FARMER, Donald Dickson. (reg No. 392).
Sergeant 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
London Gazetted on 12th April 1901.
Born on the 28th May, 1877 at Kelso, Roxburghshire, Scotland.
Died on 23rd December 1956 at Liverpool, Lancashire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th December 1900 during an attack at a Nooitgedacht, South Africa, a lieutenant with 15 men went to the assistance of a picquet which was heavily engaged, most of the men having been killed or wounded. The enemy immediately opened fire on the relief party, killing two and wounding five, including the Lieutenant. Sergeant Farmer at once went to the officer who was quite helpless, and carried him away under heavy fire to a place of comparative safety, after which he returned to the firing line and was eventually taken prisoner. Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Farmer also held the Military Service Medal (MSM)

FARMER, Joseph John. (reg No. 393).
Provisional Lance-Corporal Army Hospital Corps (Royal Army Medical Corps).
London Gazetted on 16th May 1881.
Born on 15th May 1854 at King's Cross, London.
Died on 30th June 1930 at Northwood, Middlesex.
Memorial on grave at Brompton Cemetery, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27th February, 1881, at the Majuba Mountain in South Africa, when the Boers closed with the British troops near the Wells, Corporal Farmer held a white flag over the wounded and when the arm holding the flag was shot through, he then raised the flag with the other arm and continued to do so until that one was also shot through.

FARQUHARSON, Francis Edward Henry. (reg No. 394)
Lieutenant 42nd Regiment (Black Watch (Royal Highlanders).
London Gazetted on 16th June 1859.
Born on 25th March 1837 at Glasgow.
Died on 12th September 1875 at Harberton, Devon.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Farquharson led a portion of his company and stormed a bastion mounting two guns and then spiked them. This meant that the advance positions held in during the night were rendered Secure from artillery fire. Lieutenant Farquharson was severely wounded while holding an advanced position the following morning.

FARRELL, John. (reg No. 395).
Sergeant 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own).
London Gazetted on 20th November, 1857.
Born on in March 1826 at Dublin.
Died on 31st August 1865 at Secunderabad, India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th October, 1854 at Balaclava*, Crimea, Sergeant Farrell, whose horse had been killed under him, stopped on the field and amidst a storm of shot and shell helped a troop sergeant-major * And another sergeant * to move a severely wounded officer (who subsequently Died on) out a range of the guns.
* During the Charge of the Light Brigade.
* * J BERRYMAN (reg No. 87) and J Malone (reg No. 830).

FAULDS, William Frederick. (reg No. 396).
Private 1st Battalion, South African Infantry.
London Gazetted on 9th September, 1916.
Born on 19th February 1895 at Cradock, Cape Province, South Africa.
Died on 16th February 1950 at Salisbury, Rhodesia.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 18th July, 1916 at Delville Wood, France, a bombing party came under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire and the majority were killed or wounded, including the lieutenant in charge, who they are unable to move midway between the two lines of trenches. In full daylight Private Faulds, accompanied by two other men, climbed over the parapet, ran out, picked up the officer and carried him back. Today's later Private Faulds went out alone, under intense artillery fire, and brought in a wounded man and then rejoined his platoon.
Additional information:. Captain Faulds also held the Military Cross (MC). He was the first South African-Born on man serving with the South African Forces to win the Victoria Cross. He also served in World War Two in East Africa.

FAZAL DIN. (reg No. 397).
Naik * 10th Baluch Regiment, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 24th May 1945.
Born on 1st July 1921 at Hussianpur Village, Hoshiapur District, Punjab.
Died on 2nd March 1945 near Meiktila, Burma. (killed in action).
Memorial on the Rangoon Memorial, Burma.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2nd March near Meiktila, Burma, during an attack, Naik Fazal Din's section was held up by fire from the enemy bunkers, whereupon he personally attacked the nearest bunker and silenced it, then led his men against the other. Suddenly six Japanese, led by two officers wielding swords rushed out and Naik Fazal Din was run through the chest by one of them. As the sword was withdrawn, the naik wrested it from the hands of its owner and killed him with it. Having killed another Japanese with the sword he waved it aloft, continuing to encourage his men before staggering back to make his report and collapsing.
*Corporal

FEGEN, Edward Stephen Fogarty (reg.No.398)
Acting Captain Royal Navy
VC London Gazetted on 22nd November 1940
Born on: 8th October 1891 at Southsea, Hampshire.
Died on: 5th November 1940. Went down with the Jervis Bay in the Atlantic Ocean.
Memorials are at: Chatham Naval Memorial; On a sundial, Hamilton, Bermuda;On a twelve feet high Column in the Hospital grounds in St John, New Brunswick, Canada and the Seaman's Institute,Wellington New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 5 November 1940 in the Atlantic, Captain Fegen, commanding HMS Jervis Bay, was escorting 37 merchantmen, when they were attacked by the German Pocket Battleship Admiral Scheer. Captain Fegen immediately engaged the enemy head-on, thus giving the ships of the convoy time to scatter. Out-gunned and on fire Jervis Bay maintained the unequal fight for three hours, although the Captain's right arm was shattered and his bridge was shot from under him. He went down with his ship but it was due to him that 31ships of the convoy escaped.
Additional information:
Edward Fegan came from a family of naval tradition. His father and grand-father being officers. He was Born on at 42, Nightingale Road, Southsea. His father was then Commander Frederick Fogarty Fegen later to become Vice-Admiral and his mother Catherine Mary Fegen, née Crewse of Ballinlonty, Tipperary.
His father was educated at OsBorn one and Dartmouth Naval College. He saw action in the European War (WW1) and his ship, HMS Amphion was sunk almost immediately on 5th August 1914. As well as serving in destroyers he was involved in several training units, training not only future officers but seaman too. At one time he was Commanding officer of the Royal Australian Naval College (HMAS Jervis Bay). He became Agar's (another VC) executive officer aboard HMS Emerald in 1939.
Edward Fegen was awarded the Victoria Cross on the 22nd November 1940 and the medal was presented to his sister, Miss M.C. Fegan by His Majesty King George VI at the investiture on the 12th June 1941, at Buckingham Palace.

FERGUSSON, Thomas Riversdale. COLYER-. (reg No. 399).
Captain. 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 6th September, 1917.
Born on 18th February, 1896 at Ightham, Kent.
Died on 31st July, 1917 at Bellewaarde, Belgium. (killed in action).
Memorial at Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Belgium, Ightham Parish Church and on the Ightham War Memorial, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st July, 1917 at Bellewaarde, Belgium, Captain Colyer-Fergusson unexpectedly found himself with a sergeant and five men only. He carried out the planned attack nevertheless and succeeded in capturing the enemy trench. During an enemy counter-attack, assisted only by his orderly, he attacked and captured an enemy machine-gun, turning it on the assailants. Later, assisted only by his sergeant, he again attacked and captured a second enemy machine gun, but shortly afterwards he was killed by a sniper.

FFRENCH, Alfred Kirke. (reg No. 400).
Lieutenant. 53rd Regiment. (King's Royal Shropshire Light Infantry).
Gazetted 24th December, 1858
Born on 25th February 1835 at Meerut, India.
Died on 28th December, 1872 at Chiswick, London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th November, 1857 at Lucknow, India, Lieutenant Ffrench was in command of the Grenadier Company and behaved with conspicuous bravery at the taking of the Secundra Bagh. He was one of the first to enter the building.
Additional information:. Captain Ffrench was elected for the Victoria Cross by his regiment.

FIELDING John WILLIAMS-. ( See reg No. 1313).

FINCASTLE, Viscount Alexander Edward Murray. (reg No. 401).
Lieutenant. 16th Lancers. (The Queen's).
London Gazetted on 9th November, 1897.
Born on 22nd April, 1871 at Portland Place, London.
Died on 29th January 1962 at London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 17th August 1897 at Nawa Kili, Upper Swat, India,* Lieutenant Fincastle with two other officers * and five men of the Guides, went under heavy and close fire, to the rescue of a Lieutenant of the Lancashire Fusiliers who was lying disabled by a bullet wound and surrounded by enemy swordsmen. While the wounded officer was being brought under cover he was unfortunately killed by a bullet. One of the officers of the rescue party was mortally wounded and four horses were shot..
* Tirah Campaign.
* See R B Adams (reg No. 7) and H L S McLean. (reg No. 804).
Additional information: Lieutenant Fincastle later became the Earl of Dunmore. He held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and was a Member of the Royal Victorian Order. (MVO). He served in the South Africa War 1899-1900 and also World War One from 1914-16. He was Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms in 1924.

 

FINCH, Norman Augustus.(reg. No.402).
Sergeant (later Lieutenant and Quartermaster.) Royal Marine Artillery.
London Gazetted on 23rd July 1918
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Marine museum, Eastney Barracks, Southsea, Hants.
Born on: 26th December 1890 at Handsworth, Birmingham.
Died on: 15th March 1966 at Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Memorials at: St Andrews Church Eastney Royal Marine Barracks, and in RM Museum, Southsea.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Sergeant Finch was second in command of the pom-poms and Lewis gun in the foretop of HMS Vindictive. At one period Vindictive was being hit every few seconds, but Sergeant Finch and the officer in command kept up a continuous fire, until two heavy shells made direct hits on the foretop killing or disabling everyone except Sergeant Finch who was, however severely wounded. Nevertheless he remained in his battered and exposed position, harassing the enemy on the Mole until the foretop received another direct hit, putting the remainder of the armament completely out of action. (Sergeant Finch was elected by ballot under Rule 13.)
Additional information. He was also the recipient of the MSM
The account of Sergeant Finch, of the Royal Marine Artillery, tells us that on the 22 and 23 of April 1918, Sergeant Finch was the second in command of the pom-pom and Lewis gun in the foretop of HMS Vindictive. During one period, the Vindictive sustained hits every few seconds. The officer in command and Finch kept up a perpetual flow of fire. Two heavy enemy shells hit them directly on the foretop; killing or disabling the others. Severely wounded himself, Sergeant Finch kept harassing the enemy, entre nched on the Mole, from his battered and exposed position. Another direct hit finally put the rest of the armament out of action.(VC 1856-1920)
Sergeant Finch, later to become a Lieutenant, was Born on in Handsworth, Birmingham on Boxing Day 1890. He was a Sergeant-Major in the Queen's Bodyguard of Yeoman of the Guard in 1961. His VC was Gazetted on the 23 of July 1918
He Died on in Portsmouth, Hampshire on 15 March 1966. He was cremated at Porchester. There is no epitaph is in the Book Of Memory there. The Crematorium records show that his ashes were sent to Southampton crematorium but they have no further records.
There is a memorial at the Eastney Barracks (Royal Marine Museum.) Southsea. This includes a model of the mole at Zeebrugge and the actual Lewis gun used by Sgt Finch in the fighting top of the HMS Vindictive. There is said to be a Freemason's Jewel bearing his name at the Harmony Lodge at Horndean, Hampshire.

 

FINDLATER, George. (reg No. 403).
Piper. 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.
London Gazetted on 20th May 1898.
Born on 15th February, 1872 at Forgue, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Died on 11th March 1942 at Turriff, Aberdeenshire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 20th October 1897 during the attack on the Dargai Heights, Indian Frontier *, Piper Findlater, after being shot through both feet and unable to stand, propped himself against a boulder and went on playing the regimental march under heavy fire, to encourage the advance.
*Tirah Campaign.

 

FINDLAY, George de Cardonnel Elmsall. (reg No. 404).
Major 409 (Low) Field Company, Royal Engineers.
London Gazetted on the 15th May, 1919.
Born on 20th August, 1889 at Boturich, Balloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland.
Died on 26th June 1967 at Helensburgh, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4th November, 1918 during the forcing of the Sambre-oise Canal at the lock South of Catillon, France, Major Findlay was when the leading bridging and assaulting parties which came under heavy fire and the advance was stopped. Nevertheless he collected what men he could and repaired the bridge, under incessant fire. Although wounded he continued with his task and after two unsuccessful efforts managed to place the bridge in position across the loch and was the first man across, remaining at this dangerous post until further work was completed.
Additional information:. Colonel Findlay also held the Military Cross (MC) and Bar. He also served in World War Two. He had been a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Dumbarton.

FINLAY, David. (reg No. 4 05).
Lance-Corporal. 2nd Battalion, Black Watch. (Royal Highlanders).
London Gazetted on 29th June 1915.
Born on 20th January 1893 at Guardbridge, Fife, Scotland.
Died on 21st January 1916 at the Persian Gulf.
Memorial on Basra War Memorial, Iraq.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th May 1915 near Rue du Bois, France, Lance-Corporal Finlay led a bombing party of 12 men in the attack until 10 of them had fallen. He then ordered the two survivors to crawl back and he himself went to the assistance of a wounded man and carried him over a distance of 10 yards of fire-swept ground into cover, quite regardless of his own safety.

FIRMAN, Humphrey Osbaldston Brooke. (reg No. 406).
Lieutenant Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 2nd February 1917.
Born on 24th November, 1886 at Kensington, London.
Died on 25th April, 1916 near Kut-el-Amara, Mesopotamia.
Memorial on Basra War Memorial, Iraq.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the night of the 24th/25th April, 1916 in Mesopotamia, an attempt was made to reprovision the force besieged at Kut-el-Amara. Lieutenant Firman, Commanding SS Julnar, with a lieutenant commander *, a sub-lieutenant and 12 ratings, started off with 270 tons of stores up the River Tigris. Unfortunately Julnar was attacked almost at once by Turkish machine guns and heavy artillery. At Magasis, steel hawsers stretched across the river halted the expedition, the enemy opened fire at point-blank range and Julnar's Bridge was smashed. Lieutenant Firman and several of his crew were killed, the survivors and supplies being captured.
* C H COWLEY (reg No. 286).

 

FIRTH, James, (Reg.No.407)
Sergeant 1st Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment*
London Gazetted on 11th June 1901.
Born on 15th January 1874 at Jarrow, County Durham.
Died on 29th May 1921 at Sheffield, Yorkshire.
Memorial on grave at Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th February, 1900 at Plewman's Farm, near Arundel, Cape Colony, South Africa, Sergeant Firth picked up and carried to cover a Lance-Corporal who was lying wounded and exposed to heavy fire. Later in the day, when the enemy had advanced to within a short distance of the firing line, Sergeant Firth rescued a second lieutenant who was dangerously wounded, and carried him over the crest of a ridge to safety. He himself was shot through the nose and eye while doing so.
*West Riding

FISHER, Frederick. (reg No. 408).
Lance-Corporal. 13th Battalion, Quebec Regiment (Royal Highlanders of Canada). C E F.
London Gazetted on 23rd June, 1915.
Born on 3rd August 1894 at St Catherine's, Ontario, Canada.
Died on 24th April 1915 at St Julien, Ypres, Belgium.
Memorial on Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd April, 1915 in the neighbourhood of St Julien, Belgium, Lance-Corporal Fisher went forward with the machine gun of which he was in charge, under heavy fire, and covered the retreat of a battery, losing four of his gun team. Later, when he had obtained four more men, he went forward again to the firing line and was killed while bringing his machine-gun into action under very heavy fire.
Additional information:. Lance-Corporal Fisher was the first man Born on in Canada to win the VC while serving with the Canadian Forces.

FitzCLARENCE, Charles . (reg No. 409).
Captain. The Royal Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 6th July 1900. A
Born on 8th May 1865 at Bishopscourt, County Kildare, Ireland.
Died on 12th November, 1914-at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium.
Memorial on Menin Gate memorial, Belgium, and St George's Memorial Church, Ypres, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 14th October, 1899 near Mafeking, South Africa, Captain FitzClarence went with a partially trained Squadron to the assistance of an armoured train. The enemy was in greatly superior numbers and the squadron was, for a time, surrounded and in great danger. The captain, however, so inspired his men that not only was the train relieved, but a heavy defeat was inflicted on the Boers. On 27th October he led his squadron in a successful night attack and on the 26th December he again distinguished himself, and was severely wounded.
Additional information: Brigadier General FitzClarence commanded the 1st Guards Brigade in 1914. He was killed in action at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 12th November 1914.

FitzGERALD, Richard.: reg No. 410).
Gunner Bengal Horse Artillery.
London Gazetted on 24th April, 1858.
Born on in December 1831 at St Finbars, Cork, Ireland.
Died on in 1884 in India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th September, 1857 at Bolandshahr, India, Gunner Fitzgerald and a sergeant * worked their gun after every other man belonging to it had been either killed or wounded. They were under very heavy fire, but cleared the road of the enemy.
* B Diamond. (reg No. 326).

FITZGIBBON, Andrew (Reg. No.411)
Hospital Apprentice * Indian Medical Establishment attchd to 67 Regt.(Royal Hampshire Regt.)
London Gazetted on 13th August 1861
Born on: 13th May 1845 at Gogerat, India.
Died on: 7th March 1883 at Delhi, India.
No known memorial.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21 August 1860 at the capture of North Taku Fort, India, Hospital Apprentice Fitzgibbon accompanied a wing of the 67th Regiment when it took up a position within 500 yards of the fort. He then proceeded, under heavy fire, attend a dhoolie-bearer, whose wound he had been directed to bind up, and while the regiment was advancing under the enemy's fire, he ran across the open ground to attend to another wounded man. In doing so he was himself severely wounded.
*Later became Apothecary
Additional information: He is recorded in the Victoria Cross 1856-1920 as Arthur Fitzgibbon. He had also served in China. Along with Drummer Thomas FLINN(reg.No.414) he is one of the two youngest VCs. It is difficult to decide ad the actual birthdate of Flinn is not known.

FITZPATRICK, Francis. (reg No. 412).
Private. 94th Regiment (Connaught Rangers).
London Gazetted on 23rd February, 1880.
Born on in 1859 at Tullycorbet, County Monaghan, Ireland.
Died on 10th July 1933 in Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th November, 1879 during attack on Sekukuni's Town, South Africa *, Private Fitzpatrick and another private * with six men of the Native Contingent, were with a Lieutenant of the first Dragoon Guards when he was badly wounded. The natives carried the wounded officer at first, but when the party was pursued by about 30 of the enemy the deserted and the lieutenant would have been killed but for the gallantry of the two Privates. One carrying him and the other covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.
* T.Flawn. (reg No. 413).

FLAWN, Thomas. (reg No. 413).
Private. 94th Regiment. (Connaught Rangers).
London Gazetted on 23rd February 1880.
Born on 22nd December, 1857 at Finedon, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire.
Died on 19th January, 1925 at Plumstead, Kent.
Memorial on grave at Plumstead Cemetery, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th November, 1879 during attack on Sekukuni's Town, South Africa *, Private Flawn and another private * with six men of the Native Contingent, were with a Lieutenant of the first Dragoon Guards when he was badly wounded. The natives carried the wounded officer at first, but when the party was pursued by about 30 of the enemy the deserted and the lieutenant would have been killed but for the gallantry of the two Privates. One carrying him and the other covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.
* F. Fitzpatrick (reg No. 412).

FLEMING-SANDES, Arthur James Terence. (See reg No. 1105)

FLINN, Thomas (Reg No. 414)
Drummer 64th Regiment (later the North Staffordshire Regt.---The Prince of Wales)
London Gazetted on 12th April 1859
Born on in August 1842 at Athlone, Ireland.
Died on 10th August 1892 at Athlone, Ireland.
Memorial at The Garrison Church at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffs.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28 November 1857 at Cawnpore, India, during a charge on the enemy's guns, Drummer Flinn, although wounded himself, engaged in a hand-to-hand encounter with two of the rebel artillerymen.
Additional information. At 15years and 3 months Flinn was one of two of the youngest VCs the other one being Hospital Apprentice Andrew FITZGIBBON VC (Reg. No.411)

 

FLOWERDEW, Gordon Muriel. (reg No. 415).
Lieutenant Lord Strathcona's Horse. C E F.
London Gazetted on 24th April, 1918.
Born on 2nd January 1885 at Billinford, Norfolk.
Died on 31st March 1918 at Bois de Moreuil, France.
Memorial at Namps-au-Val Cemetery, France and at Billingford Church, Norfolk.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 30th March 1918 north-east of Bois De Moreuil, France, Lieutenant Flowerdew commanding a squadron detail for special services, reached the first objective and saw two lines of the enemy, each about 60 strong, armed with machine-guns. He ordered one Troop to dismount and engage the enemy while he led the remaining three troops to the charge, passing over the lines, killing many of the enemy then wheeling about and galloping at them again. Although the squadron had about 70 per cent casualties, including Lieutenant Flowerdew who was dangerously wounded, the enemy broke and fled, and the position was captured.

FOOTE, Henry Robert Bowreman. (reg No. 416).
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 7th Royal Tank Regiment.
London Gazetted on 18th May 1944.
Born on 5th December 1904 at Ishapur, Bengal, India.
Died on 11th November 1993 at Pulborough, Sussex.
Memorial at St Mary's Churchyard *, West Chiltington, Sussex
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 27th May/15th June 1942 in Libya, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding his battalion with outstanding courage and leadership, always being at the crucial point at the right time. 16th June, although wounded, he continued to lead his battalion from an exposed position on the outside of a tank, and succeeded in defeating the enemies attempt to encircle two of our divisions. On 30th June when a number of our tanks had been destroyed, he went on foot, from one tank to another, encouraging the crews under intense artillery and anti-tank fire. By his magnificent example the corridor was kept open for the Brigade to march through.
* Buried in the same graveyard is the Reverend G H Woolley VC. (vice-chairman of the VC and GC Association in the United Kingdom from 1956-68).
Additional information:. Major General Foote was a Companion of (the Order of) the Bath. (CB). He also held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
During his career he was from 1947-48, Officer Commanding the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, from 1948-49 he was OC the Automotive Wing of Fighting Vehicles Proving Establishment at the Ministry of Supply. From 1949-50 he commanded the 7th Armoured Brigade after which, he Commanded the 11th Armoured Division from 1950-53. He returned to the Ministry of Supply as Director General of Fighting Vehicles. From 1955-58 he was at the War Office as Director of the Royal Armoured Corps. In 1968 he succeeded the Reverend G H Woolley VC as Vice-Chairman of the VC and GC Association (UK) until his death in 1993.

FOOTE, John Weir. (reg No. 417).
Hon. Captain. Canadian Chaplain Service, attchd to Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. Canadian Army.
London Gazetted on 14th February, 1946.
Born on 5th May 1904 at Madoc, Ontario, Canada.
Died on 2nd May 1988 at Norwood, Ontario, Canada.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 19th August, 1942 at Dieppe, France, Captain Foote coolly and calmly during the eight hours of the battle walked about collecting the wounded, saving many lives by his gallant efforts and inspiring those around him by his example. At the end of the gruelling time he climbed from the landing craft that was to have taken him to safety and deliberately walked into the German position in order to be taken prisoner so that he could be a help to those men who would be in captivity until the end of the war.
Additional information:. Major Foote was from 1958-57 the Minister of Reform Institutions Ontario, Canada.

FORBES-ROBERTSON, James. (see reg No. 1066).

FORREST, George. (reg No. 418).
Lieutenant Bengal Veteran Establishment.
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
Born on in 1800 at St Michael's, Dublin.
Died on 3rd November 1859 at Dehra Dun, India.
Memorial on a Tablet over the gateway at Delhi Magazine, India
Digest of Citation reads:
On 11th May, 1857 at Delhi, India, Lieutenant Forrest was one of nine men who defended the Magazine for more than five hours against large numbers of rebels and mutineers, until, on the wall being scaled and there been 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.
See also J. BUCKLEY (reg No. 146), and W Raynor (reg No. 10 27).

FORSHAW William Thomas. (reg No. 419).
Lieutenant. 1st/9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment.
London Gazetted on 9th September 1915.
Born on 20th April 1890 at Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire.
Died on 26th May 1943 at Holyport, Berkshire.
Memorial on grave at Touchen End Cemetery, Holyport, Berkshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 7th/9th August 1915 in Gallipoli, when holding the north-west corner of ''The Vineyard '' against heavy attacks by the Turks, Lieutenant Forshaw not only directed his men but personally threw bombs continuously for over 40 hours. When his detachment was relieved, he volunteered to continue directing the defence. Later, when the Turks captured a portion of the trench, he shot three of them and recaptured it. It was due to his fine example and magnificent courage that this very important position was held.

 

FORSYTH, Samuel. (reg No. 420).
Sergeant. News Zealand Engineers attchd to 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment. NZEF.
London Gazetted on 22nd October, 1918.
Born on 3rd April 1891 at Wellington, New Zealand.
Died on 24th August, 1918 at Grevillers, France.
Memorials at Adanac Military Cemetery, France, and the Headquarters, Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th August, 1918 at Grevillers, France, when Sergeant Forsyth's company was under heavy machine-gun fire on nearing their objective, he led attacks on three machine-gun positions and took the crews prisoner before they could inflict many casualties on our troops. Subsequently, in endeavouring to gain support from a tank to deal with several machine guns, he was wounded and the tank put out of action. He then led the tank crew and several of his own men in an attack which brought about the retirement of the enemy machine guns and enabled the advance to continue. At this moment he was killed by a sniper.

FOSBERY, George Vincent. (reg No. 421).
Lieutenant. 4th Bengal European Regiment, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 7th July, 1865.
Born on in 1833 at Stert, Devizes, Wiltshire.
Died on 8th May 1907 at Bath, Somerset.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 30th October, 1863 during the Umbeyla Campaign, N.W India, Lieutenant Fosbery led a party of his regiment to recapture the Crag Picquet, after its garrison had been driven in by the enemy and 60 of them killed. The approach to the Crag was very narrow, but the Lieutenant led his party with great coolness, and was the first man to gain the top of the Crag from this side of the attack. Subsequently, when the commanding officer was wounded, Lieutenant Fosbery assembled a party and pursuED the routed enemy, inflicting on them further losses.
See also H W Pitcher. (reg No. 989).
Additional information:. Colonel Fosbery invented the Paradox Gun, as well as an automatic revolver.

FOSS, Charles Calveley. (reg No. 422).
Captain. 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 23rd August, 1915
V.C. Medal's Custodian is the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regimental Museum..
Born on 9th March 1885 at Kobe, Japan.
Died on 9th April, 1953 at London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12th March, 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France, after the enemy and captured a part of one of our trenches and a counter-attack made with one officer and 20 men had failed, all but two of the party having been killed or wounded in the attempt, Captain Foss on his own initiative dashed forward with only eight men under heavy fire and attacked the enemy with bombs and captured theposition and 52 Germans occupying it.
Additional information:. Brigadier Foss held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). From 1940 to 1945 he served in the Home Guard. He was the Cadet Commandant of the Bedfordshire Cadet Force from 1942-47. And he was the Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Bedfordshire.

FOSTER, Edward. (reg No. 423).
Corporal. 13th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment.
London Gazetted on 27th June, 1917.
Born on 4th January, 1886 at Streatham, London.
Died on 22nd January 1946 at Wandsworth, London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th April, 1917 at Villers Plouich, France, during an attack, the advance was held up in a portion of the village by two machine guns which were entrenched and strongly covered by wire entanglements. Corporal Foster who was in charge of two Lewis guns succeeded in entering the trench and engaged the enemy guns. One of the Lewis guns was lost, but a corporal rushed forward, bombed the enemy and recovered the gun. Then, getting his two guns into action, he killed the enemy gun team and captured their guns.

FOWLER, Edmond John. (reg No. 424).
Private. 2nd Battalion, The Cameronians. (Scottish Rifles).
London Gazetted on 5th April, 1882.
Born on in 1861 at Waterford, Ireland.
Died on 26th March 1926 at Colchester, Essex.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28th March, 1879 at the Zlobane Mountain, South Africa, * Private Fowler, with a captain and a lieutenant * dashed forward in advance of the party which had been ordered to dislodge the enemy from a commanding position in natural caves up the mountain. The path was so narrow that they had to advance in single file and the captain who arrived first at the mouth of the cave was instantly killed. The Lieutenant and Private Fowler undismayed by the death of their leader, immediately sprang forward and cleared the enemy out of their stronghold.
* Zulu War.
* H.Lysons. (reg No. 762).

FRASER, Charles Crauford. (reg No . 425).
Major. 7th Hussars. (Queen's Own).
Born on 31st August 1829 at a place unknown.
Died on 7th June 1895 at London.
Memorial on grave in Brompton Cemetery, London and at All Saints Garrison Church, Aldershot.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st December, 1858 at the River Raptee, India, Major Fraser Volunteer, at great personal risk and under a sharp fire of musketry, to swim to go rescue of a captain and some men who work in imminent danger of being drowned while in pursuit of the rebels. Major Fraser succeeded in this mission, although still partially disabled from a wound received while leading a charge against the enemy some months earlier.
Additional information:. Lieutenant General Sir Charles Fraser was a Knight Commander of the Bath. (KCB). He saw service in the war in Abyssinia. From 1873-77 he was Aide-de-Camp to the Duke of Cambridge. From 1886 he was the Colonel of the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars.

FRASER, Ian Edward. (Reg No. 426).
Lieutenant. Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 13th November, 1945.
Born on the 18th December, 1920 at Ealing, London.
Still living.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st July, 1945 in the Johore Strait, Singapore, Lieutenant FRASER, in command of HM Midget Submarine XE3, went up to attack the Japanese cruiser Takao, which was located after a long and hazardous journey. Lieutenant Fraser slid the submarine under the target which lay over a depression in the sea bed, and his diver * went out to fix the limpet mines to the bottom of the ship. The two side charges then had to be released, but the starboard charge stuck and the diver climbed out again and after a nerve-racking five minutes released the charge. XE3 then made for home.
* See Leading Seaman J.J Magennis (reg No. 821).
Additional information: Lieutenant Commander FRASER also held the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and the RD(?) and Bar. He also had the Legion of Merit of the United States of America.

FREEMAN, John. (reg No. 427).
Private. 9th Lancers (Queen's Royal).
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
Born on in 1832 at Sittingbourne, Kent.
Died on the 1st July 1913 at Hackney, London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 10th October 1857 at Agra, India, Private Freeman went to the assistance of a lieutenant who had been shot. He killed the leader of the enemy's Cavalry, and defended the Lieutenant against several of the enemy.

FRENCH, John Alexander. ( reg No. 428).
Corporal. 2nd/9th Battalion (Queensland) Australian Military Forces.
London Gazetted on 14th January, 1943.
Born on 15th July 1914, at Crow's Nest, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
Died on 4th September, 1942 at Milne Bay, Papua, New Guinea. (killed in action).
Memorials at Port Moresby War Cemetery, New Guinea and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4th September, 1942 at Milne Bay, New Guinea, the advance of Corporal French's section was held up by fire from three enemy machine-gun posts, whereupon he ordered the section to take cover, advanced and silenced the first two posts with grenades. He then attacked the third post with a sub-machinegun, and although obviously badly wounded, continued to advance. The enemy guns ceased at fire and the section pushed on to find that all members of their crews had been killed and that Corporal French had Died on in front of the third gun. His courageous action enabled the section to complete its task.

FREYBERG, Bernard Cyril. (reg No. 429)
Lieutenant Colonel. Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment (Commanding Hood Battalion of the Royal Naval Division.)
London Gazetted on 15th December, 1916.
Born on 21st March, 1889 at Richmond Hill, Surrey.
Died on 4th July, 1963 at Windsor, Berkshire.
Memorials are at grave in St Martha's churchyard, Chilworth, Surrey, the Crypt in St Paul's Cathedral, also in St George's Chapel, Windsor. His bust stands in the Guildhall, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th November 1916 at Beaucourt sur Ancre, France, after carrying the initial attack through the enemy's front system of trenches, Lieutenant Colonel Freyberg's Battalion was much disorganised, but after rallying and reforming his own men and some others, he led them on a successful assault of the second objective, during which he was twice wounded, but remained in command and held his ground throughout the day and the following night. When reinforced the next morning he attacked and captured a strongly fortified village, taking 500 prisoners. He was wounded twice more, the second time severely, but he refused to leave the line until he had issued final instructions.
Additional information: Lieutenant General, Baron Freyberg was in Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George (GCMG), a Knight Commander of the Bath, a Knight British Empire. He also held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and three Bars.
From 1939-45 he was the General Officer Commanding New Zealand Forces and was the Commander in Chief in Crete in 1941. He became Governor-General of New Zealand from 1946-52. From 1953 to 1963 he was the Deputy Constable and Lieutenant Governor of Windsor Castle.

FRICKLETON, Samuel. (reg No. 430).
Lance-Corporal. 3rd Battalion 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade. N Z E F.
London Gazetted on 2nd August 1917.
Born on 1st April, 1891 at Slamannan, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
Died on 1st September, 1971 at Wellington, New Zealand.
Memorials at Taita Servicemen's Cemetery, Naenae, New Zealand and at the headquarters of Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th June 1917 at Messines, Belgium, Lance-Corporal Frickleton, although slightly wounded, dashed forward at the head of his section, pushed into our barrage and personally destroyed with bombs an enemy machine gun and crew which was causing heavy casualties. He then attacked a second gun killing all the crew of 12. By the destruction of these two guns he undoubtedly saved his own and other units from very severe casualties. During the consolidation of this position he received a second severe wound.

FRISBY, Cyril Hubert. (reg No. 431).
Captain 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.
London Gazetted on 27th November, 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 17th September, 1885 at New Barnet, Hertfordshire.
Died on 10th September, 1961 at Guildford, Surrey.
Memorial on grave at Brookwood Cemetery, Woking, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27th September, 1918 at the Canal du Nord , near Graincourt, France, Captain Frisby was in command of a company detailed to capture a canal crossing, but when the canal was reached, the leading platoon came under annihilating fire from a strong enemy post under the bridge on the far side of the canal. Captain Frisby with a Lance-Corporal * and two others, climbed down into the canal under intense fire and succeeded in capturing the post with two machine guns and 12 men. Then having consolidated his objective he gave timely support to a company which had lost all its officers and sergeants, organising the defences and beating off a heavy counter-attack.
* T.N. Jackson. (reg No. 627).

FULLER, Wilfred Dolby. (reg No. 432).
Lance-Corporal 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
London Gazetted on 19th April, 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Museum, Wellington Barracks. London.
Born on 28th July, 1893 at East Kirkby, Greasley, Nottinghamshire.
Died on 22nd November 1947 at Frome, Somerset.
Memorial on grave at Frome, Somerset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12th March, 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France, Lance Corporal Fuller saw a party of the enemy trying to escape along a communication trench. He ran towards them and killed the leading man with a bomb, the remainder, nearly 50, seeing no means of evading his bombs, all surrendered to him. Lance-Corporal Fuller was quite alone at this time.

 

FULLER William Charles. (Reg. No.433)
Lance-Corporal (later Sergeant) 2nd Battalion The Welch Regiment.
London Gazetted on 23rd November 1914.
Born on 24th March 1884 at Laugharne, Carmarthen, Wales.
Died on 29th December 1974 at Swanse, Glamorganshire, Wales.
Memorial: Buried in an unmarked grave in Oystermouth Cemetery, Swansea, Wales.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 14 September 1914 near Chivy-sur-Aisne, France, Lance-Corporal Fuller advanced under very heavy fire and machine-gun fire to pick up an officer who was mortally wounded, and carried him back to cover.
Additional information: He held the Royal Humane Society Medal for Life-saving.
He was the son of William and Mary Fuller of Laugharne, Carmarthen. Educated in Swansea, he joine the Army in 1902. He served in the European War (WW 1) from 1914 where he won his VC for saving Capt Haggard who had fallen wounded. He carried him a distance estimated at 100 yards to a ridge where he managed to dress the officer's wounds. Capt Haggard asked L/Cpl Fuller to fetch his rifle from where he'd fell. He didn't want the enemy to get it. Fuller managed to do this.
With the help of two others, Private Snooks and Lieutenant Melvin, Officer i/c the machine-gun section of the Welch Regiment, they managed to get Haggard to the safety of a barn that was being used as a First-Aid dressing station.
L/Cpl Fuller remained with Captain Haggard trying to help him until the officer Died on later that evening. His last words to Fuller were "Stick it, Welch." After he'd Died on L/Cpl Fuller attended to two ther officers who had also been brought to the barn wounded. (Lt. The Hon Fitzroy Somerset and Lt. Richards.)
The barn came under heavy fire and the wounded men and officers were evacuated. Later it was raised to the ground with shell-fire.
On the 29th of October he was wounded whilst dressing the wounds of Private Tagge a fellow soldier. Shrapnel entered his right side, twelve inches in up to his shoulder blade and came to rest on his right lung. After he was sent to the United Kingdom, in fact to Swansea Hospital where they operated, removing the shrapnel. He was given a home posting, after his recovery, as a successful recruiting Sergeant in his native Wales.

 

FURNESS, Christopher. The Hon. (reg No. 434).
Lieutenant. 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards.
London Gazetted on 7th February, 1946.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ
Born on 17th May 1912 in London.
Died on 24th May 1940 near Arras, France. (killed in action).
Memorial on The Dunkirk Memorial, France and in the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 17th/24th May 1940 near Arras, France, Lieutenant Furness commanded the Carrier Platoon when his battalion formed part of the garrison of the town. On 23rd May the platoon was ordered to cover the withdrawal of the transport (more than 40 vehicles) to Douai. Early on 24th May the enemy were advancing along the road where the transport columns were moving and Lieutenant Furness decided to attack. He reached the enemy position under heavy fire and when the light tanks and all the carriers and their crews had become casualties he engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. His fight against hopeless odds made the enemy withdraw temporarily and enabled the vehicles to get clear.

 

FYNN* James Henry. (Reg No. 435).
Private. 4th Battalion, South Wales Borderers.
London Gazetted on 26th September, 1916.
Born on 24th November, 1893 at Truro, Cornwall.
Died on 30th March, 1917 in Mesopotamia.
Memorial on Basra Memorial, Iraq, also at the Guild Hall, Bodmin and in Havard Chapel, Brecon Cathedral
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th April 1916 at Sanna-i-Yat, Mesopotamia, Private F was one of a small party which dug in, in front of our advance line and about 300 yards from the enemy's trenches. He went out and bandaged a number of wounded men under heavy fire, making several journeys in order to do so. Being unable to get a stretcher, he carried on his back a badly wounded man to safety.
*or FINN.

Updated:15.1.03