
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 2/22nd Battalion (County of London),. The London Regiment. (the Queen's).
London Gazetted on 18th December 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Surrey Regiment's Museum
Born on the first to July 1883 at Chevening, Kent.
Died on 5th January 1933 at Hunton, Kent.
Memorial on the King's Royal Rifle Corps memorial in Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th November 1917 at Sheria, Palestine, under most difficult conditions, in darkness and in an unknown country, Lieutenant Colonel Borton deployed his Battalion for attack and at dawn led his attacking companies against a strongly held position. When the leading waves were checked by withering fire, he moved freely up and down the line under heavy fire and then led his men forward, capturing the position. At a later stage he led a party of volunteers against a battery of field guns in action at point blank range, capturing the guns and the detachments. His fearless leadership was an example to the whole brigade.
Additional information: Decorations held by Lt Col. Borton included Companion (of the Order) of St Michael and St George (C M G) and the Distinguished Service Order (D S O)

BOUGHEY, Stanley Henry Parry. (Reg No. 107).
Second Lieutenant 1/4th Battalion The Royal Scots Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 13th February 1918.
Born on 9th April 1896 at Ayrshire, Scotland.
Died on 4th December 1917 near Ramleh, Palestine. (Died on of wounds).
Memorial at Gaza War Cemetery, Palestine.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st December 1917 at El Berf, Palestine, when the enemy in large numbers had managed to crawl opt to within 50 yards of our firing line and with bombs and automatic rifles were keeping down the fire of our machine-guns, Second Lieutenant Boughey rushed forward alone with bombs right up to the enemy, killing many and causing the surrender of a party of 30. As he turned to go back for more bonds he was mortally wounded at the moment when the enemy were surrendering.

BOULGER, Abraham. (Reg No. 108).
Lance-Corporal 84th Regiment (The York and Lancaster Regiment).
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the York and Lancaster Regiment's Museum.
Born on 4th September 1835 at Killcullen, County Kildare, Ireland.
Died on 23rd January 1900 in Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 12 July to 20 September 1857 in India, Lance-Corporal Boulger distinguished himself in all 12 actions fought by his regiment. He was one of the party which stormed the bridge over the canal on the relief of the Residency and shot a Gunner who was in the act of firing a 68 pounder in the face of the British troops. He was also the first man to enter a masked battery. In the subsequent defence of the Residency he was severely wounded.
More to add

BOULTER, William Ewart. (reg No. 109).
Sergeant 6th Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 26th October 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Northamptonshire Regiment's Museum.
Born on 14th October 1892 at Wigston, Leicestershire.
Died on 1st June 1955 at Wimbledon, Surrey.
Memorial: Lieutenant Boulter was cremated at Putney Vale Crematorium.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 14th July 1916 at Trones Wood, France, when one company and part of another was held up in the attack on a wood by a hostile machine gun which was causing heavy casualties. Sergeant Boulter, with utter contempt of danger, and in spite of being wounded in the shoulder, advanced alone over open ground under heavy fire, in front of the gun and bombed the gun team from their position. This act not only saved many casualties, but materially helped the operation of clearing the enemy out of the wood.

BOURCHIER, Claude Thomas. (Reg. No. 110).
Lieutenant . 1st Battalion The Rifle Brigade. (Prince Consort's Own up).
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 22nd April 1831 at a Brayford, Devon.
Died on 19th November 1877 at Brighton, Sussex.
Memorial on the Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 20th November 1854 in the Crimea, Lieutenant Bourchier, with another Lieutenant * was with a party detailed to drive the Russians from some rifle pits. Advancing on the pits after dark they launched a surprise attack and drove the Russian Rifleman from their cover, but in the fierce fighting which ensued the officer in command of the party was killed. The two lieutenants, however, maintained their advantage, withstood all attacks from the enemy during the night and held the position until relieved the next day.
Additional information: He was ADC to Her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1869. He also held the Légion d'Honneur (France) and served in the Indian Mutiny.

BOURKE, Roland Richard Louis. (Reg. No. 111).
Lieutenant Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.
London Gazetted on 28th August 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Canada's National Archives in Ottawa, Canada.
Born on 28th November 1885 in London.
Died on 29th August 1958 at Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada.
Memorial on grave at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, British Columbia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th and 10th May, 1918 at Ostend, Belgium, after HMS Vindictive's crew had been taken off, Lieutenant Bourke, Commanding Motor Launch 276 went into the harbour to check that everybody had got away. After searching and finding no one, he withdrew, but hearing cries from the water he turned back, found an officer and two seamen clinging to an upturned boat, and rescued them. During this time the motor launch was under very heavy fire and was hit 55 times, once by a six-inch shell which killed two of her crew and did considerable damage. Lieutenant Bourke, however, managed to take her into the open sea, and was taken in tow.
Additional information:. He had also been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. (D S O) He served with the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War.

BOYD-ROCHFORT, George Arthur. (reg No. 1073).
Second Lieutenant. Scots Guards attached to 1st Battalion.
London Gazetted on 1st September, 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 1st January, 1880 at Middleton, County Westmeath, Ireland.
Died on 11th August 1940 in Dublin, Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 3rd August, 1915 between Cambrin and La Bessee, France, a German trench-mortar bomb landed on the side of a Parapet of the communication trench in which Second Lieutenant Boyd-Rochfort was standing close to a small working party of his battalion. Instead of stepping back into safety he shouted to his men to look out, rushed at the bomb, seized it and hurled it over the parapet where it at once exploded. This combination of presence of mind and courage saved the lives of many of the working party.
Additional information:. Captain Boyd-Rochfort was promoted to Captain .

BOYES, Duncan Gordon. (Reg No. 112).
Midshipman Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 21st April 1865.
Born on 5th November 1846 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Died on 26th January 1869 at Andersons Bay, New Zealand.
Memorial at grave in Andersons Bay Cemetery, (Service-men's section), New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th September 1864 at Shimonoseki, Japan, Midshipman Boyes of HMS Euryalus displayed great gallantry in the capture of the enemy's stockade. He carried the Queen's Colour into action with the leading company and kept the flag flying in spite of direct fire which killed one of his colour sergeants * who was badly wounded, were only prevented from going further forward by direct orders from their superior officer.
* see Thomas PRIDE (Reg. No.1003).
Additional information: He is the brother-in-law of Lieutenant. T J Young VC.
.

BOYLE, Edward Courtney. (reg. No. 113).
Lieutenant Commander Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 21st May 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Naval Submarine Museum, Gosport, Hampshire.
Born on 23rd March 1883 at Carlisle, Cumberland.
Died on 16th December 1967 at Ascot, Berkshire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27th April, 1915 in the Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles, Lieutenant Commander Boyle, in command of Submarine E14, dived his vessel under the enemy minefields and in spite of great navigational difficulties from strong currents and the presence of hostile patrols waiting to attack, he continued, during the next two weeks, to operate in the narrow waters of the Straits and succeeded in sinking two Turkish gunboats and one military transport.
Additional information:. Rear Admiral Boyle was a Chevalier, Légion d'Honneur (France), held the Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus (Italy). He was the King's Harbour-Master at Devonport from 1926-28. He was also the Flag Officer in Charge, London, 1939-1942.

BRADBURY, Edward Kinder. (reg No. 114).
Captain 'L' Battery. Royal Horse Artillery.
London Gazetted 25th November 1914.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Imperial War Museum.
Born on 16th August 1881 at Altrincham, Cheshire.
Died on 1st September 1914 at Nery, France. (killed in action).
Memorial at grave in Nery Communal Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1 September 1914 at Nery, France, during a fierce attack by the enemy, when all the officers of 'L' Battery were either killed or wounded, Captain Bradbury, although having had one leg taken off by a shell, continued to direct the fire of the battery until he died..
* G.T.DORRELL (Reg. No.338 ) and D.NELSON.(Reg. No.919 )

BRADFORD, George Nicholson. (Reg No.115)
Lieutenant Commander. Royal Navy
London Gazetted on 17th March 1919.
Born on 23rd April 1887 at Darlington, County Durham.
Died on 23rd April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium.
Memorial on grave at Blankenberge Communal Cemetery, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22/23rd April, 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Lieutenant Commander Bradford Commanding the Naval storming parties embarked in HMS Iris II found there was great difficulty in placing the Parapet anchors when the ship came alongside the Mole. Although securing the ship was not part of his duties, the Lieutenant Commander climbed a derrick which was projecting out over the Mole and, under heavy fire, with the derrick crashing against the Mole because of the violent tossing of the ship, he picked his moment and jumped with the anchor. He had just placed it in position when he was killed.
Additional information: He was the brother of Lt-Colonel Roland Boys Bradford VC.

BRADFORD, Roland Boys. (reg No. 116)
Lieutenant-Colonel 9th Battalion the Durham Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 25th November 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Durham Light Infantry Museum
Born on 22nd February 1892 Etherly, County Durham.
Died on 30th November 1917 at Cambrai, France.
Memorial at Hermies British Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st October 1916 at Eaucourt L'Abbaye, France, and when leading Battalion had suffered very severe casualties and the commander was wounded, its flank was dangerously exposed to the enemy. At the request and a wounded Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bradford took command of that battalion in addition to his own. By he's fearless energy under fire of all descriptions, and skilful leadership of both battalions, he succeeded in rallying the attack and capturing and defending the objective
Additional information: Brigadier-General R.B. Bradford also held a the Military Cross. He was the younger brother of Lieutenant Commander G.N.Bradford VC

BRADLEY, Frederick Henry. (reg No. 117)
Driver 69th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.
London Gazetted on 27th December 1901.
Born on 27th September 1876 at Kingsland , London.
Died on 10th March 1943 at Gwelo, Southern Rhodesia.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 26th September, 1901 at Itala, South Africa, there was a call for volunteers to carry ammunition up the hill. To do this, a space, of about 150 yards swept by a heavy crossfire, had to be crossed. A Driver and a Gunner came forward and started, but half way across the driver fell wounded. Driver Bradley and the Gunner, without hesitation, ran out, and while the injured man was carried to cover, Driver Bradley, with her another volunteer, succeeded in getting the ammunition up the hill.

BRADSHAW, Joseph (reg No. 118).
Private 2nd Battalion The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own).
London Gazetted on 24th Emery 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on in 1835 at Dromkeen, Limerick, Ireland.
Died on 21st March 1875 at Woolwich, London.
Memorial on the Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd April 1855 in the Crimea up, Private Bradshaw and another private *, on their own, attacked and captured a Russian rifle pits situated among the rocks overhanging the Woronzoff Road. The pit was occupied every night by the Russians and its capture and subsequent destruction was of great importance.
* J.Humpston. (Reg. No.608)
Additional information: he also held the Médaille Militaire,(France).

BRADSHAW, William. (reg No. 119)
Assistant Surgeon 90th Regiment (later The Cameronians--- Scottish Rifles).
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Army Medical Services Museum.
Born on the 12th February, 1830 at Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Died on 9th March 1861 at Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Memorial at St Mary's Church, at Thurles, Tipperary.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 26th September 1857 at Lucknow, India, Assistant Surgeon Bradshaw, with another surgeon * was ordered to remove the wounded men left behind when the troops forced their way into the Residency. They dhooly bearers had left the dhoolies, but not withstanding the close proximity of the sepoys carp the two surgeons and managed to get some of the bearers together and Assistant Surgeon Bradshaw, a with about 20 dhoolies, after becoming separated from the rest of the party, succeeded in reaching the Residency in safety.
* see A.D.Home (Reg.No.589)

BRENNAN, Joseph Charles. (reg No. 120)
Bombardier Royal Regiment of Artillery.
London Gazetted on 11th November 1859.
Ball in August 1818 at St Probus, Truro, Cornwall.
Died on at under 24th September 1872 at Elham, Folkestone, Kent.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 3rd April 1858 at Jhansi, India, during the assault on the Fort, Bombardier Brennan brought up two guns manned by natives, laying each under a very heavy fire from the walls, and directing them so accurately as to compel the enemy to abandon his battery.

BRERETON, Alexander Picton. (reg No. 121).
Corporal 8th Battalion Manitoba Regiment, C E F.
London Gazetted on 27th September 1918.
Born on 13th November 1892 at Oak River, Manitoba, Canada.
Died on 11th June 1976 at Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th August 1918 east of Amiens, France during an attack when a line a hostile machine guns opened fire suddenly on his platoon which was in an exposed position with no cover, Corporal Brereton realised that unless something was done, his platoon would be annihilated. On his own initiative he at once sprang forward alone and, reaching one of the enemy machine-gun posts, shot the operator of the gun and bayoneted the next one who attempted to operate it, whereupon nine others surrendered. His action inspired the platoon to charge and capture the five remaining posts.

BRILLANT, Jean. (reg No. 122).
Lieutenant 22nd Battalion Quebec Regiment (Canadian Francais). C E F.
London Gazetted on 27th September, 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal (22e) Regimental Museum. Quebec, Canada (Canada Francais)
Born on 15th March, 1890 at Assametquaghan, Matapadia County,Quebec, Canada.
Died on 10th August 1918 near Amiens, France. (Died on of wounds).
Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th/9th August, 1918 east of Maharicourt, France, Lieutenant Brillant, while capturing a machine gun which was holding up his company, was wounded but refused to leave his command. Later his company was again held up by heavy machine-gun fire and Lieutenant Brillant, with two platoons, rushed to the machine-gun post, capturing 150 prisoners and 15 guns. He was wounded a second time, had his wounds dressed immediately and again refused to leave his command. Subsequently he led a 'rushing party' towards a field gun and was again seriously wounded, but continued to advance until he fell unconscious. He Died on the next day.
Additional information: He also held the Military Cross.

BRODIE, Walter Lorrain (Reg. No 123)
Captain 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 12th Dec 1914.
Born on 28th July 1885 at Edinburgh.
Died on 23rd August 1918 in France near Moeuvres.
Memorial at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 11th November 1914 near Becelaere, Belgium, Captain Brodie led a charge to evict the enemy from a portion of our trenches which they had succeeded in occupying. He bayoneted several of the enemy himself and relieved a dangerous situation. As a result of the Captain's prompt action, 80 of the enemy were killed and 51 taken prisoner.
Additional information: He was the son of a Chartered Accountant, John William and Mrs Grace Mary (née Lorrain) Brodie.
He was educated at Edinburgh Academy and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. In March 1904 he got his Commission in the Highland Light Infantry. He joined the 2nd Battalion at its unit in Jersey and from there to Fort George in Edinburgh. He attended several courses becoming adept at riding, signalling and on the machine-gun.
He served for four years in Ireland (1909-1913) He was promoted to Lieutenant on 30thJune 1908 and was put in command of the machine-gunners after being stationed at Aldershot (1913). He embarked for France in August 1918 and he was promoted to Captain a month later. (10th September.) The following November he won the Victoria Cross at Becelaere (London Gazette on the 12th December 1914.) Early in 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette 1st January 1917). He was promoted Brevet Major and put in Command of the 2/10th Liverpool Scottish. In January 1918. Later that year (April) he took command of his old Regiment the HLI as a Lt. Colonel. He was killed by a bullet as he led his men into action on 23rd of August 1918.

BROMHEAD Gonville.(Reg. No 124)
Lieutenant 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment (later South Wales Borderers)
London Gazetted on 2nd May 1879.
VC Medal's Custodian is the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon, Wales.
Born on 29th August 1845 at Versailles, France.
Died on 9th February 1891 at Allahabad, India.
Memorials at grave in The New Cantonment Cemetery, Allahabad, India Also a plaque in the Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral. Memorials also at Magnus Grammar School, Newark on Trent and in Thurlby Church, Lincolnshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd and 23rd January 1879 at Rourke's Drift, Natal, South Africa, Lieutenant Bromhead shared the command of the defenders of the post with Lieutenant J.R.M.Chard (Reg No.203) of the Royal Engineers, setting a fine example and conducting himself with great gallantry in most trying circumstances
Additional information: Gonville Bromhead was Born in Versailles, France to Sir Edmund de Gonville Bromhead Bart. and Judith Christine (née Wood) daughter of James Wood Esq. Of Woodville, Sligo. Gonville was educated at Magnus Grammar School, Newark. He joined the 24th Regiment as an Ensign on the 20th April 1867 Serving in the South African War of 1877 to 1879, He was mentioned in Despatches. (London Gazette dated 1st March and 15th March,1879
He was promoted to Captain and was given the Brevet* of a Major. He also received the South African Medal with clasp as well as being awarded the Victoria Cross. The London Gazette 2nd May 1879 told the following.
Lieut. Chard, Royal Engineers, and Lieut. Gonville S. Bromhead, 2nd Battn. 24th Regt.. For their gallant conduct at the defence of Rourke's Drift, on the occasion of the attack by the Zulus on the 22nd and 23rd of June,1879.
The Lieut. General commanding the troops, in his report, stated that if it was not for the fine conduct and excellent behaviour of these two officers under the most trying circumstances, the defence of Rorke's Drift post would not have been conducted with that intelligence and tenacity which so essentially characterised it.
He was presented with his Victoria Cross at a ceremony held on the 22nd of August 1879 at Utrecht, Holland by Sir Garnet Wolseley.
Major Bromhead served in the Burmese Expedition of 1885 and 1887-9 recieving the Medal and two clasps. He Died on at Lucknow, India on the 10th of February 1891.
*Brevet: A document conferring the privilege of a sovereign or government, ie, a rank in the army without the appropriate pay.

BROMLEY, Cuthbert. (Reg No. 125).
Major 1st Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 15th March, 1917.
Born on 19th September, 1878 at Seaford, Sussex.
Died on 13th August 1915 at sea, in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Memorial at Helles Memorial, Gallipoli and on the War Memorial, Seaford, Sussex.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th April 1915 west of Cape Helles, Gallipoli, three companies and the headquarters of the first Battalion,Lancashire Fusiliers, when landing a on W. Beach, were met by a very deadly fire from hidden machine guns which caused a large number of casualties. The survivors, however, rushed up and cut the wire entanglements not withstanding that terrific fire from the enemy and after overcoming Supreme difficulties, the cliffs were gained and the position maintained.
Additional information: Six members of the Lancashire Fusiliers were elected for the Victoria Cross. They were C. Bromley (Reg No. 125), J. E. Grimshaw (reg No. 498 ), W. Keneally (reg No. 674 ) , A.J. Richards (reg No. 1045), F. E. Stubbs (reg No. 1192) and R.R Willis (reg No. 1317)

BROOKE, James Anson Otho. (reg No. 126).
Lieutenant 2nd Battalion The Gordon Highlanders.
London Gazetted on 18th February 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Gordon Highlanders Museum.
Born on 3rd February 1884 at Newhills, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Died on 29th October 1914 near Gheluvelt, Belgium. (killed in action).
Memorial at Zantvoorde British Cemetery, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29th October 1914 near Gheluvelt, Belgium, Lieutenant Brooke led two attacks on the German trenches under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, regaining a loss trench at a very critical moment. By his marked coolness promptitude on this occasion, Lieutenant Brooke prevented the enemy from breaking through our line at a time when a general counter-attack could not have been organised. Having regained the lost trench, he went back to bring up supports, and while doing so, was killed

BROOKS, Edward. (reg No. 127).
Company Sergeant-Major 2nd/4th Battalion The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 27th June 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 11th April 1883 at Oakley, Buckinghamshire.
Died on the 26th June 1944 at Oxford.
Memorial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Oxford..
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th April 1917 at Fayet, near St. Quentin, France, Company Sergeant-Major Brooks, while taking part in a raid on the enemy's trenches, saw that the front wave was being checked by an enemy machine gun. On his own initiative he rushed forward from the second wave, a killed one of the Gunners are with his revolver and bayoneted another. The remainder of the gun crew then made off, leaving, the gun, whereupon the the Company Sergeant-Major turned it on the retreating enemy, after which he carried it back to Allied lines. His courageous action undoubtedly prevented many casualties and greatly added to the success of the operation.

BROOKS, Oliver. (reg No. 128).
Lance-Sergeant 3rd Battalion. Coldstream Guards.
London Gazetted on 28th October 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 31st May 1889 at Paulton, Midsomer Norton, Somerset.
Died on 25th October 1940 at Windsor, Berkshire.
Memorial at grave in Windsor cemetery and on a plaque in the Holy Trinity Garrison Church, Windsor.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th October 1915 near Loos, France, Lance-Sergeant Brooks led a party of bombers against the enemy who had captured 200 yards of our trenches. The regaining of this lost ground was entirely due to the bravery and presence of mind of this NCO who accomplished his task in the midst of a hail of bombs from the enemy.

BROWN, Donald Forrester. (reg No. 129).
Sergeant 2nd Battalion, Otago Infantry Regiment, N Z E F.
London Gazetted on 14th July 1917.
Born on 23rd February 1890 at Dunedin, New Zealand.
Died on 1st October 1916 near Eaucourt, L'Abbaye, France. (killed in action).
Memorial at Warlencourt British Cemetery, France and at the HQ of Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 15th September 1916 south-east of High Wood, France, when his company had suffered very heavy casualties from machine-gun fire, Sergeant Brown, with another man, advanced to a point within 30 yards of an enemy gun, killing four of the crew and capturing the gun. When the advance of the company was again held up, Sergeant Brown and his comrade rushed another gun and killed the crew. On a third occasion the sergeant attacked single-handed a machine gun, killed the crew and captured the gun. Later this gallant soldier was killed.

BROWN,* Edward Douglas . (reg No. 130)
Major 14th Hussars (The King's)
London Gazetted on 15th January 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the!4th/20th Hussars Museum.
Born on 6th of March 1861 at up Kassouli, Dagshai,India.
Died on 3rd February 1940 in London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th October 1900 at Geluk, South Africa, Major Brown, seeing that the horse of one of the sergeants had been shot, helped the man up behind him and carried him for about three-quarters of a mile to a place of safety. He did this under heavy fire. Afterwards he helped a lieutenant to mount his horse which was very restive under heavy fire: the officer could not have mounted without this help. Later, Major Brown carried a wounded lance-corporal out of action to safety.
Additional information : * surname later changed to BROWNE-SYNGE-HUTCHINSON. Colonel Brown also held the Companion of (the Order of) the Bath. (C B); Knight of the Order of St John and in 1911 he was made a Freeman of the city a London.

BROWN, Francis David Millest. (reg No. 131)
Lieutenant 1st European Bengal Fusiliers. ( Royal Munster Fusiliers)
London Gazetted on 17th February 1860
VC Medal's Custodian is the Wellington College.
Born on 7th August 1837 at Bhagalpur, Bengal, India..
Died on 21st November 1895 at Sandown, Isle of Wight
Memorial at Royal Munster Fusilier Memorial, Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th November 1857 at Narnoul, India, Lieutenant Brown, at the risk of his own life, rushed to the assistance of a wounded soldier, whom he carried off under heavy fire from the enemy, whose Cavalry were within 40 or 50 yards of him at the time.
More to add.

BROWN, Harry. (reg No. 132).
Private 10th Battalion Quebec Regiment, C E F.
London Gazetted on 17th October 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada.
Born on 10th May 1898 at Ganonoque, Ontario, Canada.
Died on 17th August 1917 near Loos, France. (Died on of wounds).
Memorial at Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th August 1917 at Hill 70, near Loos, France, after the capture of a position, the enemy massed in force and counter-attacked and the situation became critical. All signal wires were cut and Private Brown and another soldier were given an important message to be delivered at all costs up. The other messenger was killed and Private Brown's arm was shattered, but he struggled through to complete his mission before collapsing. He Died on of his wounds.

BROWN, Peter. (reg No. 133).
Trooper Cape Mounted Riflemen, South African Forces.
London Gazetted on 12th April 1880.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Amathole Museum, King William's Town, South Africa.
Born on in 1837 in Sweden.
Died on 11th September 1894 at Cape Town, South Africa.
Memorial at grave in Cape Town, South Africa.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th April 1879 during the assault on Morosi's Mountain, South Africa*, Trooper Brown spent all day carrying water to his wounded comrades who were lying under rocks where they had taken shelter. He did this within 200 yards of the enemy who were firing from redoubts up the sides of the mountain and he was severely wounded during the day, his forearm were shattered and he was also hit in the leg. Nevertheless, he did not cease his efforts until his water bottle was shot through and became useless.
*Basuto War).

BROWN, Walter Ernest. (reg No. 134).
Corporal 20th Battalion (N S W) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 17th August 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra,Australia.
Born on 2nd July 1885 at New Norfolk, Tasmania.
Died on 28th February 1942 in Malaya.
Memorial at Singapore memorial and the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th July 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, on his own initiative, Corporal Brown rushed a machine-gun post, which had been causing great inconvenience by persistent sniping. Despite being fired on by another machine gun, he continued to his objective and with a Mills grenade in his hand, he stood at the door of the dug-out and called on the occupants to surrender. One of the enemy rushed out and scuffled with him, but was knocked down by the corporal's fist. One officer and 11 men then surrendered and he brought them back as prisoners, again under heavy machine-gun fire.
Additional information: Sergeant Brown also holds the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Bar. (D C M). He served with the Royal Australian Artillery in the Second World War.

BROWNE, Edward Stevenson. (reg No. 135)
Lieutenant 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment (the South Wales Borderers).
London Gazetted on 17th June 1879.
VC Medal's Custodian is the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon, Wales.
Born on 23rd December 1852 at Cambridge.
Died on up on 16th July 1907 at Montreux, Switzerland.
Memorial in Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29th March 1879 at Inhlobana, South Africa, when the Mounted Infantry were being driven in by the enemy, Lieutenant Browne twice galloped back under heavy fire and helped on to his horse one of the mounted men and who would otherwise have fallen into enemy hands.
Additional information: Brigadier General Browne was also a Companion of (the Order of) the Bath (CB)

BROWNE, Samuel James. (reg No. 137).
Captain 46th Bengal Native Infantry.
London Gazetted on 1st March 1861.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum.
Born on 3rd October 1824 in India.
Died on 14th March 1901 at Ryde, Isle of Wight Paul stopped
Memorial at Ryde Cemetery, Isle of Wight; The Crypt St Paul's Cathedral and a Lahore Cathedral, India.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st August 1858 at Seerporah, India, in an engagement with the rebels, Captain Browne, whilst advancing upon the enemy's position, pushed on it with one orderly sower upon a nine-pounder gun and attacked the Gunners, preventing them from reloading and attacking the infantry who were advancing to the attack. In a conflict which ensued Captain Browne received two sword cuts, one on the left knee and one which severed his left arm at the shoulder, but not before he had cut down on one of his assailants. The gun was eventually captured and the gunner killed.
Additional information: General Browne (later Sir Samuel) was a Knight Grand Cross of the Bath (G C B) also a Knight Commander of the Star of India. (K C S I) He was deemed to be the inventor of the Sam Browne belt.

BRUCE, William Arthur McCrae. (reg No. 138)
Lieutenant 59th Scinde Rifles, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 4th September 1919.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Victoria College, Jersey, Channel Islands,
Born on 15th June 1890 in Edinburgh.
Died on 19th December 1914 near Givanchy, France. (killed in action).
Memorials at Neuve Chapelle Memorial and in St Clement's Church, Jersey, Channel Islands. No
Digest of Citation reads:
On 19th December 1914 near Givenchy, France, during a night attack, Lieutenant Bruce was in command of a small party which captured one of the enemy's trenches. In spite of being wounded in the neck he walked up and down the trench encouraging his men to hold out against several counter-attacks until he was killed. The fire from rifles and bombs was very heavy all day and it was due to his example and encouragement that the men were able to hold out until dusk when the trench was finally captured by the enemy.

BRUNT, John Henry Cound. (reg No. 139).
Captain The Sherwood Foresters. (the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) attchd 6th Battalion, the Lincolnshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 8th February, 1945.
VC Medal's Custodian is the The Lincolnshire Life Museum.
Born on 6th December 1922 at Priest Weston, Chirbury, Shropshire.
Died on 10th December 1944 at Faenza, Italy.
Memorial at Faenza War Cemetery , Italy and in the Soldier's Chapel of St George, Lincoln Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th December 1944 near Faenza, Italy, the house round which Captain Brooks platoon was dug in, was destroyed by intense mortar fire. The captain rallying his remaining men and moving to an alternative position, continued to hold the enemy although heavily outnumbered. Personally firing a Bren gun he killed about 14 and then, his ammunition exhausted, he fired a Piat and two-inch mortar left by casualties. The aggressive defence enabled him to reoccupy his previous position and to get his wounded away. Later he showed similar aggressive and inspiring leadership which caused the final withdrawal of the enemy.
Additional information: Captain Brunt also held the Military Cross.

BRYAN, Thomas. (reg No. 140)
Lance-Corporal 25th (S) Battalion, The Northumberland Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
Born on 21st January 1882 at Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
Died on 13th October 1945 at Doncaster,Yorkshire.
Memorials at Arksey Cemetery, Doncaster and at Castleford Civic Centre, Yorkshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th April 1917 near Arras, France, a during an attack Lance-Corporal Bryan although wounded, went forward alone in order to silence a machine-gun which was inflicting much damage. He worked his way along the communication trench, approached the gun from behind, disabled it and killed two of the team. The results obtained by Lance-Corporal Bryan's action were very far-reaching.
Additional Information: Lance-Corporal Thomas BRYAN served in the European war (WWI), and was awarded the Victoria Cross (London Gazette 80th June, 1917)
"Thomas BRYAN, No. 22040, Lance-Corporal, 25th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. For most conspicuous gallantry during an attack. Although wounded, this non-commissioned officer went forward alone, with a view to silencing a machine-gun which was inflicting much damage. He worked most skilfully along a communication trench, approaching the gun from behind, disabled it and killed two of the team as they were abandoning the gun. As this machine gun had been at a serious obstacle in the advance to the second objective, the results obtained by Lance-Corporal Bryan's gallant action was very far reaching."
Lance-Corporal BRYAN was born in Bott Lane, Lye, near Stourbridge, Worcestershire. In his infancy his family moved to Castleford, Yorkshire and lived at 29, Hunt Street, Whitwood Mere. He was educated at the Potteries Council School. He also attended the United Methodist Church.
He was employed by Henry Briggs and Co at Whitwood Colliery.
On the 9th November 1914, the City of Newcastle, headed by the Lord Mayor, formed the 25th ( Service ) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, ( 2nd Tyneside Irish). This Battalion was attached to the 103rd Brigade (34th Division) in June 1915. From the 6th July to 22nd August 1916 this Brigade was attached to the 37th Division.
The Victoria Cross was presented to him, on 23rd June 1917, by his Majesty King George V at an Investiture held at St James' Park, Newcastle. He was watched by his family and a crowd of more than 40,000 people.
A receptionfor Lance-Corporal Bryan, organised by a Mr T R Dawes, was held in Castleford and Whitwood. It consisted of procession of decorated landaus along Carlton Street, Aire Street and Bancs Street and forward to the Hightown Cricket Ground. The Whitwood Colliery Band played, in Thomas Bryan's honour, "See the conquering hero comes." He was able to spend a week in Newcastle with his wife and four children.
At the end of the war he returned the mines in Castleford. A fund was raised for him, and Mr Brown was able to buy a horse and cart, setting up in business for himself.
Then in 1926 he moved to Norton, followed, in 1934, by a move to Doncaster. Here he set up home at 44, Askern Road, Bentley, Doncaster. He took a job at Askern colliery.
On his death on 13th October 1945, at the age of 63, his funeral took place four days later when he was interred at Arksey Cemetery, Doncaster, with full military honours after a service at St Peter's Church, Bentley.
I am grateful to Mike Gomersall of Castleford, Yorkshire, who's interest is in the Yorkshire VCs, for the local information on Thomas BRYAN VC.

BUCHAN, John Crawford. (reg No. 141)
Second Lieutenant 7th Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders attached. to 8th Battalion.
London Gazetted on 22nd May 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum.
Born on 10th October 1892 at Alloa, Clackmannan, Scotland took.
Died on 22nd March 1918 near Marteville, France. (killed in action).
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st March 1918 east of Marteville, France, Second Lieutenant Buchan, although wounded early in the day, insisted on remaining with his platoon which was suffering heavy casualties from most severe shell fire. He continually visited all his posts, encouraging his men in the face of the approaching enemy and heavy machine-gun fire. When called on to surrender, he fought his way back to the support line where he held out until dusk. He then withdrew as ordered, but refused to have his injuries attended to. He was eventually completely cut off and was last seen fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds.

BUCHANAN, Angus. (reg No. 142)
Captain 4th Battalion. The South Wales Borderers.
London Gazetted on 26th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the South Wales Borderers Museum, Brecon, Wales.
Born on 11th August 1894 at Coleford, Gloucestershire.
Died on the 1st March 1944 at Gloucester.
Memorial at Coleford Church, in the Memorial Gardens, Coleford, and in Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th April 1916 at Falauyah Lines, Mesopotamia, during an attack, an officer was lying out in the open severely wounded about 150 yards from cover. Two men went out to his assistance and one of them was hit at once. Captain Buchanan immediately went out and with the help of the other man, carried the first casualty to cover under machine-gun fire. He then returned and brought in the other wounded man, again under heavy fire.

BUCKINGHAM, William. (reg. No. 143)
Private 2nd Battalion. The Leicestershire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 28th April 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Leicestershire Regimental Museum.
Born in February 1886 at Leicester.
Died on 15th September 1916 on the Somme, France.
Memorial at Thiepval Memorial, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 10th and 12th March 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France, Private Buckingham showed great bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing and rendering aid to the wounded, while he himself was exposed to heavy fire.

BUCKLEY, Alexander Henry. (reg No. 144)
Corporal 54th Battalion, (N S W) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 14th December 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 22nd July 1891 at Warren, New South Wales, Australia.
Died on on 2nd September 1918 at Peronne, France. (killed in action)
Memorial at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension , France and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st and 2nd September 1918 at Peronne, France, Corporal Buckley, with one other man, rushed an enemy machine-gun nest, shooting four of the enemy and capturing 22. Later, on reaching a moat, it was found that another machine-gun nest commanded and the only available foot-bridge. Corporal Buckley tried to cross the bridge and rush the position, but was killed in the attempt.

BUCKLEY, Cecil William (Reg No. 145)
Lieutenant Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Collection.
Born on 7th October 1830 (Whereabouts Not Known)
Died on 7th December 1872 at Funchal, Madeira.
Memorial not Known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29 May 1855 in the Sea of Azov, Crimea, Lieutenant Buckley of HMS Miranda with a lieutenant* from HMS Swallow, and a gunner* from HMS Ardent volunteered to land on a beachwhere the Russian army were in strength.. They were out of covering gunshot range of the ships offshore and met considerable enemy opposition, but managed to set fire to corn stores and ammunition dumps and destroy enemy equipment before embarking again. On 3 June Lieutenant Buckley carried out another raid with a boatswain* from HMS Miranda. They landed at the town of Taganrog and were successful in destroying enemy equipment and stores, while being under enemy fire.
*See Lt. H.T. BURGOYNE (Reg No.151), Gnr J. ROBARTS (Reg No.1058) and B'sn H, COOPER (Reg.No.251)
More to add

BUCKLEY, John. (reg No. 146)
Deputy Assistant Commissary of Ordnance Commissariat Department . (Bengal Est.).
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Logistics Corps Museum.
Born on 24th May 1813 at Cockerhill, Stalybridge, Cheshire.
Died on 14th July 1918 at Tower Hamlets, London.
Buried in an unmarked grave at City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 11th May 1857 at Delhi, India, Deputy Assistant Commissary Buckley was one of nine* men who defended the Magazine for more than five hours against large numbers of mutineers, until, on the wall being scaled and there being no hope of help, they fired the Magazine. Five of the gallant band Died on in the explosion and one shortly afterwards, but many of the enemy were killed.
* G.Forrest (Reg.No.418 )and W.Raynor (Reg.No.1027)

BUCKLEY*, Maurice Vincent. (reg No. 147).
Sergeant 13th Battalion (N S W) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 14th December 1980 and 8th August 1919. **
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 13th April 1891 at Upper Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 27th January 1921 at Melbourne, Australia.
Memorial at grave in Brighton cemetery, Melbourne and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 18th September 1918, near Le Verguier, north-west of St Quentin, France, Sergeant Buckley and his section rushed an enemy field gun, killing the Gunners. Regardless of machine gun fire, he then fired down some dug-outs, forcing about 30 of the enemy to surrender. When the advance was again held up by machine-gun fire, Sergeant Buckley, supported by another platoon, put the enemy guns are out of action. Later, he again showed conspicuous initiative in capturing hostile posts and machine-guns.
*Alias Gerald SEXTON.
**London Gazette 8th August 1918 states: "The notification of the award of the Victoria Cross to No 6594, Sergeant Gerald Sexton, 13th Battalion AIF., as it announced in the London Gazette dated 14th December 1918, should read as being awarded to No. 6594, Sergeant Maurice Vincent BUCKLEY, 13 th Battalion,AIF., the latter being the correct Christian names and surnames of this NCO which he has been permitted to reassume.
Additional information: Sergeant Bucley (Sexton) also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D C M).

BUGDEN, Patrick Joseph. (reg No. 148).
Private 31st Battalion (Queensland and Victoria) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 26th November 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Eastern Australia.
Born on March 1897 at Gundurimba, New South Wales, Australia.
Died on 28th September 1917 at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium.(killed in action).
Memorials at Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 26/28th September, 1917 at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium, and advance was held up by strongly defended pillboxes. Private Bugden despite devastating machine-gun fire twice led small parties against the strong points and, successfully silencing the guns, captured the enemy it at the point of the bayonet. On another occasion, he rescued a corporal from capture, when single-handed he rushed up, shot one of the enemy it and bayoneted the other two. On five occasions he rescued wounded men were under intense shell and machine-gun fire, showing an utter contempt and disregard for danger he was killed during one of these missions.

BULLER, Redvers Henry (later Sir Redvers) (Reg.No 149)
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, 60th Rifles (becoming The King's Royal Rifle Corps)
London Gazetted on 17th June 1879
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 7th December 1839 at Downes, Crediton, Devonshire.
Died on 2nd June 1908 at Crediton, Devonshire.
Memorials at Winchester Cathedral, (effigy,) Exeter Cathedral, Crediton Church and an equestrian effigy at Exeter.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28 March 1879 at Inhlobana, South Africa (Zulu Campaign), during the retreat, Lieutenant Colonel Buller, while being hotly pursued by Zulus, rescued a captain of The Frontier Light Horse and carried him on his own horse until he overtook the rearguard. On the same day, under the same circumstances, he carried a lieutenant, whose horse had ben killed under him, to a place of safety. Again, on the same day, he saved a trooper whose horse was exhausted, and who would otherwise have been killed by the Zulus who were within 80 yards of him.
Additional information: General Sir Redvers Buller had family ties with two other VC s who also bore his name; 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Buller Turner and his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Buller Turner.
He was the son of John Wentworth Buller and Charlotte, his wife, of Downes, Credditon, Devonshire. His wife. Charlotte was the daughter of Lord Howard.
After attending Eton he joined the 2nd Battalion as an Ensign (Gazetted 23rd May 1858) In 1860 he served in China being at the taking of the Taku Forts and the advance on Peking. In 1870 was present on the Red River Expedition. He was promoted to Captain. His superior Lord Wolseley said that Buller was the bravest man he'd ever known. In 1873 he was in the Ashanti Expedition as Deputy Assist. Quartermaster-General being continually Mentioned in Despatches by Wolseley, He commanded the Frontier Light Horse in the Kaffir War in 1878. He was repeatedly recommended fro acts of gallantry, this time by Lord Chelmsford. He was promoted Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in 1879, serving in the Zulu War, during which he won the Victoria Cross.(cited above); In 1886 he was sent to organise the Constabulary in Ireland; From 1887 to 1890 he was Quarter-Master General of the Forces; In 1890 he succeeded Lord Wolseley as Adjutant-General Promoted Lieutenant-General in 1891 he was also created a GCB.
He was appointed C-in-C in the Boer War (1898), in 1900 winning the Battle of Colenso also occupying Spion Kop. In 1901, Buller personally directed the crossing of the Tugela by the relieving force and on the 28th of February relieved the siege on Ladysmith. He followed this by taking and occupying Newcastle, forcing Alleman's Nek, going on to Lydenburg.
He was criticised for not wanting to commit his men to unnecessary slaughter and was replaced by Field Marshall Roberts in 1899 as C-in-C South Africa. He was however highly respected by his men and by the people Of Great Britain. On his magnificent memorial in Winchester Cathedral, a recumbent figure in a smooth black stone, is a plaque that states, "A great Leader–beloved of his men."
Also; China Medal and 2 clasps

BURGES, Daniel (reg No. 150)
Lieutenant Colonel The Gloucestershire Regiment Commdg., 7th Battalion, South Wales Borderers.
London Gazetted on 14th December 1918.
Born on 1st July 1873 in London.
Died on the 24th October, 1946 at Bristol.
Memorial at Arnor Vale Crematorium, Bristol
Digest of Citation reads:
On 18th September, 1918 at Jumeaux, in the Balkans, valuable reconnaissance of the enemy front line trenches enabled Lieutenant-Colonel Burges to bring his Battalion, without casualties, to the assembly point, but later while some distance from the objective they came under severe machine-gun fire. Although he himself was wounded the colonel continued to lead his men with skill and courage until he was hit again twice and fell unconscious. He was taken prisoner by the Bulgars, but was abandoned in a dug-out with one of his legs shattered.
Additional information: Lieutenant Colonel Burges also holds the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) along with the Croix de Guerre avec Palme (France) and the Greek Military Cross (second class)

BURGOYNE Hugh Talbot (Reg No.151)
Lieutenant Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
Born on 17th July 1833 at Dublin, Ireland.
Died on 7th0 September 1870 at Sea near Finisterre
Memorials on Family grave at Brompton Cemetery, London and a Plaque in St Paul's Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29 May 1855 in the Sea of Azov, Crimea, Lieutenant Burgoyne of HMS Swallow with a lieutenants* from HMS Miranda and a gunner* from HMS Ardent, volunteered to land on a beachwhere the Russian army were in strength.. They were out of covering gunshot range of the ships offshore and met considerable enemy opposition, but managed to set fire to corn stores and ammunition dumps and destroy enemy equipment before embarking again.
*See Lt C.W. BUCKLEY(Reg. No.145) and Gunner J.ROBARTS (Reg. No.1058)
Additional information. Hugh Burgoyne was the only son of Field Marshal Sir John Fox Burgoyne, Colonel Commandant and Inspector General of fortifications, Royal Engineers and Charlotte, daughter of Lt. Colonel Sir Hugh Rose of Holme, Nairn, NB.
Hugh entered the Navy in 1847 and was known as ‘Billy' and had served aboard HMS Queen along with Sir Evelyn Wood VC who at that time was a Mid-shipman.
Service: He passed his examinations on 18th January 1853; Served as Mate in HMS Peregrine and later of HMS Dolphin; He was promoted to Lieutenant on 11th January 1854 and took up his appointment on HMS Boscawen and from there to HMS Swallow which was attached to the Black Sea Fleet.
On 13th June 1857 he took command of the Wrangler and took part in the attack on the fort and batteries of Petrovski

BURMAN, William Francis. (reg No. 152)
Sergeant 16th Battalion. The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own).
London Gazetted on 26th November 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Imperial War Museum.
Born on 30th August 1897 at Stepney, London.
Died on 23rd October 1974 at Cromer, Norfolk.
Memorial at the Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral.
Citation read:
On 20th September, 1917 south-east of Ypres, Belgium, when the advance of his company was held up by machine-gun on at point-blank range, Sergeant Burman shouted to the man next to him to wait a few minutes and going forward to what seems certain death killed the enemy Gunner and carried a gun to the company's objective where he used it with great effect. 15 minutes later it was seen that about 40 of the enemy were enfilading the Battalion on the right. Sergeant Burman and two others ran and got behind them, killing six and capturing two officers and 29 other ranks.

BURSLEM, Nathaniel. (Reg. No.153.)
Lieutenant 67th Regiment (later The Royal Hampshire Regiment.)
London Gazetted on 13th August 1861
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Hampshire Regimental Museum.
Born on 2nd February 1838 at Limerick, Ireland
Died in 1865 by drowning in the River Thames in New Zealand.
Memorial Not known.
Citation reads:
On 21 August 1860 at the Taku Forts, China, Lieutenant Burslem and a Private (Reg No 715. Thos LANE) of his regiment displayed great gallantry in swimming the ditches of the North Taku Fort and attempting, during the assault and before an entrance had been effected by anyone, to enlarge an opening in the wall, through which they eventually entered. In doing so they were both severely wounded.
Additional information: On 12th February 1858 Burslem joined the Army as an Ensign in the 67th Foot. He served throughout the China Campaign. He was the first Englishman to enter the fort at the storming of the Taku Fort and was wounded in three places. He was mentioned in Despatches. Lieutenant Burslem was also in attendance at the surrender of Pekin. He became a Captain on the 20th November 1860 and changed to the 60th Rifles. He sold his Commission in 1864 and retired.

BURT, Alfred Alexander. (reg No. 154)
Corporal 1st Battalion. The Hertfordshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 22nd January 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Hertfordshire Regimental Museum.
Born on up 3rd March 1895 at Port Vale, Hertford.
Died on 9th June 1962 at Chesham, Bucks.
Memorial after cremation at Garston Crematorium, West Hertfordshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 20 send September 1915 at a Cuinchy, France, Corporal Burt's company was ready to attack when a large minewerfer bomb fell into the trench. Knowing full well the destructive power of this bomb the corporal, who might easily have got under cover behind a traverse, went forward, put his foot on the fuse, wrenched it out of the bomb and threw it over the parapet, and so saved the lives of many of his comrades

BURTON, Alexander Stewart. (reg No. 155)
Corporal 7th Battalion (Victoria) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 15th October 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 20th January 1893 at Kyneton, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 9th August 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli.
Memorials at Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th August 1915, at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, the enemy made a determined counter-attack on the centre of the newly captured trench held by a Lieutenant *, two corporals *, one of them being Corporal Burton and a few men to. The enemy blew in the sandbag barricade leaving only a foot standing, but the Lieutenant and the two corporals repulsed the enemy and rebuild the barricade. Twice more the enemy blew in the barricade and on each occasion they were repulsed and the barricade rebuilt, but Corporal Burton was killed while most gallantly building up the Parapet under a hail of bombs.
* F H Tubb (reg No. 1234) and W Dunstan (reg No. 361)

BURTON, Richard Henry (reg No. 156)
Private (later Corporal) 1st Battalion. The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment.
London Gazetted on 4th January 1945.
Born on 29th January 1923 at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.
Died on 11th July 1993 at Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.
Memorial at St Mary's Church, Kirriemuir, Scotland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 18th October, 1944 at Monte Ceto, Italy, when an assault was held up, Private Burton rushed forward from his platoon and engage a Spandau position with his Tommy gun, killing three of the crew. Later, again showing complete disregard for his own safety he dispose of the crews of two machine-guns and thanks to his outstanding courage the company was able to consolidate the position. Afterwards, in spite of the fact that most of his comrades were either dead or wounded, he repelled two counter-attacks, directing such accurate fire that the enemy retired.

BUSHELL, Christopher. (reg No. 157)
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 7th (S ) Battalion. The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment (S. R.)
London Gazetted on 3rd May 1918.
Born on 31st October 1888 at Neston, Cheshire.
Died on 8th August 1918 South and Morlencourt, Somme.
Memorial at grave in Querrieu British Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd March 1918 west of St Quentin's Canal and North of Tergnier, France, Lieutenant Colonel Bushell personally led C Company of his battalion who were co-operating with an allied regiment in a counter-attack. In the course of this attack he was severely wounded in their head, but continued to carry on, walking in front of both English and allied troops, encouraging them and visiting every portion of the lines in the face of terrific machine-gun and rifle fire. He refused to go to the rear until he had to be removed to the dressing station in a fainting condition.
Additional information: Lieutenant Colonel Bushell also held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

BUTLER, John Fitzhardinge Paul. (reg No. 158)
Lieutenant The King's Royal Rifle Corps, atchd., Pioneer Company, Gold Coast Regiment, West African Field Force.
London Gazetted on 23rd August 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 20th December, 1888 at Berkeley, Gloucestershire.
Died on 5th September 1916 at Motomba, East Africa.
Memorial at Morogoro Cemetery, Tanganyika.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 17th November 1914 in the Cameroons, West Africa, Lieutenant Butler, with a party of 13 men went into the thick bush and attacked a force of about 100 of the enemy, including several Europeans, defeated them and captured their machine-gun and many loads of ammunition. On 27th December when on patrol duty with a few men, Lieutenant Butler swam the Ekam River, which was held by the enemy, alone and in the face of brisk fire. He completed his reconnaissance on the further bank and returned to safety.
Additional information: Captain Butler also held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). He was the nephew of Major The Lord Edric Frederick Gifford VC. (reg No. 449)

BUTLER, Thomas Adair. (reg No. 159)
Lieutenant (later Major) 1st Bengal European Fusiliers. (Royal Munster Fusiliers)
London Gazetted on 6th May 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Military Academy.
Born on 12th February 1836 at Soberton, Hampshire.
Died on 17th May 1901 at Camberley, Surrey.
Memorials at St Michael's churchyard, Camberley and on the Royal Munster Fusiliers memorial, Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th to March 1858 at Lucknow, India, in order to ascertain the enemy position and to inform his superiors, Lieutenant Butler swam the River Goomtee, on the banks of which the city stands, mounted the Parapet on a fieldwork and remained there for a considerable time, exposed to the enemy's fire. He stayed there until the relieving force arrived.

BUTLER, William Boynton. (reg No. 160)
Private 17th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment attached 106th Battery.
London Gazetted on 17th October 1917.
Born on 20th November 1894 at Leeds, Yorkshire.
Died on 25th March 1972 at Leeds, Yorkshire
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th August 1917 east of Lempire, France, Private Butler was in charge of a Stokes gun in trenches which were being heavily shelled. Suddenly one of the fly-off levers of a Stokes shell came off and fired the shell in the emplacement. Private Butler picked up the shell and shouted a warning to a party of infantry. He then turned and put him self between the party of men and the live shelf, holding it until they were out of danger, when he threw it on to the parados* and took cover. To shell exploded, damaging the trench, but only contusing Private Butler.
*A mound of earth behind a fortified place to give protection from the rear.
Additional information: Private Butler also held the Croix de Guerre (France).

BYE, Robert James. (reg No. 161)
Sergeant 1st Battalion. Welsh Guards.
London Gazetted on 6th September, 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 12th December, 1889 at Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales.
Died on 23rd August 1962 at Warsop, Nottinghamshire.
Memorials at Warsop Cemetery, and in the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st July, 1917 at theYser Canal, Belgium, during an attack, Sergeant Bye saw that the leading waves were being troubled by two enemy block houses. He rushed it one of them and put the garrison out of action. He then rejoined his company and went forward to the second objective. Later he volunteered to take charge of a party detailed to clear up a line of block houses which had been passed. He accomplished this, taking many prisoners, and then advanced to the third objective, again taking a number of prisoners. During the action he accounted for over 70 of the enemy.
Additional information: Sergeant Bye served in the Second World War with the Sherwood Foresters.

BYRNE, James. (reg No. 162)
Private 86th Regiment (Royal Irish Rifles).
London Gazetted on 11th November 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Ulster Rifles Museum.
Born on in 1822 at Newtown, Mount Kennedy, County Wicklow, Ireland.
Died on 6th December, 1872 at Dublin, Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 3rd April, 1858 at Jhansi, India, Private Byrne assisted a captain of his regiment * in removing, under very heavy fire, a Lieutenant who was severely wounded. They took the injured man to a place of safety, in the performance of which act the private was wounded.
*See H E Jerome (reg No. 640)

BYRNE, John. (reg No. 163).
Private 68th Regiment. (Durham Light Infantry)
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
Born on in September 1832 at Castlecomer, Kilkenny, Ireland.
Died on 10th July 1879 at Caerleon, Monmouthshire, Wales.
Memorial at unmarked grave in St Woolo's cemetery, Newport, Monmouthshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th November 1854 in the Crimea, at the Battle of Inkerman, when the regiment was ordered to retire, Private Byrne went back towards the enemy, and, at the risk of his own life, brought in a wounded soldier, under fire. On 11th May, 1855 he bravely engaged in hand-to-hand contest with one of the enemy on the parapet of the work he was defending, prevented the entrance and the enemy, killed his antagonist, and captured his arms.

BYRNE, Thomas (reg No. 164).
Private 21st Lancers (Empress of India's)
London Gazetted on 15th November, 1898.
Born on in December 1866 at St Thomas, Dublin, Ireland.
Died on of 14th March, 1944 at Canterbury, Kent.
Memorial on grave at Canterbury.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2nd September, 1898 at the Battle of Khartoum, Sudan, Private Byrne turned back in the middle of the Charge of the 21st Lancers and went to the assistance of a Lieutenant of the Royal Horse Guards who was wounded, dismounted, disarmed and being attacked by several Dervishes. Private Byrne already wounded, attacked these Dervishes, received a second severe wound and by his gallant conduct enabled the officer to escape.

BYTHESEA, John. (reg No. 165)
Lieutenant Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Naval Museum.
Born on 15th June, 1827 at Freshford, Somerset.
Died on 18th May 1906 at South Kensington, London.
Memorial at Bath Abbey Cemetery and Freshford Church, Somerset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th August, 1854 in the Baltic, Lieutenant Bythesea of HMS Arrogant obtained permission to land on the island of Wardo with a stoker* from the ship, in order to intercept important despatches from the Csar which were being sent via Wardo to Bomarsund. The two men spent two nights reconnoitering the island and on 12th August when the despatches arrived, they ambushed the five Russians carrying them. Two of the carrier's dropped there mailbags and ran, but the other three surrendered and were taken back to Arrogant. In this action the officer and stoker were armed with just one pistol
* See W Johnstone (reg No. 648)
Additional information:. Rear-Admiral Bythesea was also a Companion (of the Order) of the Bath and a Companion (of the Order) of the Indian Empire. He was the Consulting Naval Officer to the Indian Government, 1874-80.

Updated:15.1.03