SADLIER, Clifford William King. (reg No. 1098).
Lieutenant. 51st Battalion. * Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 11th July 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is St George's Cathedral, Perth, Australia.
Born in 1892 at Camberwell, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 28th April 1964 at Busselton, Western Australia.
Memorial on grave at Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
During a counter-attack by Lieutenant Sadlier's Battalion, his platoon, on the left of the Battalion, had to advance through a wooded area where they suffered many casualties owing to a strong enemy machine-gun post, preventing the platoon from advancing. Although Lieutenant Sadlier was wounded, he immediately collected his bombing section, leading them against the machine guns, killing the crews and capturing two of the guns. By this time all of his party were casualties, so he attacked the third enemy machine-gun post alone, armed only with a revolver, with which he killed the crew of four, and captured the gun. He was again wounded. The gallant conduct of this officer meant that the flank was cleared, allowing the Battalion to move forwards. His coolness, and utter disregard for danger, inspired all those who saw it and he saved a most critical situation.

SAGE, Thomas Henry. (reg No. 1099).
Private. 8th Battalion. Somerset Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 18th December 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian unknown.
Born on 8th December 1882 at Tiverton, Devon.
Died on 20th July 1945 at Tiverton, Devon.
Memorial on grave at Tiverton Cemetery, Devon.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an attack on an enemy strong point East of Ypres, at the Tower Hamlets Spur, on the 4th October 1917, Privates Sage was one of nine men in a shell-hole. One of these men was shot whilst throwing a bomb, which fell back into the shell-hole. Acting quickly, and with great presence of mind, Privates Sage courageously threw himself onto the bomb, thus saving the lives of several of his comrades, although he himself was severely wounded.

SALKELD, Philip. (reg No. 1100).
Lieutenant. Bengal Engineers.
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian unknown.
Born on the 13th October, 1830 at Fontmell Magna, Dorset.
Died of his wounds on 10th October 1857 at Delhi, India.
Memorials on the Kashmir Gate, * in the parish churchyard at Fontmell Magna, Dorset and in St Paul's Cathedral, Calcutta.
Digest of Citation reads:
For conspicuous bravery shown in the blowing in of the Kashmir Gate *, of the Delhi Fortress, on 14th September 1857, in broad daylight, under heavy musketry fire, prior to the assault, Lieutenant Salkeld was accompanied by Lieutenant Home, Sergeants Smith and Carmichael and Corporal Burgess, all Bengal Engineers and in addition three Sikhs, Havildars Mahore, Tillah Singh and Sepoy Ramloll and Bugler Hawthorne of the 52nd Light Infantry. On reaching the gateway without casualties, they found that part of the drawbridge had been destroyed. They crossed a precarious footway, on the remaining beams, and lodged their powder bags against the gate. Sergeant Carmichael was killed and Havildar Mahore severely wounded. Having assured that the powder bags had been correctly placed, Lieutenant Home made way for Lieutenant Salkeld and his firing party by jumping into the ditch. Lieutenant Salkeld was mortally wounded whilst attempting to fire the charge. He managed, in spite of his wound, to pass the slow match to Corporal Burgess, who, on accomplishing the task, was killed, as was Sepoy Ramloll. Havildar Tillah Singh was wounded. The operation was a success but Sergeant Smith was injured by falling debris. Bugler Hawthorne then sounded the advance.
* Cashmere Gate on original report.
Additional information:. General Wilson promised Lieutenant Salkeld the Victoria Cross whilst still in the field. This was the first occasion when the VC was Gazetted, and actually presented, after Lieutenant Salkeld's death.
If a man died before being awarded the Cross, he never got it posthumously. But if a man was notified that he was to be awarded the Victoria Cross, then died, then the Cross would be awarded.

SALMON, Nowell. (reg No. 1101).
Lieutenant. Royal Navy. *
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian unknown.
Born on 20th February 1835 at Swarraton, Hampshire.
Died on 14th February 1912 at Southsea, Hampshire.
Memorial on grave at St Peter's Churchyard, Curdridge, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry at Lucknow, India, on 16th November 1857, when Captain Peel called for volunteers to climb a tree which was overhanging the wall of the Shah Nujeeff, in order to spot the enemy position and to dislodge the mutineers who were throwing bombs and firing on the ground crews below. Lieutenant Salmon and Able Seaman John Harrison (reg No. 537) responded to the call and succeeded in carrying out this dangerous task. John Harrison was killed and Lieutenant Salmon was fired upon and wounded in the thigh.
* Naval Brigade.
Additional information:. Admiral Sir Nowell Salmon was made a Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. (GCB). He was Commander In Chief Portsmouth from 1894-97, Commanding the Review in honour of the Diamond Jubilee. From 1899 to 1905 he was Admiral of the Fleet.
Further research required

SAMSON, George McKenzie. (reg No. 1102).
Seaman. Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 16th August 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian unknown.
Born on 7th January 1889 at Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland.
Died on 28th February 1923 at St George's, Bermuda.
Memorial on grave at Military Cemetery, Bermuda.
Digest of Citation reads:
At Cape Helles, Gallipoli, during the landing on V Beach on the 25th and 26th April 1915, Seamen Samson of HMS Hussan, accompanied by Midshipman Drewry, (reg No. 351) Midshipman Malleson, (reg No. 829), Able Seaman Williams (reg No. 1315), assisted Commander Unwin (reg No. 1245), all of HMS River Clyde, in securing the lighters, under a very heavy rifle and Maxim fire. Seaman Samson attended to the wounded and got out lines as he worked on lighters all day. He affected many rescues of wounded, stowing them carefully in the hopper and attending to them until they could receive proper medical assistance. In between times, he attended to snipers. He eventually received 19 wounds from a Maxim gun.

SANDERS, George. (reg No. 1103).
Corporal. 1st/7th Battalion. West Yorkshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 9th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian unknown.
Born on 8th July 1894 at New Wortley, Leeds, Yorkshire.
Died on 4th April 1950 at Leeds, Yorkshire.
Memorial at Cottingly Crematorium, Leeds.
Digest of Citation reads:
Corporal Sanders, and a party of 30 men, found themselves isolated after an advance into the enemy trenches at Thiepval, France, on 1st July 1916. Organising his defences, he detailed a bombing party, informing his men that it was their duty to hold the position. The following morning, he repulsed an attack by the enemy, at the same time rescuing some prisoners that had been in enemy hands. Two strong enemy bombing attacks were forced to retire. They were relieved the next day after Corporal Sanders had shown great courage, determination and excellent leadership throughout the 36 trying hours. Throughout this time, his party had received no food or water, having given all their water to the wounded men on the first night. He brought the remaining 19 of his party back to our trenches.
Additional information:. He attended an Investiture at Buckingham Palace on 15th November 1916 where he was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V.
He was given a commission in the 2nd Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment and was attached to the 1st/6th Battalion.
Captain Sanders also held the Military Cross for services at Kemmel Hill in April 1918 where he was taken prisoner of war. He was posted missing. He was repatriated on 26th December 1918, leaving the Army on 20th March 1919.

SANDERS, William Edward. (reg No. 1104 *)
Lieutenant. Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 22nd June 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Auckland Museum, Auckland, New Zealand.
Born on 7th February 1883 at Auckland, New Zealand.
Died at sea on 14th August 1917 when HMS Prize was sunk by a German submarine.
Memorials on Plymouth Naval Memorial, HQ Dunedin RSA, New Zealand. Also remembered by New Zealand's premier sailing trophy, the Sanders Cup.
Digest of Citation reads:
Approximately 180 miles south of Ireland, Lieutenant Sanders was commanding HMS Prize, a 'Q' Ship (Mystery ship)** disguised as a three-masted top-sail schooner when she was badly damaged when attacked by a German U-boat. The Panic Party had taken to the boats and HMS Prize appeared to be sinking. When the U-boat approached her port quarter and was within 80 yards, the White Ensign was hoisted and HMS Prize opened fire. Within minutes fire broke out on board the submarine, her bows rising into the air.
* Register records this VC at 1100.
** A Warship disguised as a harmless or innocent trading vessel. The 'Panic Party' would put out in boats to give the impression that the ship was sinking. The gun crews would hide on board by lying flat on the deck, or under cover, until the order was given to raise the White Ensign and open fire on the enemy ship.
Further research required

SANDFORD, Richard Douglas. (reg No. 1106).
Lieutenant. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 23rd July, 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian isBritannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
Born on 11th May 1891 at Exmouth, Devon.
Died on 23rd November, 1918 at Grangetown, Yorkshire.
Memorial on grave at Eston cemetery, Yorkshire and at Exeter Cathedral, Devon.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd/23rd April, 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Lieutenant Sandford, Commandng HM Submarine C3,
skilfully placed the vessel between the piles of the viaduct which connected the Mole with a shore, before
laying his fuse and abandoning her. He disdained to use the Gyro Steering which would have enabled him and
his crew to abandon the submarine as a safe distance, but preferred to make sure that his mission would be
successful.
Additional information:. He was born at 15 the Beacon, Exmouth, Devon on the 11th May, 1891 the son
of the Venerable Ernest Grey Sandford, Archdeacon of Exeter and his wife Gabriel (née Poole). He was
educated at Clifton College from there to train at HMS Britannia in 1904.
On 30th August 1913 he was promoted to lieutenant. In February 1914 he transferred to the submarine
service.
After the Battle of Zeebrugge, where he was severely wounded in the hand and thigh, he spent three months
in hospital.
On 31st July 1918 he had recovered enough to receive his Victoria Cross from King George V. The rest of
his crew were also decorated, Lieutenant John Howell-Price (second in command C3) awarded the DSO,
Petty Officer Walter Harner (coxswain), Leading Seaman William Cleave, Engine Room Articifer Allan
Roseburgh and Stoker Henry Brindle received the CGM.
Unfortunately Lieutenant Sandford died six months later in Cleveland Hospital, Grangetown of typhoid.

SARTORIUS, Euston Henry. (reg No. 1107).
Captain. 59th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on the 16th May, 1881.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.
Born on 6th June 1844 at Cintra, Portugal.
Died on 19th February 1925 at Chelsea, London.
Memorial on grave at St Peter and St Paul's Churchyard, Ewhurst, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
During and the Afghan War, on the 24th October 1879 at Shahjui, Captain Sartorius led a party of five or six men, of the 59th Regiment, against an enemy of unknown strength, who were occupying a position at the top of a precipitous hill, which was almost inaccessible. Any kind of regular formation was made impossible by the surrounding landscape's nature. As they gained the top of this perilous path way, Captain Sartorius had to bear the brunt of the attack as a whole body of the enemy fell upon him and his men. Although he himself was wounded, by sword cuts in both hands, and one of his men killed, the bearing of this officer, gallant and determined, his action, emulated as it was by his men, led to the most successful action as they killed the last seven survivors of the enemy holding the hilltop.
* East Lancashire Regiment.
Additional information:. Major General Euston Sartorius was a Companion of the Order of the Bath. (CB). He was the third son of Admiral Sir G. Sartorius GCB. He was the brother of Major General Reginald W. Sarotius VC.
Educated at Woolwich and at the Royal Military College at Sandhurst.
In 1874 he married Emily Cook, who died in January 1915, they had two daughters and a son. The son died of wounds three months after his mother's death, in April 1915.
Further research required

SARTORIUS, Reginald William. (reg No. 1108).
Major. 6th Bengal Cavalry. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 26th October 1874.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.
Born on 8th May 1841 in Portugal.
Died suddenly on the 7th August 1907 at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Memorial on grave at St Mary's Churchyard, South Baddesley, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the attack on Abogoo, Ashanti, in West Africa, on the 17th January 1874, Major Sartorius, under very heavy fire, removed Sergeant-Major Braimah, a Houssa non-commissioned officer, who had been mortally wounded and placed him under cover.
Additional information:. Major General Reginald Sartorius was the eldest son of Admiral Sir George Rose Sartorius GCB, and brother of Major General Euston H. Sartorius VC.
Further research required

SAUNDERS, Arthur Frederick. (reg No. 1109).
Sergeant. 9th Service Battalion. Suffolk Regiment.
London Gazetted on 30th March 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Suffolk Regimental Museum, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Born on 23rd April 1879 at Ipswich, Suffolk.
Died on 30th July 1947 at Ipswich, Suffolk.
Memorial at Ipswich Borough Crematorium, Suffolk.
Digest of Citation reads:
When his officer had been wounded in the attack on 26th September 1915, near Loos, France, Sergeant Saunders took charge of two machine guns and a few men. Although he had been severely wounded in the thigh, he followed the last of four charges of, and rendered every support, to another Battalion. When the remnants of the battalion, he had been supporting, were forced to retire, by continuously firing on one of his gun's, and constantly giving concise orders, he did his best to support the retirement.
Additional information:. His Army No. 3/10133.

SAVAGE, William Alfred. (reg No. 1110).
Able Seaman. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 21st May 1942.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Born on 30th October 1912 at Smethwick, Staffordshire.
Killed in action on 28th March 1942 at St Nazaire, France.
Memorial on grave at Town Cemetery, Falmouth, Cornwall.
Digest of Citation reads:
For gallantry and devotion to duty as a gunlayer of a pom-pom aboard a motor gunboat during the attack on St Nazaire, France, on 28th March, 1942. With cool and steady accuracy he engaged onshore positions, all the time under heavy fire and without a gun-shield he was completely exposed. He sustained the same accurate fire, on the way out of the harbour, aiming at the attacking ships until, at last, he was killed at his gun. It is stated that the Victoria Cross was awarded not only for the gallantry of Able Seaman Savage, but as recognition for the Valour of many of the others who carried out their duty, under extremely heavy fire at very close range, as they served in Motor Launches, M G B's and MTB's on the raid.

SAYER, John William. (reg No. 1111).
Lance-Corporal. 8th Battalion. Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment.
London Gazetted on 9th June 1919.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 12th April 1879 at Ilford, Essex.
Died of wounds on 18th April 1918 at Le Cateau, France.
Memorial on grave at Le Cateau Military Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
For two hours, during incessant attacks by the enemy, he held a small isolated post. Under the cover of a mist, the enemy approached the post, from both sides, to within 30 yards before they were discovered. Alone, Lance-Corporal Sayer, on his own initiative and no other assistance, fought off a series of flank attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the Germans. He killed many of the enemy and wounded others even though he was subjected to attacks by rifle and machine-gun fire, bombs and bayonets, he repulsed them all. He showed complete contempt for danger during the whole time he was continuously exposed to rifle and machine-gun fire. His conduct was an inspiration to all. Lance-Corporal Sayer held the post until nearly all the garrison had been killed, wounded or captured, thanks to his skill in the use of all kinds of fire. He himself had been wounded. He later died of his wounds at Le Cateau.
Additional information:. Army No. G/ 14498, Lance-Corporal Sayer married Edith Louise Maynard on 15th August 1904 at Ilford Parish Church. They had six children, Olive Edith (15th August 1905); Eric Maynard (24th March 1907); Ivy Louise (18th December, 1908); Dorothy Margaret (27th August, 1910); William John (17th September, 1912) and born after his death, Joyce Madeleine (13th October 1918).
He was the son of Samuel and Margaret Sayer, of Wangye Hall Farm, Chadwell Heath, Essex. His family had farmed in Chadwell Heath for generations.

SCARF, Arthur Stewart King. (reg No. 1112).
Squadron Leader. 62 Squadron. Royal Air Force.
London Gazetted on 21st June 1946.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon.
Born on 14th June 1913 at Wimbledon, Surrey.
Died from his wounds on 9th December 1941 at Alor Star, Malaya.
Memorial on grave at Taiping War Cemetery, Malaya.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 9th December 1941, all available aircraft at RAF Butterworth, Malaya were ordered to make a daylight attack on the Japanese base at Singora, Thailand. The aircraft, all Blenheims, were on the point of taking off when there was a combined dive-bombing and low level machine-gun attack on the airfield. All the British aircraft, except the one flown by Squadron Leader Scarf, were destroyed. After circling the airfield, instead of returning to base, he decided to go on with the mission to Singora alone. After completing his attack successfully, the opposition from anti-aircraft guns and fighters, during which Squadron Leader Scarf was mortally wounded, was extremely heavy. He was hounded by enemy fighters right up to the Malayan border. Because of his wounds, he was unable to return to RAF Butterworth, but was able to make a successful forced landing at Alor Star, without causing any injuries to his crew. He died very shortly after being admitted to hospital.
Additional information:. When he reached Alor Star, he was lifted from his cockpit by his turret-gunner, Flight Sergeant Rich and his bomb-aimer, Flight Sergeant Calder. It is said that he lived long enough to be united with his wife, an army nurse, before he died.
His Victoria Cross was not gazetted until the 21st June 1946, as records were lost and destroyed, to prevent them dropping into the Japanese hands.

SCHEISS, Ferdnand Christian. (reg No. 1113).
Corporal. Natal Native Contingent. South African Forces.
London Gazetted on 29th November, 1879.
Born on 7th April 1856 at Bergedorf, Berne, Switzerland.
Died off the coast of Angola on board the Seraphis bound for England on 14th December, 1884 .
Buried at sea. Position Lat 13.00deg South by Long. 7deg 24' West (Recorded point of Ceremony)
Memorial not known.
VCs Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum,London.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the battle at Rorke's Drift, Natal, South Africa on the 22nd/23rd January, 1879, Corporal
Schiess,who had been wounded in the foot a few days previously, greatly distinguished himself when the
garrison were repulsing, by use of the bayonet, a series of determined assaults by the Zulus. He showed
great activity and devotion to duty throughout the defence. When the garrison had retired to the inner
defences and the mealie bags were now occupied by the Zulus , Corporal Schiess crept along a wall, without
any instruction, to deal with a Zulu who was shooting rather accurately. He succeeded in killing him and two
other Zulus before returning to the inner defences.
Additional information:. Corporal Schiess, a Swiss national, was the first person, while serving with South
African Forces under British Command to win the Victoria Cross. He is one of 14 foreigners to win the VC.
Not being able to find employment after his force was disbanded: he was found in Cape Town suffering from
malnutrition. He was offered passage to England, paid for by the Royal Navy. During the voyage on the
Seraphis, he became ill and died. He was buried at sea on 14th December 1884.
There have been reports that he was seen in Allahabad and spoken to by a Captain Penn-Symons. this seems
unlikely as the reporting of his fare for England being paid by the Royal Navy, as well as his death and
position of his burial so accurately recorded.

SCHOFIELD, Harry Norton. (reg No. 1114).
Captain. Royal Field Artillery.
London Gazetted on 30th August 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 29th January 1865 at Audenshaw, Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire.
Died on 10th October 1931 at London.
Memorial on grave at Putney Vale Cemetery, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
The detachments serving the guns of the 14th and 66th batteries, at the Battle of Colenso, during the Boer War, on 15th December 1899, had either all been killed, wounded or driven away from the guns by close range rifle fire. Captain Schofield went out to extricate the guns, along with several others, including Lieutenant Roberts, Captain Congreve and Corporal Nurse. He assisted in the withdrawing of the two guns that were saved. Lieutenant Roberts was shot and later died of his wounds. Captain Congreve was also wounded approximately 100 yards away from the guns. Captain Schofield and Corporal Nurse, leapt from their horses and hooked up the two guns, with which they returned.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Schofield also served in the First World War as the Commandant of Communication Lines with the British Expeditionary Force. (1915-17). He was also made a Member of The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.
The drivers were all awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). They were Taylor, Young, Petts, Rockall, Lucas and Williams, all serving with a 66th Battery.
Further research required

SCHOFIELD, John. (reg No. 1115).
Second Lieutenant. 2nd/5th Battalion. Lancashire Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 28th June 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Lancashire Fusiliers Museum, Bury, Lancashire.
Born on 4th March 1892 at Blackburn, Lancashire.
Killed in action on 9th April 1918 at Givenchy, France.
Memorial on grave at Vielle-Chapelle Military Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Schofield led a party of nine men on 9th April 1918 at Givenchy, France, against a German strong point which was being rigidly held by the enemy.During this time they were attacked with about 100 enemy bombs. He distributed his men with great skill, and made such good use of his rifle and Lewis gun fire, that the enemy were forced to take cover in the dug-outs. Lieutenant Schofield then held up, and captured, a party of 20 of the enemy. With assistance from other parties, they cleared the position of the enemy, who had been either killed or captured. Collecting the remainder of his men and making the strength of his party up to ten, he made his way towards the front line, after informing his superior officer of the position. In a communication trench, they met with a large number of the enemy, both ahead of them and in a drain to his left and right. The party immediately opened rapid-fire, Lieutenant Schofield climbed out onto the Parapet, under point blank machine-gun fire, and fearlessly demanded the enemy surrender. 123 Germans, including many officers were taken prisoner by his party. Unfortunately, this gallant officer was killed only a few minutes later.

SCHOLEFIELD, Mark. (reg number 1116)
Seaman. Royal Navy. *
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 16th April 1828 at London.
Dead at sea on 15th February 1858 whilst aboard the sloop HMS Acorn.
No memorial known. Buried at sea, latitude and longitude not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
At the Battle of Inkerman, on the 5th November 1854, when the Right Lancaster Battery was attacked; five men of the Royal Navy, under heavy enemy fire, mounted the Banquet and using muskets belonging to disabled soldiers kept up a steady firing. Other troops, below the parapet, kept the muskets loaded for them. Two of these men were killed in the action.
Additional information:.The surviving three, Thomas Reeves, James Gorman and Mark SCHOLEFIELD, all seamen, were awarded the Victoria Cross for the bravery displayed on that occasion. Unfortunately the two others, whose names are not known. It is a pity because they got no official recognition as the Victoria Cross, at that time, was not awarded posthumously. These two heroes must remain forever unknown.
Information by Letter from Sir S. Lushington dated 7th June 1856

SCOTT, Andrew. (reg No. 1117).
Captain. Bengal Staff Corps. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 16th January 1878.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on the 22nd August 1840 in Devon.
Died on 5th September 1882 at Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
Grave somewhere in India.
Digest of Citation reads:
While serving with the 4th Sikh Infantry at Quetta, India, on the occasion when some coolies attacked two Royal Engineer Lieutenants, Hewson and Kunhardt, Captain Scott, on hearing the alarm that British officers were being killed, immediately rushed to the rescue. He found Lieutenant Hewson had already been cut down and Lieutenant Kunhardt retiring, wounded and being protected by one Sepoy, Ruchpul Singh, of the 4th Sikh Regiment. Captain Scott immediately attacked the assailants, and with his own hand, bayoneted the two nearest men and then closed with a third, both men falling to the ground. The captain's assailant was killed by Sepoys of the Regiment. The captain's act of courage saved the life of Lieutenant Kunhardt.
Additional information:. Major Andrew Scott joined the Army on 4th March 1860, being promoted to Lieutenant on New Years Day 1878. Has promoted to Captain on 4th March 1872. He later became a Major in the 4th Sikh Regiment
SCOTT, Robert. ( reg No.1118).
Private. 1st Battalion. Manchester Regiment.
London Gazetted on the 26th July, 1901.
Born on the 4th June 1874, at Haslingden, Lancashire.
Died on 22nd February 1961 at Downpatrick, County Down, Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an attack on Caesar's Camp in Natal, South Africa, on the 6th January 1900, when 16 men of 'D' Company, Manchester Regiment were defending one of the slopes of the hill, Privates Scott and Private Pitts occupied a sangar *. On their left all of our men had been shot and their positions occupied by the Boers. These two men stayed at their post, without food or water, all the time under extremely heavy fire from the enemy, for 15 hours. During this period they kept a keen lookout and exchanged their fire, even though, on their immediate left rear, the Boers occupied the sangars close by. Private Scott and Private Pitts held this position until the Boers were driven from the hill by relieving troops.
Additional information:. He served through the Siege of Ladysmith. Robert Scott became a quartermaster sergeant (retired) .
* Sangar (sanga): A stone breastwork around a hollow.

SCOTT, Robert George. (reg No. 1119).
Sergeant. Cape Mounted Rifles. South African Forces.
London Gazetted on the 1st October 1880.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 22nd April 1857 at Whittlesey, Peterborough, (Cambridgeshire) Northants.
Died on 3rd October 1918 at Wynberg, Cape, South Africa.
Memorial on grave at Plumstead Cemetery, Wynberg, South Africa.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an attack on Morosi's Mountain, South Africa, during the Basuto War, Sergeant Scott volunteered to throw time-fused shells, as hand-grenades, at the enemy who were bringing heavy fire to bear on the colonial troops. He threw the time-fused shells over a line of stone barricades. Sergeant Scott made his men retire under cover, in case a shell should burst prematurely. By taking this precaution, he probably saved many lives. He then advanced in a determined manner, all the time under extremely heavy fire, and, having got to the foot of the wall, made two attempts to throw shells over it. On the second attempt, owing to a defect in the fuse which he had just lit, the shell exploded, blowing his right hand to pieces and wounding him severely in the left leg.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Scott VC., DSO., was the son of Robert Charles Scott, a Fleet Surgeon, Royal Navy and his wife Mary Elizabeth Scott (née Sinclair). On 26th September 1876 he joined the Cape Mounted Rifles, serving as a Rifleman until 1879 in the regular South African Forces. He saw service in the Zulu War.
On 8th April 1854, he married Constance Mary Daniell and had four children, Dulcie Mary; John Dayrell Sinclair; Robert Falkines Sinclair (b.1893) and Guy Sinclair (b. 1896).
In September 1879 he was promoted Lieutenant. He served as a Major, with the Kimberley Light Horse, in the South Africa War of 1899-1902, where he was mentioned in despatches, received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), London Gazetted on 27th September 1901.
He also saw service in the European War (WW I). During the Cape Rebellion, as a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded the Kimberley Commando in the vicinity of German West Africa (1914-15).

SCRIMGER, Frances Alexander Caron. (reg No. 1120).
Captain. Canadian Army Medical Corps, attached to 14th Battalion, Royal Montreal Regiment.
Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 23rd June 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 10th February 1880 at Montreal Canada.
Died on the 13th February, 1937 at Montreal, Canada.
Memorial on grave at Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, Canada.
Digest of Citation reads:
Whilst the senior medical officer in charge of an advanced dressing station, in farm buildings, at St Julien, Belgium, on 25th April 1915, they came under heavy shell-fire from the enemy. Captain Scrimger organised the removal of wounded men, still under extremely heavy fire, personally carrying a wounded officer from a stable to a place of greater safety. Finally, unable to carry the wounded officer any further, he remained with him, under fire, until assistance arrived.
Further research required

SEAGRIM, Derek Anthony. (reg No. 1121).
T /Lieutenant Colonel. 7th Battalion. Green Howards. *
London Gazetted on 13th May 1943.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 24th September 1903 at Bournemouth, Hampshire.
Died of his wounds on 6th April 1943 in Tunisia.
Memorial on grave at the Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia: Also a Memorial Plaque in the Church at Whissonsett, Norfolk.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Colonel Seagrim led the Battalion to attack and capture an important objective on the left flank of the Mareth Line, Tunisia on the 20th/21st March, 1943. The defence of the enemy position was extremely strong, protected by a 12 ft wide and 8 ft deep anti-tank ditch surrounded by mines. The moment the attack began it was subjected to very intense artillery, machine gun and mortar fire. Lieutenant Colonel Seagrim placed himself at the head of the Battalion, even though, at that time, they were suffering heavy casualties. He led them through a hail of fire. He was the first man across the scaling ladder, that he'd helped to place himself. Firing his pistol and hurling grenades, he led the assault and personally attacked two machine-gun posts, capturing or killing 20 Germans.
At dawn, they were firmly established on the position, against a determined enemy who fought strongly to regain it. Every post came under heavy bombardment from mortars and machine-guns, but undeterred, Lieutenant Colonel Seagrim moved from one post to another issuing orders and directives until the enemy were completely eradicated.
*Princess Alexandra of Wales' Own Yorkshire Regiment.

SEAMAN, Ernest. (reg No. 1122).
Lance-Corporal. 2nd Battalion. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 15th November 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Army Service Corps HQ, Camberley.
Born on 16th August 1893.
Killed in action on 29th September 1918 at Terhand, Belgium.
Commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Passchendaele, Belgium and at Scole, Norfolk. (No known grave).
Digest of Citation reads:
Lance-Corporal Seamen showing great courage and initiative rushed forward with his Lewis gun, under extremely heavy fire, when the right flank of his company was held up by a post of enemy machine-guns. Single-handed, he engaged the position, captured two machine-guns and 12 prisoners, after killing an officer and two men. The same day, he charged under heavy fire, another enemy machine-gun post, capturing the gun. He was killed on this occasion.
Additional information:. Army No. 42364 , Lance-Corporal Seamen also held the Military Medal (MM) awarded for gallantry whilst voluntarily attending to a wounded comrade. He was the son of Henry Seamen and Mrs Palmer, of the Kings Inn, Bungay Road, Scole, Norfolk. He had a Council School education, joining the Army ( Expeditionary Force Canteens) in December 1915. He was sent to France on 24th December 1915, serving with the the 2nd Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, until he was killed in action on 29th September 1918.

SEELEY, William Henry Harrison (Reg. No. 1123)
Ordinary Seaman Royal Navy
London Gazetted on 21st April 1865
VC Medal's Custodian not known.
Born on 1st May 1840 at Topsham, Maine, USA.
Died on 1st October 1914 at Dedham Massachusetts, USA.
Buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton, Mass., USA
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6 September 1864 at Shimonoseki, Japan, during the capture of the enemy's stockade, Ordinary Seaman Seeley of HMS Euryalus distinguished himself by carrying out a daring reconnaissance to ascertain the enemy's position, and then, although wounded continuing to take part in the final assault on the battery
Additional information: Seaman William Seeley served in the Straits of Simono, Seki, Japan. He was a member of the same crew of Euryalus that won two other VCs that day, Captain of the After guard, Thomas Pride and Midshipman Duncan G. Boyes..

SELLAR, George. (reg No. 1124).
Lance-Corporal. Seaforth Highlanders *
London Gazetted on 18th October 1881.
Born in December 1850 at Keith, Banffshire, Scotland.
Died on 1st November 1889 at Laing, Sutherland, Scotland.
Memorial on grave at Laing Cemetery, Sutherland, Scotland.
Digest of Citation reads:
At the Asmai Heights near Kabul, Afghanistan, on the 14th December, 1879, Lance-Corporal Sellar led an attack under extremely heavy fire. Rushing on in front of the attacking party, and on up a slope, he became engaged in a fierce conflict with one of the enemy who had leapt out to meet his attack. During this encounter, Lance-Corporal Sellar was severely wounded.
* Duke of Albany's Ross-shire Buffs.

SEPHTON, Alfred Edward. (reg No. 1125).
Petty Officer. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on the 2nd December 1941.
VC Medal's Custodian was Coventry Cathedral, until it was stolen in 1982.
Born on 19th April 1911 at Warrington, Lancashire.
Died of his wounds on 19th May 1941 off Crete.
Buried at sea, 20th May 1941. Commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial.
Digest of Citation reads:
Petty Officer Sephton was a director layer on HMS Coventry, when she was attacked by two German Stuka aircraft, as she was going to the assistance of a hospital ship, on 18th May 1941. He was mortally wounded when the ship was raked by fire and although faint from loss of blood, he continued bravely to do his duty until the enemy aircraft were driven off. Until his death, from the wounds, he continued with a valiant and cheerful spirit to give encouragement to the wounded. He had insisted that Able Seaman Fisher, his fellow crewman, who had been wounded by the same bullet that had passed clean through Petty Officer Sephton, be attended to first.

SEWELL, Cecil Harold. (Reg. No.1126)
Lieutenant The Royal West Kent Regiment attached to the 3rd Battalion (Light) Tank Corps.
London Gazetted on 30th October 1918.
Born on 27th January 1895 at Greenwich, London.
Died on 29th August 1918 at Fremicourt, France.
Memorial on grave at Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France and a dedicated Toc H lamp at Bovington Garrison Church, Dorset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29 August 1918 at Fremicourt, France, Lieutenant Sewell, who was in command of a section of whippet light tanks, got out of his own tank and crossed open ground under heavy machine-gun fire to rescue the crew of another whippet of his section which had side slipped into a shell-hole, overturned and caught fire. The door of the tank had become jammed against the side of the shell-hole, but Lieutenant Sewell, unaided, dug away the entrance to the door and released the crew.
Further Research required

SEXTON, Gerald, also known as Maurice Vincent BUCKLEY (reg.No 147).

SHAHAMAD KHAN. (reg No. 1127).
Naik.* 89th Punjab Regiment. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 26th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian not known.
Born on the 1st July 1879, at Takhti , near Rawalpindi, India.
Died on 20th July 1947 at Takhti, India. Now Pakistan (created 14th August, 1947).
Memorial on grave at Takhti Cemetery, Pakistan.
Digest of Citation reads:
Shamahad Khan was in charge of a machine-gun section 150 yards from the enemy's position, covering a gap in the
New Line at Beit Ayeesa, Mesopotamia on 12th/13th April, 1916. After all his men, apart from two belt-fillers, had become casualties, Shamahad Khan, working the gun single-handed, repelled three counter-attacks. Under extremely heavy fire, he continued to hold the gap, whilst it was being made secure, for three hours. When his gun was disabled by enemy fire, he and the two belt-fillers continued to hold the ground with their rifles until they were ordered to retire. Along with the three men who were sent to his assistance, he brought back to his own lines, his gun, ammunition and a severely wounded man. Eventually he returned to remove all remaining arms and equipment, except for two shovels. But for his action, the line would undoubtedly have been penetrated by the enemy.
* Corporal.
Additional information:. Army No. 1605 Jemadar* Shahamad Khan (promoted January 1920) was the son of Fayal Khan. On 1st December 1904 he joined the Army, serving in the European War in November 1914 at Shaik Sa'id, Arabia, then Egypt, the Dardanelles, France, Mesopotamia (where he won his VC) and at the Mohmand blockade, Salonika and the Caucasus.
*Lieutenant

SHANKLAND, Robert. (reg No. 1129).
Lieutenant. 43rd Battalion. Manitoba Regiment. Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 18th December 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 10th October 1887 at St Quivox, Ayr, Scotland.
Died on 20th January 1968, at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Memorial at Mountain View Crematorium (Garden of Remembrance), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; also on the lamp-post in Valour Road, Winnipeg. (Commemorating three VCs awarded in the same street).
Digest of Citation reads:
Having gained a position at Passchendaele on 26th October 1917, Lieutenant Shankland organised the remnants of his own platoon and other men from various companies to command the foreground where they inflicted heavy casualties on the retreating Germans. He later dissipated a counter-attack, allowing for the arrival of support troops. He then communicated to his HQ a detailed evaluation of the brigade frontage. On its completion he rejoined his command, carrying on until relieved. His courage and his example undoubtedly saved a critical situation.
Further Research required

SHARPE, Charles Richard. (reg No. 1130).
Corporal. 2nd Battalion. Lincolnshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 29th June 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Lincoln.
Born on 2nd April 1889 at Pickworth, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire.
Died on 18th February 1963 at Workington, Cumberland. (Cumbria).
Memorial on grave at Newport Cemetery, Sleaford, Lincolnshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th May 1915, whilst in charge of a Blocking party at Rouge Bancs, France, that had been ordered forward to take a section of a German trench, Corporal Sharpe was the first to reach the enemy's position. Using bombs to great effect, he personally cleared the enemy out of a trench at least 50 yards long. By this time all of his party had become casualties but then he got the support of another four men, along with whom he attacked the Germans with more bombs, capturing a further 250 yards of enemy trench.
Additional information:. During the Second World War (WW I) Company Sergeant-Major Sharpe served in the Leicestershire Regiment. On leaving the Army, he became an Air-Raid Warden.

SHAUL, John Davis Francis. (Reg No. 1131).
Corporal. 1st Battalion. Highland Light Infantry. The
London Gazetted on the 28th September, 1900.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 11th September 1873 at King's Lynn, Norfolk.
Died on the 14th September, 1953 at Boksburg, South Africa.
Memorial on grave in Old Cemetery, Boksburg, Transvaal. Also commemorated on a plaque, Windsor Terrace, King's Lynn, Norfolk.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the Battle of Magersfontein, South Africa on 11th December 1899, Corporal Shaul was seen to perform several acts of bravery which were witnessed not only by officers of his own Battalion, but officers of other Regiments. He was in charge of stretcher bearers. At one time he was seen encouraging his men to advance across open ground. During the day he was prominent dressing the wounds of men, and in one case, under extremely heavy fire, he went to a man who was lying with a severe back wound. With outstanding coolness and deliberation, he sat and dressed the man's wound. On its completion, he went quietly to another part of the battlefields, all the time under continuous and heavy fire, acting as calmly and unperturbed, as if no enemy existed.
Additional information:. Bugle-Major Shaul was the son of Sergeant John Shaul of the Royal Scots. He was educated at the Duke of York's School, Chelsea. He served, at the age of 15, with the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, seeing action in Crete in 1898. He also served through the Boer War getting both the Queen's and King's medals with five Clasps. He was presented with the Victoria Cross at an Investiture at Pietermaritzburg, on 14th August 1901, by his Royal Highness, the Duke of York.

SHAW, Hugh. (reg No. 1132).
Captain. 18th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 28th November 1865.
VC Medal's Custodian is National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.
Born on the 4th February, 1839 at Madras, India.
Died on 25th August 1904 at Southsea, Hampshire.
Memorial on grave at Highland Road Cemetery, Southsea, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
During a skirmish at Nukumam, New Zealand on 24th January 1865, Captain Shaw, went under extremely heavy fire accompanied by four Privates of his regiment, all volunteers, to within at least 30 yards of the rebel occupied bush in order to bring back a badly wounded comrade. In the afternoon Captain Shaw had been ordered to take a position situated half a mile away. When about 30 yards from the bush, as two of his party had been injured, he wisely took refuge at a palisade approximately 60 yards away. Calling for volunteers to carry the man out, resulted in the four Privates, referred to, accompanying him, under heavy fire, to where the wounded man lay and brought him back to the rear.
* Royal Irish Regiment.
Additional information:. He was the son of Mr and Mrs James Shaw, Inspector-General Hospitals, Madras, India.
Further research required.

SHAW, Same. (reg No. 1133).
Private 3rd Battalion. Rifle Brigade.
London Gazetted on 26th October 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian this Royal Green jJackets Museum, Winchester, Hampshire.
Born at Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland (date unknown).
Died at sea on 27th December 1859.
Commemorated on the Rifle Brigade Memorial, Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
An armed Ghazi was seen entering a grove. A body of men, including officers, ran in search of him. Private Shaw, came across the rebel, and drew his short sword and rushed, single-handed, to attack the man. Private Shaw received a severe tulwar wound, during the struggle, but eventually overcame and killed the Ghazi.
Additional information:. Private Shaw also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).There was some doubt about the name, Same and whether his Christian name was really John. He was recommended for the Victoria Cross by Major General Sir James Hope Grant, KCB, who commanded the Lucknow Field Force. He died at sea, where the funeral was carried out near the coast of India.

SHEBBEARE, Robert Haydon. (reg No. 1134).
Lieutenant. 60th Bengal Native Infantry.
London Gazetted on 21st October 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 13th January 1827 at Clapham, London.
Died on 16th September 1860 on board SS Emau, in the East China Sea, south of Shanghai, China.
Buried at sea. (see above).
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Shebbeare led the 4th Column Guides on 14th September 1857, during the assault on Delhi, India, when having charged twice beneath the walls of the loopholed Serai, found it impossible to attain the breach owing to the devastating fire. One-third of the European troops having been killed or wounded, Lieutenant Shebbeare, endeavoured to get reorganised, but was unable to do so. He successfully supervised the rearguard of the retreat across the canal. He was miraculously saved in spite of having received a bullet through his cheek, and another wound on his scalp along the back of his head.
Additional information:. He was promoted Brevet- Captain. He is reported having died at sea during the China War of 1860.

SHEPHERD, Albert Edward. (reg No. 1135).
Private. 12th Service Battalion. King's Royal Rifle Corps.
London Gazetted on 13th February 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester, Hampshire.
Born on 11th January 1897 at Royston, Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Died on the 24th October 1966 at Royston, Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Memorial on grave at Royston Cemetery, Yorkshire.
Digest of Citation reads:.
When held up by a machine-gun at point-blank range on the 20th November 1917 at Villers Plouich, France, Private Shepherd rushed forward, after his offer to volunteer had been refused, and threw a Mills bomb, capturing the gun and killing two of the crew. When the advance was continued, the company came under heavy enfilade machine-gun fire. Private Shepherd took command when all the officers and NCOs had become casualties. After ordering the men to take cover, by lying down, he ran back a distance of some 70 yards to get some assistance from a tank. Returning to the company, he then led them on to their final objective.
Additional information:. R 15089, Corporal Shepherd was the son of Noah and Laura (née Darwin) Shepherd. His wife's name was Rosezillah and they had a daughter Mildred. He was educated a at Royston West Riding School. Before joining the Army on 4th August 1915, he had been a pony driver at the new Monkton Colliery, where his father was a miner. He served from 4th August 1915 to New Year's Day 1919. During his military service he was gassed and wounded twice in the arm.

SHEPHEARD, John. (reg No. 1136). also [SHEPPARD or SHEPHERD].
Boatswain. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Born on 22nd September 1817 at Hull, Yorkshire.
Died on 17th December 1884 at Padstow, Cornwall.
Memorial on grave at Padstow churchyard, Cornwall.
Digest of Citation reads:
In a small vessel, of his own making, complete with an exploding mechanism, Boatswain's Mate Shepheard of the St Jean D'Acre, made his way into the harbour at Sebastopol on 15th July 1855 with the intention of blowing up a Russian Flagship. He made two attempts, the first being prevented by a line of boats carrying troops, heading north. However, he managed to bring back valuable information concerning the enemy. The second attempt on 16th August 1855, was made from Careening Bay, that was in French possession. This attempt also failed, but there was no doubt that both attempts were well envisaged and performed under extremely dangerous conditions.
Additional information:. Boatswain Shepheard also held the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM).
Further research required.

SHER BAHADUR THAPA. (reg No. 1137)
Riflemen. 1st Battalion. 9th Gurkha Rifles. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 28th December 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is the 9th Gurkha Rifles Headquarters, Varansi, India.
Born on the 20th November, 1921 and Ghalechap village in the Tannu District of Nepal.
Killed in action on the 19th September, 1944 at San Marino, Italy.
Memorial on grave at English Cemetery, Alassio, Italy.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 18th/19th September 1944, a company of the 9th Gurkha Rifles met fierce opposition from a well situated German position. The section commander and Rifleman Sher Bahadur Thapa made a charge and succeeded in silencing the machine-gun. After his section commander was wounded, the Rifleman, now alone, made his way to the exposed part of a ridge, from here, ignoring the hails of bullets, he managed to silence more machine guns as well as covering a withdrawal and rescuing two wounded men before he was finally killed .

SHERBROOKE, Robert St Vincent. (reg No. 1138).
Captain. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 12th January 1943.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 8th January 1901 at Oxton, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
Died on 13th June 1972 at Oxton, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
Memorial on grave at St Peter and St Paul's churchyard, Oxton, Nottinghamshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the morning of 31st December, 1942, Captain Sherbrooke, of HMS Onslow, was the senior officer commanding the escorting destroyers on an important convoy to North Russia, when contact was made with a far superior force, including the heavy German Cruiser Hipper, that was attempting to sink the convoy. Captain Sherbrooke led the attack and closed with the enemy. The enemy force made four attacks on the convoy, each time being forced to withdraw, hiding behind a smokescreen to avoid being torpedoed. He forced them out of range, towards our covering forces. HMS Onslow was hit and Captain Sherbrooke, although wounded in the face and eye, continued to instruct his ships until the Onslow, severely damaged, forced him to disengage. Placing the command to another senior officer, he took time to have his wounds dressed, but insisted on being kept in touch with the action.
Additional information:. Rear Admiral Sherbrooke was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), and held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
He was the son of Captain Henry and Flora Maud (nee Francklyn) Sherbrooke of Oxton Hall, Newark, Notts. He married Rosemary Neville in 1929 and had two daughters. He received his Victoria Cross from King George VI at Buckingham Palace in June 1943.
Further research required.

SHER SHAH. (reg No. 1139).
Lance-Naik. 16th Punjab Regiment. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 8th May 1945.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 14th February 1917 at Gkikerarala,(village), Mianwali District, Punjab, India.
Killed in action on 20th January 1945 at Kyeyebyin, Kaladan, Burma.
No known grave but Commemorated on the Rangoon War Memorial, Burma.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lance-Naik Sher Shah was commanding the left forward section of his platoon on 19th/20th January 1945, at Kyeyebyin, Kaladan, Burma, when a superior force of Japanese attacked them. By crawling into the midst of the enemy, and firing at point-blank range, he managed to break up two attacks. It was during the second attack that his leg was shattered. Maintaining that it was only a minor injury, on the third attack, he once more crawled forward, keeping the enemy engaged until he was finally shot in the head and killed.

SHERWOOD-KELLY, John. ( reg No. 673).
Lieutenant Colonel. Norfolk Regiment*
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is The National Museum of Military History, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Born on 13th January 1880 at Queenstown, Cape Province, South Africa.
Died on 18th August 1931 at Kensington, London.
Memorial on grave at Brookwood Cemetery, Woking, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
Major Sherwood-Kelly was leading a party of men, of another unit, on 20th November 1917, at Marcoing, France, to cover the passage of his battalion. When they were held up by heavy rifle fire directed at the bridge over the canal. He, at once, ordered covering fire and led the foremost company, of his battalion, across the canal. On reaching there, he proceeded to reconnoitre, all the time under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. His battalion's left flank was held up by a strongly barbed-wired entanglement. Crossing over to them, and with a Lewis gun, he managed to force his way through the obstacles, getting the gun into position on the opposite side, thus enabling his company to pass through the barbed wire and capture the position. On a later occasion, he led charges against gun pits that were aiming rifle and machine-gun fire at his men. He captured the pits, five machine guns and took 46 prisoners, apart from killing a large number of the enemy.
* Whilst commanding 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Sherwood-Kelly was a Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG). He also held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). From 1899 to 1902 he saw service in the Boer War. In 1919 he went with the Expeditionary Force to Russia.

SHIELDS, Robert. (Reg. No 1140)
Corporal 23rd Regiment (later the Royal Welch Fusiliers)
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857
Born on in 1827 at Cardiff, Wales.
Died on 23rd of December 1864.
No known memorials.
Digest of Citation reads:
At Sebastopol, in the Crimea, near the Redan, on 8th September 1855, Corporal Shields volunteered to go out with Assistant Surgeon Sylvester (reg.No 1199) to a most dangerous and exposed part of the front, to attend to and bring in a wounded officer, who later died.

SHORT, William Henry. (reg No. 1141).
Private. 8th Battalion. Yorkshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 9th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is The Green Howards Museum, Richmond, Yorkshire.
Born on 4th February 1884 at Eston, near Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Killed in action on 6th August 1916 at Munster Alley, France.
Memorial on grave at Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery, France and commemorated in Eston Cemetery, Yorkshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
Amongst the foremost during a bombing attack on the enemy on 6th August 1916, at Munster Alley, France, Private Short was severely wounded in the foot. Although urged to, he refused to go back for dressings and continued throwing bombs. Unable to stand, after his leg had been shattered by a shell, he sat, helping his comrades, by adjusting detonators and straightening pins for the bombs. For almost a year previously, he had always volunteered for dangerous assignments. He had always set a magnificent example of bravery and devotion to duty.
Additional information:. Private Short's Victoria Cross was awarded to his father, Mr J Short, at an Investiture on the 29th November 1916.

SHOUT, Alfred John.( Reg. No. 1142 )
Captain 1st Battalion (N S W) Australian Imperial Force
London Gazetted on 15th October 1915.
Born on 8th August 1882 in New Zealand you like
Died from wounds received on 11th August 1915 at Lone Pine, Gallipoli.
Memorials at Lone Pine Memorial and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th August 1915, at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, Captain Shout, with a very small party, charged along trenches that were strongly occupied by the enemy, and personally threw four bombs at them, killing eight and putting the remainder to flight. The same afternoond, from the position they had gained that morning, he captured a further length of trench under similar conditions, continuously to bombing the enemy at close range, all the time under very heavy fire, until he was severely wounded. He died on of his wounds shortly afterwards.

SIDNEY, William Philip. (reg No. 1143).
Major. 5th Battalion. Grenadier Guards.
London Gazetted on 30th March 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 23rd May 1909 at Chelsea, London.
Died on 5th April 1991 at Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent.
Memorial on family tomb at St John the Baptist Church, Penhurst, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
Major Sidney led an attack that was successful in driving out the enemy from a gully, during the period 7th/8th February 1944, after they'd penetrated into the Wadi, south-west of Carroceto Ridge. Along with a crew of a three inch mortar, he personally led an attack, using a Tommy gun and hand-grenades, driving them out of the gully. With the mortar attack continually firing, he and a 'handful' of men positioned themselves on the gully's edge in order to stave off the enemy, who were now attacking in some strength. The majority of Germans were kept at bay, but a number of them managed to get into a ditch 20 yards from Major Sidney's position. He attacked, with his Tommy gun, in full view of the enemy, engaging them at point-blank range and forcing them to withdraw,leaving behind several dead. On returning to the gully's edge, he ordered all back, apart from two Grenadier Guards, to collect ammunition and grenades. In their absence they were attacked again and Major Sidney was struck in the face by a grenade, which bounced off and exploded. One of the guardsmen was killed, whilst he and the other guardsman were both wounded. Single-handed, and with a thigh wound, Major Sidney held back the enemy for five minutes until their ammunition arrived, when they again forced back the enemy. The major, weak from loss of blood, was not able to be removed until darkness fell, owing to the closeness of the enemy.
Additional information:. Viscount de L'Isle,( Major William Philip Sidney) was made a Knight of the Garter. (KG); A Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). He is the son-in-law of Field Marshal Viscount Gort VC.
Further research required.

SIFTON, Ellis Welwood. (reg No. 1144).
Lance-Sergeant. 18th Battalion. Western Ontario Regiment. Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on the 18th June 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Elgin County Pioneer Museum, St Thomas, Ontario, Canada.
Born on 12th October 1891 at Wallacetown, Ontario, Canada.
Killed in action on 9th April 1917 at Neuville-St-Vaast, France.
Memorial on grave at Lichfield Crater Cemetery, Thelus, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an attack on enemy trenches at Neuville-St-Vaast, France, on 9th April 1917, Lance Sergeant Sifton's company received many casualties when they were held up by machine gun fire. There sergeant, having located the gun, single-handedly charged at it and killed all the crew. A small party of Germans moved down the trench towards him, these he held off using his bayonet and his rifle, as a club, until his comrades arrived. He was killed by a dying German, who rolled over, picked up and aimed a rifle at Lance Sergeant Sefton, during this action. His conspicuous Valour contributed greatly to the success of the operation and undoubtedly saved many lives.

SIMPSON, John. (reg No. 1145).
Quartermaster-Sergeant. 42nd Regiment. *
London Gazetted on the 27th May, 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is the County Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles, California.
Born on 29th January 1826 at Edinburgh.
Died on 27th October, 1883 at St Martin's, Perth, Scotland.
Memorial on grave at Balbeggie Churchyard, St Martin's, Perth, Scotland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 15th April 1858, during the attack on the Fort at Ruyha, Quartermaster-Sergeant Simpson volunteered to go to exposed point within 40 yards of the fort's Parapet, all the time under heavy fire, to rescue two severely wounded soldiers. The first one, Lieutenant Douglas was brought in and then Sergeant Simpson returned to bring in another, a private soldier.
* Black Watch. (Royal Perth Rifles)

SIMPSON, Rayene Stewart. (reg No. 1146).
Warrant Officer, Second Class. Australian Army Training Team. *
London Gazetted on 29th August 1969.
VC Medal's Custodian is Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 16th February 1926 at Redfern, New South Wales, Australia.
Died on 17th October 1978 at Tokyo, Japan.
Memorial on grave at Yokohama War Cemetery, Japan and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
Warrant Officer Simpson was in command of a mobile strike force of the 5th Special Forces Group serving in Vietnam. A platoon came under an extremely heavy engagement with the Vietcong and the Warrant Officer led his company to their assistance. With complete disregard for his own safety, he led the men in an assault on the enemy's left flank. During the assault, another Warrant Officer was seriously wounded and the assault began to waver. Under extremely heavy fire, and at the risk of his own life, Warrant Officer Simpson made his way across ground exposed, all the time, by fire and carried the wounded WO to safety. Returning to his company, he displayed a further disregard for himself when, crawling up to within 10 metres of the enemy position, he threw grenades into their midst. Unable to penetrate the enemy position, he ordered his men to retire. Throwing smoke grenades, he covered the withdrawal of the men as he carried a wounded comrade, along with five native soldiers.
On 11th May 1969, Warrant Officer Simpson, alone, and under enemy fire, placed himself between the enemy and the wounded, covered their withdrawal and their successful evacuation to the helicopter pad.
* Vietnam.
Additional information:. WO II Simpson also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) (For more details see www.vwip.org.)

SIMPSON, Walter. This name was an alias for EVANS, Arthur (Reg No. 388)

SIMS, John Joseph. (reg No. 1147).
Private. 34th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born in February 1836 at Bloomsbury, London.
Died on 14th September 1881 and Birmingham.
Memorial on plaque at exact place of his common grave in City of London Cemetery, Manor Park. London .(Ceremony on 11th April 2003)
Digest of Citation reads:
The Regiment had returned to the trenches after the assault on the Redan on 18th June 1855, Private SIMS went out, in broad daylight and under extremely heavy fire, into the open ground to bring back soldiers, who had been wounded, from outside the trenches.
* Border Regiment.
Additional information:. Army No. 3482, Private SIMS was presented with his Victoria Cross by her Majesty Queen Victoria on 26th June 1857, during the Investiture at a parade on Hyde Park.

SINNOTT, John. (reg No. 1148).
Lance-Corporal. 84th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is The York And Lancaster Regimental. Museum. (Family also claim to have original)
Born in 1829 at Wexford, Ireland.
Died on 20th July 1896 at Clapham, London.
Buried in an unmarked grave at Battersea New Cemetery, Morden.
Digest of Citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry shown at Lucknow, India on 6th October 1857. Lieutenant Ghibaut who had been carrying water out to extinguish a fire in the breast work, had been mortally wounded and was lying outside. Lance-Corporal Sinnott went to his rescue along with Sergeant Glynn and Sergeant Mullins and Private Mullins. They managed to recover his body under extremely heavy fire. Lance-Corporal Sinnott received two wounds during the rescue.
* York and Lancaster Regiment.
Additional information:. Lance-corporal Sinnott, later promoted to sergeant, was elected to receive the Victoria Cross, under rule 13, being elected by the soldiers of his regiment.. He also held the Mutiny Medal with two clasps and the Good Conduct Medal, which carried a gratuity of £10.
He joined the Army on the 24th October 1849, enlisting in Dublin, Ireland in the 84th (York and Lancaster). Regiment, With them he saw service in India from 1850-59; in Malta in 1868. He was discharged from the army on 22nd March 1870 and drew a pension of 14 shillings a week.

SINTON, John Alexander. (reg No. 1149).
Captain. Indian Medical Service.
London Gazetted 21st June 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Army Medical Services Museum, Aldershot, Hampshire.
Born on the 2nd December 1884 at British Columbia, Canada.
Died on 25th March 1956 at Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland.
Memorial on grave at Cregan Churchyard, County Tyrone, Ireland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21 January 1916 at the Orah Ruins, Mesopotamia (Iraq),although Captain Alexander had been shot through both arms and had also been wounded in the side, he refused to be taken to hospital and continued to attend to the wounded,under extremely heavy fire, as long as the daylight lasted. He also displayed extreme gallantry on three previous occasions.
Additional information:. Captain Alexander VC also held the Order of the British Empire (OBE) MB., DPH.,Camb. & Belfast DTM., Liverpool. B,Ch., BAO., RUI. He was educated at Queen's College, Belfast, was at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, worked in pathology at the Ulster Eye Throat and Ear Hospital.

SKINNER, John. (reg No. 1150).
Company Sergeant-Major. 1st Battalion. King's Own Scottish Borderers.
London Gazetted on 14th September 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the King's Own Scottish Borderers Museum, The Barracks, Berwick. TD15 1DG.
Born on 26th October 1881 at Pollockshields, Glasgow.
Died on 17th March 1918 at Vlamertinghe, Belgium.
Memorial on grave at Vlamertinghe British Cemetery, Belgium.
Digest of Citation reads:
Machine-gun fire opened up on the left flank whilst Company Sergeant-Major Skinner's company was attacking at Orah Ruins, Mesopotamia (Iraq),on the 18th August 1917, causing the advance to be delayed. Although he was wounded, in the head, he and six men worked their way around the left flank of the three block houses from where the fire was emanating. He succeeded in taking the first Blockhouse single handed, then he led his six men towards the other two. They skilfully cleared the block houses capturing two trench mortars, three machine guns and taking 60 prisoners.
Additional information:. Sergeant-Major Skinner also held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) which was presented to him by King George V on a visit to Glasgow. He served in the Boer War where he was wounded three times. He was wounded six times in the European War (WW I).

SLEAVON, Michael. (reg No. 1151).
Corporal. Corps of Royal Engineers.
London Gazetted on 11th November 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born in 1827 at Magheraculmoney, County Fermanagh, Ireland.
Died on the 14th August 1902 at Ederney, County Fermanagh, Ireland.
Memorial on grave at Bannagh Roman Catholic Churchyard, Tubrid, County Fermanagh, Ireland.
Digest of Citation reads:.
On 3rd April 1858 during the attack on the fort at Jhansi, India, Corporal Sleavon maintained his position at the head of the Sap *, working continually under extremely heavy fire with a cool and calm determination.
* A tunnel or trench to conceal a fortified place.
Additional information:. Corporal Sleavon's Victoria Cross was sold on 22nd January 1903 for £53 in London.

SMITH, Alfred (reg. No 1152. (listed as Albert in VC 1856-1920)
Gunner Royal Regiment of Artillery
London Gazetted on 12th May 1885
Born in 1861 at London.
Died on 6th January 1932 at Plumstead, Kent.
Memorial on grave at Wych Hill Cemetery, Plumstead, Kent.(Headstone donated 1986)
Digest of Citation reads:
On 17 January 1885 at Abu Klea, Sudan, Gunner Smith saved a lieutenant who was being attacked by a native. The officer was superintending his gun at time and had no weapon in his hand, but Gunner Smith warded off the thrust of the spear, giving the lieutenant time to draw his sword and bring the assailant to his knees. The latter, however, made a wild thrust at the officer with a long knife, which Gunner Smith again warded off, but not before the lieutenant was wounded. The gunner then managed to kill the native before he could attack again.
Additional information: In the Book The Victoria Cross Gunner Smith's forename is recorded as Albert. The report in this book is as follows: At the action of Abu Klea, on the 17th Jan. 1885, when the enemy charged the square fell back a short distance leaving Lieutenant Guthrie, Royal Artillery , with his gun ina comparatively unprotected position. At this moment a native rushed at Lieut. Guthrie with a spear, and would have in all probability killed that officer, who had no weapon in his hand at the time (being engaged in the superintending of his gun). when Gunner Smith with a gun hand-spike warded off the thrust, thus giving Lieut. Guthrie time to draw his sword, and with a blow bring the assailant to his knees, but as the latter fell he made a wild thrust at the officer with a long knife, which Gunner Smith again warded off, not, however, before the native had managed to inflict a wound in Lieut. Guthrie's thigh. Before the Sudani could repeat the thrust, Gunner Smith killed him with the hand-spike and thus for a time saved the life of his officer, though the latter unfortunately Died on some days afterwards from his wounds.
Gunner Smith was discharged from the Army Reserve on the 4th December 1889.

SMITH, Alfred Victor. (reg No. 1153).
Second Lieutenant. 1st/5th Battalion. East Lancashire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 3rd March 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is Towneley Hall Museum, Burnley, Lancs.
Born on 22nd July 1891 at Guildford, Surrey.
Killed in an heroic act on 23rd December, 1915, at Helles, Gallipoli.
Memorial on grave at Twelve Trees Copse Cemetery, Gallipoli; also in St Catherine's Church, Burnley and St John's Church, Blackpool, Lancashire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 23rd December, 1915, Second Lieutenant Smith, whilst in the act of throwing a grenade, it slipped from his grasp, the grenade falling into the bottom of the trench. The trench containing many officers and men. He shouted a warning to them and made for a place of safety. The officers and men were unable to get to cover, and the grenade was about to explode. Without hesitation, Second Lieutenant Smith, came from cover and threw himself upon the grenade, covering it. The explosion killed him instantly. His act of self-sacrifice are undoubtedly saved many lives.
Additional information:. Second Lieutenant Alfred Smith was the son of the Chief Constable of Burnley, William Henry Smith and his wife Louisa (née Green). He also held the Croix de Guerre of France. Educated at Hatfield School, St Albans and Burnley Grammar School. He entered the Army on October 10th, 1914 and was sent to Gallipoli.

SMITH, Archibald Bissett. (reg No. 1154).
Lieutenant. Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 24th May, 1919.
VC Medal's Custodian is the P and O Steam Navigation Company, 79, Pall Mall, London.
Born on 19th December 1878 at Cults, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Drowned on the 10th March 1917, when he went down with his ship, SS Otaki.
Memorials on Tower Hill Memorial, London; the Otaki Shield and Travel Scholarship, and at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Smith was commanding SS Otaki, when around 2:30pm on 10th March 1917 she was sighted by the German raider, Moewe, in disguise. She was armed with four 5.9 in., one 4.1 in., and 22 pounder guns, and two torpedo tubes. The Otaki had only one 4.7 in., gun for defence purposes. The German ship kept the Otaki under observation for some time before calling upon her to stop. Lieutenant Smith refused and a short engagement of 20 minutes ensued at around 2000 yards. The Otaki hit the Moewe several times causing severe damage, including a fire which burned for three days. The Otaki, herself, received several casualties and was also burning fiercely. Lieutenant Smith gave the order to abandon ship, but he remained on board and went down with her. The British Colours were still flying. The Germans later described the engagement as, "a duel as gallant as naval history can relate."

SMITH, Clement Leslie. (reg No. 1155).
Lieutenant. 2nd Battalion. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 7th June 1904.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Museum, The Keep, Bodmin, Cornwall.
Born on 17th January 1878 at Whippingham, Isle of Wight.
Died on 14th December 1927 at Alassio, Italy.
Memorial on grave in English Cemetery, Alassio, Italy.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 10th January 1904, at the commencement of the fighting at Jidballi, in Somaliland, the enemy made a sudden attack on the 5th Somali Mounted Infantry, under the cover of bushes close by. Supported by rifle fire they rapidly got right amongst our men. Lieutenant Smith, Somali Mounted Infantry and Lieutenant Welland M D of the RAMC., went out to help and rescue Hospital Assistant Rahamat-Ali, who lay wounded. The speed of the enemy advance made it impossible for them to bring him out of the action on a horse and Rahamat-Ali was killed. Lieutenant Smith then did his utmost to bring out Lieutenant Welland by mounting him on a horse, when that was shot he placed him on a mule. This was also shot and Lieutenant Welland was speared. Lieutenant Smith stayed with the doctor to the end, and when he was killed, he was only a few paces away, using his revolver to keep the Dervishes away. He was lucky to escape with his life as the Dervishes were all about him.
Additional information: Brigadier General Smith, VC., MC. Was the son of the Reverend Canon Clement Smith MVO., and his wife, Mary Eliza (née Spurling). On 5th May 1900, he joined the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry from the Volunteers, serving on a the Staff in the Boer War. (Queen's Medal and five Clasps). Promoted to Lieutenant on 9th August 1902. On 15th May 1903 he went to Somaliland for one year serving as a Special Service Officer, taking part in the action at Jidballi, where he won his Victoria Cross as well as being mentioned in despatches, and receiving the Medal with two clasps.
Further research required.

SMITH, Edward. (reg No. 1156).
Lance-Sergeant. 1st/5th Battalion. Lancashire Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 22nd October 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 10th November 1898 at Maryport, Cumberland.
Killed in action on 12th January 1940, in France.
Memorial on grave at the Beuvry Communal Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France and on the Maryport War Memorial, Cumberland.
Digest of Citation reads:
In the period 21st/23rd August, 1918, at Serre, France, whilst in command of a platoon, Sergeant Smith personally took a machine-gun post by rushing it with a rifle and bayonet. The Germans, on seeing him charging forward, scattered and threw grenades at him. Oblivious of any danger, and without stopping his rush on the enemy, Sergeant Smith shot and killed at least six Germans. Later on, another platoon required assistance, on seeing this he led his men to join them, taking command of the situation, and capturing the objective. The following day, during the enemy counter-attack, he led his section forward and was able to restore a portion of the line.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Edward Benn Smith VC., DCM., was the son of Able Seaman Charles Henry Smith RNR., and his wife Martha. ( daughter of John Benn RNR.). He served with the 2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers in World War Two. (WW2).
Further research required.

SMITH, Ernest Alvia. (reg. No.1157)
Private. Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
London Gazetted on 20th December 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 3rd May 1914 at New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
Resident in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada .
Attended VC dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May 2003
Digest of Citation reads:
Private Smith of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, was in the spearhead of the attack to establish a bridgehead over the River Savio, in Northern Italy on the night of the 21st and 22nd October 1944, which they did, inspite of strong enemy opposition At a range of 30 feet, and in full view of the enemy, Private Smith put a German tank out of action with a Projector, Infantry Anti-Tank gun. (PIAT). Again, he destroyed a second tank as well as two self-propelled guns, whilst protecting a wounded soldier. He also routed a body of enemy infantry with a Thomson machine-gun at point-blank range. He kept more enemy infantry engaged, using some abandoned Tommy gun magazines from a ditch, until they withdrew in disarray.
Additional information:. Private Ernest A. Smith, known as Smokey, was educated at Herbert Spencer Elementary School and the Trapp Technical High School. He attended the VC dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May 2003 with other living VC recipients.

SMITH, Frederick Augustus. (reg No 1158).
Captain. 43rd Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 4th November 1864.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 18th November 1826 at Dublin, Ireland.
Died on the 22nd July 1887 at Duleek, County Meath, Ireland.
Buried in an unmarked grave in Duleek, County Meath, Ireland.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an engagement at Tauanga, New Zealand, Captain Smith led his company, in a most gallant manner, in an attack on the Maori position. Although wounded before reaching the rifle pits, he jumped in and began a hand to hand fight with the occupants, giving his own men great encouragement as well as setting a fine example.
* Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Smith's army career began with the 1st Foot Regiment, when he became an Ensign on the 1st January 1849, making Lieutenant on 30th April 1852; Captain on 30 the March 1855, Brevet-Major in 1865 and a Major in 1868, eventually becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in 1875. He served in the Crimea at Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol, getting the Campaign Medal with three clasps. He also got the Turkish Medal. As a captain with the first Battalion 43rd Regiment he served in New Zealand and was engaged in the battles at Maketu and Tauranga, the latter being where he won a VC.

SMITH, Henry. (reg No. 1159).
Lance-Corporal. 52nd Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 24th April 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester.
Born in 1825 at Thames Ditton, Surrey.
Died on 18th August 1862 at Gwalior, India.
Buried in a mass grave in the cemetery at Gwalior, India.
Digest of Citation reads:
Under extremely heavy fire of grape-shot and musket on the Chandee Chouch, * In the City of Delhi, India on the 14th September 1857, during the assault, Lance-Corporal Smith most gallantly carried a wounded comrade to safety.
*2nd Battn. Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
Additional information:. Sergeant Smith had been in No. 3: when it was fighting his way towards the famous silver bazaar, Chandee Chouch, when they were met with resistance from the rebels. They were forced to retire, holding the Bagam Bagh for over an hour and a half, before falling back to the church. Colonel Campbell dispersed his depleted force in the church and in the surrounding houses, their guns covering the two streets leading to the city centre. It was during this time that Sergeant Smith had made the rescue that won him the Victoria Cross.
Sergeant Smith's Victoria Cross and Indian Mutiny Medal were auctioned for £70, in July 1896 at Sotheby and Wilkinson's. They were bought by the officers of the 52nd Regiment and now reside in the Royal Green Jackets Museum in Winchester.

SMITH, Issy. (reg No. 1160).
Corporal. 1st Battalion. Manchester Regiment.
London Gazetted on 23rd August, 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on the 16th September, 1886 at London.
Died on 11th September 1940 at Melbourne, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Fawkner Cemetery, Melbourne, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 26th April 1915, East and South of the city of Ypres, Belgium, Corporal Smith went, on his own initiative, a considerable way forward towards the enemy positions, to the assistance of a severely wounded man. He then carried the man to safety, a distance of 250 yards, all of the time under extremely heavy machine gun and rifle fire. He further displayed great gallantry, in assisting, voluntarily, in bringing in many more wounded men throughout the day, during a time when casualties were heavy. He attended to them with the greatest devotion to duty and without regard for his personal safety.
Additional information:. Corporal Smith did the above rescues along with Sergeant J Bates; Corporal Dervin and Private F Richardson. The others were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

SMITH, John. (reg No. 1161).
Private. 1st Madras Fusiliers.*
London Gazetted on 24th December, 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on in July 1822 in the parish of St Luke, London.
Died on 6th May 1866 at Taujore,Trichinopoly, India.
Buried in unmarked grave in Taujore Cemetery, Trichinopoly, India.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th November, 1857 at Lucknow, India, Private Smith was one of the first to enter Secundra Bagh when the gateway on the north side had been burst open. He was immediately surrounded by the enemy but not withstanding the fact that he received a sword cut on their head, a bayonet wound on the left side and bruising from the butt-end of a musket, he fought his way out and continued to perform his duties for the rest of the day.
* Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
Additional information:. Private Smith was elected, under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant, by the Regiment for the Victoria Cross.

SMITH, James. (reg No. 1162).
Corporal. East Kent Regiment *
London Gazetted on 21st April, 1899.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum.
Born in 1871 at Maidstone, Kent.
Died on 18th March 1946 at Dartford, Kent.
Memorial on grave at Watling Street Burial Ground, Dartford, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the night of 16th/17th September, 1897, in the Mamund Valley, North-West India, Corporal Smith, with other men, responded to a call for volunteers and followed two officers of the Royal Engineers, Lieutenant J.M.C. Colvin (reg No. 238)and Lieutenant T.C .Watson (reg No. 1282), into the burning village of Bilot, in an attempt to dislodge the enemy. Afterwards, although wounded, Corporal Smith continued fighting steadily and coolly, and also helped to carry the wounded to the place prepared for them. When one of the officers left in order to get help, the corporal held the position until his return, exposing himself to great danger and directing the fire of his men.
*The Buffs.

SMITH, James. (reg No. 1163). (his real name was James Alexander GLENN).
Private. 3rd Battalion, Border Regiment. (attached to 2nd Battalion).
London Gazetted on 18th February, 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Kings Own Royal Borderes and Borderers Museum, Carlisle, Cumbria.
Born on 5th January, 1881 at Workington, Cumberland.
Died on 21st May 1968 at Bramble Farm, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st December 1914 at Rouges Bancs, France, Private Smith along with Private Acton (Reg No.5) voluntarily went out from their trench and rescued a wounded man who had been lying exposed against the enemy's trenches for 15 hours. On the same day they again left their trench under heavy fire to bring in another wounded man. They were under fire for 60 minutes while conveying the wounded men to safety.

SMITH, John. (reg No. 1164).
Sergeant. Bengal Sappers and Miners.
London Gazetted on 27th April 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born in February 1814 at Ticknal, Derbyshire.
Died from dysentery on 26th June 1864 at Jullundur, India.
Memorial long grave at the Artillery Cemetery,Jullundur, India.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 14th September 1857, at the Kashmir Gate, Delhi, India, Sergeant John Smith showed conspicuous gallantry, along with Lieutenant Salkeld and a Lieutenant Home, 8 Sappers and Bugler Hawthorne, in the performance of their duty blowing in the Kashmir Gate, of the fortress, in daylight. All the time the action took place under heavy, destructive musket-fire from the fort. (This is all that is virtually stated in the citation.)
His name appears on the Kashmir Gate but reports him as killed.
More to be added.

SMITH, John Manners. (reg No. 1165).
Lieutenant. Indian Staff Corps. *
London Gazetted on the 12th July, 1892.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Gurkha Museum, Winchester.
Born on 30th August 1864 at Lahore, India.
Died on 6th January 1920 at London.
Memorial on grave at Kensal Green Cemetery and on a plaque in the Sanctum Crypt, St Luke's, Chelsea, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
For conspicuous bravery, during the Hunza campaign, whilst leading a storming party at the attack on a strong enemy position near Nilt, India, on 20th December 1891. The position, owing to the terrain, was an extremely strong one and had prevented the force's advance for 17 days. It was eventually breached by two small parties of 50 Riflemen, the first of which, was under the command of Lieutenant Smith. It was, owing to his splendid leadership and dash, he displayed so well, that the attack was a success and the post captured. For almost four hours, on the face of an almost precipitous cliff, he carefully moved the handful of men from place to place. The difficulties of the terrain, which included showers of stones from above, made it that he was unable, in this position, to defend himself from any attack the enemy may choose to make. He was the first to reach the summit, at a place within a few yards of the enemy's stone breastwork around the post. They immediately rushed the enemy, Lieutenant Smith pistolling the first man.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Smith was made a Companion, The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (CIE), as well as a Commander, The Royal Victorian Order (CVO).
He was the son of Surgeon-General Charles Manners Smith F. R. C. S. He was educated at Trinity College, Stratford-upon-Avon; King Edward VI School, Norfolk and Sandhurst.
A Lieutenant in 1883 in the Norfolk Regiment, 1885 the Indian Staff Corps; 3rd Sikhs and from 1885-87,the Fifth Gurkha Rifles.
Further research required.

SMITH, Philip. (reg No. 1166).
Corporal. 17th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Leicestershire Regiment Museum, Leicester .
Born in 1825 at Lurgan, County Armagh, Ireland.
Died on 16th January 1906 at Harold's Cross, Dublin.
Memorial on grave * at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 18th June, 1855, in the Crimea, Corporal Smith repeatedly went out, after the column had retired from the assault, in front of the advanced trenches against the Great Redan, to bring in wounded comrades,all of the time under an extremely heavy fire from the enemy.
* Leicestershire Regiment.
* Headstone bears the name Scully.

SMYTH, John George. (reg No. 1167).
Lieutenant. 15th Ludhiana Sikhs. Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 29th June 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is Imperial War Museum, Kennington.
Born on 24th October 1893 at Teignmouth, Devon.
Died on 26th April 1983 in London.
Brigadier Smyth was cremated at Golders Green, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 18th May 1915, Lieutenant Smyth, with a party of 10 men, all volunteers, carried two boxes, containing a total of 96 bombs, across exceptionally exposed and dangerous ground, to within 20 yards of the German positions. Two previous attempts to do so, having failed. With the aid of two men, the remainder of the small party having been killed or wounded, Lieutenant Smyth, succeeded in his task of taking the bombs after having had to swim a stream all the time exposed to heavy howitzer, machine gun and rifle fire and shrapnel.
Additional information:. Brigadier John Smyth, also held the Military Cross (MC) as well as the Russian Order of St George. He was the son of William John Smyth, of the Indian Civil Service, and his wife Lilian May. (née Clifford). His education began at Oxford Preparatory School, Repton School, Derbyshire and Sandhurst.
His military career proper, started when he joined the Indian Army on 24th August 1912 as an unattached Second Lieutenant. On 5th November 1913 he joined the 15th at Ludhiana Sikhs, being promoted to Lieutenant on the 24th November, 1914. He served with the Lahore Division in September 1914 until August 1915. One month after winning the VC he was Mentioned in Despatches on 22nd June 1915. He was promoted to Captain and later became the Brigade Major of the 43rd Brigade. He saw service in Egypt, defending the canal in August 1915, in the Senussi campaign from November 1915 to February 1916. He took part in the Mohmand blockade in October 1916.
As a captain he married Evelyn Monica Robertson.
Further research required.

SMYTH, Nevill Maskelyne. (reg No. 1168).
Captain. 2nd Dragoon Guards.
London Gazetted on 15th November 1898.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 14th August 1868 at Westminster, London.
Died on 21st July 1941 at Balmoral, Victoria, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Balmoral Cemetery, Victoria, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the Battle of Khartoum on the 2nd September, 1898, Captain Smyth rode his horse at a gallop and attacked an Arab who had been running amok amongst some camps followers. Captain Smyth was wounded by a spear in doing so, but he killed the Arab. By doing this, he saved the life of at least one camp follower.
Additional information:. Major General Sir Nevill Smyth was created a Knight Commander of the Bath (KCB). His decorations included,Cross of Commander of the Order of Leopold; the Croix de Guerre of Belgium; and the Légion d'Honneur of France.
He served throughout the European War (WW I) commanding the 1st Australian Infantry Brigade in the Dardanelles, and on the Western Front commanded the 2nd Australian Division.
Further research required.

SMYTHE, Quentin George Murray. (reg No. 1169).
Sergeant. Royal Natal Carabiniers. South African Forces.
London Gazetted on 11th September 1942.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 6th August 1916 at Nottingham Road, Natal, South Africa.
Digest of Citation reads:
During an attack on an enemy strong point in the Alam Hamza area of the Western Desert on 5th June 1942, Sergeant Smythe took command of the platoon, even though he himself had been wounded in the head, after his officer had been severely wounded causing him to be incapacitated. The troops came under enfilade fire from an enemy machine gun nest. Sergeant Smythe, using hand-grenades, attacked it and captured the crew. He continued to lead, even though he was weak from loss of blood. They stalked and anti-tank position, where he again attacked, single-handed, and, after killing several of the enemy, captured it.

SOMERS, James. (reg No. 1170).
Sergeant. 1st Battalion. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on the 1st September 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 12th June 1884 at Belterbet, County Cavan, Ireland.
Died on 7th May 1918 at Cloughgordon, Tipperary, Ireland.
Memorial on grave at St Kiernan's Churchyard, Cloughgordon, Tipperary, Ireland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 1st-2nd July 1915 in the southern zone of the Gallipoli Peninsular, when, because of hostile Turkish bombing, some of our troops and retired from a sap *. Sergeant Somers, alone, remained on the spot until bombs were brought in by a supply party. Freshly armed with these bombs, he then climbed over into the Turkish Trench and attacked the Turks with great effect. Later, under extremely heavy fire, advancing into the open, he held back the enemy until a barricade had been established by attacking the enemy flank with bombs. He continually returned to the trenches, during this time, to replenish his supplies of bombs. Thanks to his gallantry and coolness under fire, Sergeant Somers was largely instrumental in the recapture of our trench, which had been lost to the Turks.
*Tunnel or trench to conceal assailant's approach.
Additional information:. Sergeant Somers had joined Royal Munster Fusiliers, and the Special Reserve, on 14th January 1913, becoming a regular on 16th July of the same year. On 23rd August to 23rd October 1914 he served in France. He went to Gallipoli where he served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force until March 1916, returning to France on 4th April that year. He transferred to the Royal Army Service Corps on the 1st April 1917.

SPACKMAN, Charles Edward. ( reg No. 1171).
Sergeant. 1st Battalion. Border Regiment.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 11th January, 1891 at Fulham, London.
Died on 7th May 1969 at Southampton, Hampshire.
Sergeant Spackman was cremated at Swaythling Crematorium, Southampton, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
When the leading company was held up by extremely heavy machine gun fire which had been mounted to cover the approaches. The ground was devoid of any kind of cover. Realising this situation and observing that it was impossible for the troops to advance, Sergeant Speckman made his way through the fire to attack the machine gun. Gradually making his way forward, he managed to kill all but one of the gun crew. Then, rushing forward at the gun, he managed to capture it single-handed and enable the advance to continue. He set a fine example of courage to his men.
Additional information:. His Army No. 9522.

SPALL, Robert. (reg No. 1172).
Sergeant. Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. * Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 26th October 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is Princess Patricia's Light Infantry Museum, Calgary, Canada.
Born on 5th March 1890 at Brentford, Middlesex.
Killed in action on 13th August 1918 near Parvillers, France.
Memorial is on the Vimy Memorial, France. Sergeant Spall has no known grave.
Digest of Citation reads:
Sergeant Spall's Platoon became isolated during an enemy counter attack on the 12th 13th August 1918 near Parvillers, France. Taking a Lewis gun, he stood on a Parapet and fired upon the advancing enemy causing them to suffer many casualties. He came down from the trench, directing his men into a Sap, 75 yards from the enemy. Taking up another Lewis gun, he again mounted the Parapet and held up the enemy with his fire. During this action he was killed but thanks to his courage and the giving of his life, the platoon was saved.
* Eastern Ontario Regiment.

SPEAKMAN,* William. (reg. No. 1173)
Private. Black Watch attached to the King's Own Scottish Borderers (1st Battalion)
London Gazetted on 28th December 1951.
Born on 21st September 1927 at Altrincham, Cheshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
Private Speakman's section was holding the left shoulder of his company's position when its casualties caused it to be seriously depleted. At that time they were being over-run by thousands of Chinese. On his own initiative, Private Speakman, collected a pile of grenades, and he led six others as they carried out a series of charges. These charges had the effect of breaking up several of the enemy attacks, causing them heavy casualties. Even after he was wounded, by shrapnel, he continued to lead charge after charge. The battle went on for six hours and when they ran out of ammunition they threw rocks and stones, in fact, anything they could lay their hands on. In all, he led 15 counter-charges, delaying the enemy long enough to allow for his company's safe withdrawal.
Additional information:. In a report in the 'Times' on the 8th July 2003, it stated that Bill Speakman-Pitts was now 75 years of age. He was the last surviving VC of the Korean War. He left the Army in 1969 after serving 25 years. Being unable to get work, he decided to go to sea, signing on with the Union Castle Line which was operating between Southampton and South Africa. He said that he liked South Africa so much, that he decided to settle down there. He now lives in Durban.
William Speakman-Pitts attended VC dedication at Westminster Abbey on 14th May 2003and on the 20th May 2003, he unveiled a plaque on a bridge, a flyover supporting a dual carriageway linking the Woodlands and Stockport Roads.
He returned to live in England and now lives at Altrincham, Cheshire

*Now Speakman-Pitts

SPENCE, David. (reg No. 1174).
Troop Sergeant-Major. 9th Lancers. *
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian 9th/12th Royal Lancers Museum, The Strand, Derby.
Born in 1818 at Inverkeithing, Fife, Scotland.
Died on 17th April 1877 at Lambeth, London.
Unmarked grave at Lambeth Cemetery, London.
Digest of Citation reads:.
Troop Sergeant-Major Spence went to the assistance of Private Kidd, on 17th January 1858 at Shunsabad, India, during the Indian Mutiny. Private Kidd had been wounded and his horse had been disabled, Troop Sergeant-Major Spence succeeded in rescuing the wounded man from a large party of rebels.
* Queen's Royal Lancers.
Additional information:. On leaving the 9th Lancers, he became a Yeoman of the Guard.

SPENCE, Edward. (reg No. 1175).
Private. 42nd Regiment. *
London Gazetted on the 27th May, 1859 and 15th January 1907.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Black Watch Museum, Balhousie Castle, Perth, Scotland.
Born on 28th December, 1837 at Dumfries, Scotland.
Died of his wounds on 17th April, 1858, received in the action, during which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Buried in unmarked grave at Ruhya, Oude, India.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the attack at Ford Ruhya on 15th April 1858, during the Indian Mutiny, Privates Spence volunteered along with Lance-Corporal Thompson and others, to assist Captain Cafe, Commanding the 4th Punjab Rifles, in bringing in the body of Lieutenant Willoughby from the top of a glacis *. Privates Spence fearlessly, by placing himself in an exposed position, covered the party of men as they carried the Lieutenant's body away.
* Black Watch, the Royal Highlanders.
* Glacis, a slope down from a fortification, where the attackers are fully exposed to the fire of the defenders.
Additional information:. The account of his bravery was formally Gazetted on 27th May 1859. On 15th January 1907 it appeared again in the Gazette, along with Coghill and Melvill of the Zulu War. It was stated that had he survived he would have been awarded the Victoria Cross by her Majesty Queen Victoria. Privates Spence's representatives received the Victoria Cross from King Edward VII. Captain Cafe and Lance-Corporal Thompson also received the Victoria Cross.

STAGPOOLE, Dudley. (reg No. 1176).
Drummer. 57th Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 22nd September 1864.
VC Medal's Custodian is Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment and Queen's Regiment, Regimental HQ., Howe Barracks, Canterbury.
Born in 1838 at Killunan, County Galway, Ireland.
Died on 1st August 1911 at Ware, Hertfordshire.
Memorial on grave at Hendon Park Cemetery, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
At Pontoko, New Zealand, on 2nd October 1863, Drummer Stagpoole and Ensign Down, of the 57th Regiment, succeeded in bringing in a wounded man lying about 50 yards from the bush, all the time under a very heavy fire from the bush and some logs at very close range. The man had been wounded whilst engaged with rebel natives. Ensign Down and Drummer Stagpoole immediately responded to the call for volunteers.
* Middlesex Regiment, Duke of Cambridge's Own.
Additional information:. Drummer Stagpoole had the Distinguished Conduct Medal conferred upon him for action in the Field on the 25th September, 1863. On this day near Kaipakopako, Drummer Stagpoole, although wounded in the head, volunteered twice and went out to bring in wounded men.

STANLACK, * William. (reg No. 1177).
Private. Coldstream Guards.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is Coldstream Guards Regimental Headquarters, Wellington Barracks, London.
Born on 31st October 1830 at Halwill, Okehampton, Devon.
Died on 24th April 1904 at Camberwell, London.
Memorial on grave *^ at Camberwell Old Cemetery, London.
Digest of Citation reads:
Whilst employed as a sharpshooter, Private Stanlock volunteered to reconnoitre at a place near Inkerman, Crimea on 26th October 1854. Although warned of the dangers he would encounter he managed to crawl within six yards of an enemy sentry and gain information which he brought back and gave to the officer in charge of the party, Captain Goodlake, enabling him to launch a surprise attack.
*Or Stanlake, or Stanlock. He is recorded at Guards Regimental HQ, as Stanlack .
*^ Headstone erected on grave in 1987.
Additional information:. William Stanlack joined the Coldstream Guards on 27th July 1852, at the age of 19. As well as the Victoria Cross, he held the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM); the Medal for the Crimean Campaign with four Clasps and the Turkish Medal. In spite of his distinctions, Private Stanlack, during his ten year service with the Coldstream Guards, was never promoted.

STANNARD, Richard Been. (reg No. 1178).
Lieutenant. Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 16th August 1940.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 21st August 1902, at Blyth, Northumberland.
Died on 22nd July 1977 at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Memorial on grave at Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
HMS Arab survived 31 bombing attacks in the five days from 28th April to 2nd May 1940. Lieutenant Stannard held the Arab's bows against the Wharf at Namsos, Norway, whilst he fought a fire,after enemy bombs had set fire to tons of hand-grenades stored there,. After two hours he had to give up as the situation was hopeless. Placing the Arab under a sheltering cliff he landed his crew and the crews of two other trawlers ashore, setting up a camp. Off-duty crew rested whilst the rest, under Lieutenant Stannard attacked enemy aircraft. During the night he kept up an anti-submarine watch. Whilst leaving the Fjiord he was attacked by a German bomber who ordered him to sail east into captivity, or be sunk. Lieutenant Stannard maintained his course until the enemy bomber came within 800 yards when the Arab opened fire, bringing the bomber down. His continuous gallantry, throughout the action, and his resourcefulness and enterprise, brought heavy losses to the Germans. By his actions he also saved many lives and his ship.
Additional information:. Captain Stannard was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). He also held the Norwegian War Cross. He was a member of the Hon. Company of Master Mariners. He served as the Marine Superintendent of the Pacific and Orient Lines of Australia.

STARCEVICH, Leslie Thomas. (reg No. 1179).
Private. 2nd/43rd Battalion. * Australian Military Forces.
London Gazetted on 8th November 1945.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Army Museum of Western Australia, Artillery Barracks, Fremantle, Australia.
Born on 5th September 1918 at Subiaco, Western Australia.
Died on 17th November 1989 at Grass Patch, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
Memorials are on a tablet at Beaufort, North Borneo.* and on the Australian War Memorial at Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
In the action at Beaufort, North Borneo, on 25th May 1945, the leading section suffered many casualties from the heavy fire of two Japanese machine gun posts. Private Starcevich, a Bren gunner, went forward and attacked each of these posts, in turn, killing five Japanese and causing the rest to flee. When the section was again held up later, using similar tactics, he captured two more posts single-handed, killing seven more of the enemy.
* South Australia.

STATTON, Percy Clyde. (reg No. 1180).
Sergeant. 40th Battalion. * Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on the 27th September 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 21st October 1890 at Beaconsfield, Tasmania.
Died on the 5th December, 1959 at Hobart, Tasmania.
Memorials at Cornelian Bay Crematorium, Hobart, Tasmania and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the 12th August 1918, whilst in command of a platoon that had reached its objective near Proyet, France, the remainder of the Battalion having been held up by heavy enemy machine-gun fire, Sergeant Statton expertly engaged the two machine-gun posts with a Lewis gun. His skilled firing of the gun enabled the remainder of the Battalion to advance. His battalion's advance on the left had been halted by more heavy machine-gun fire. The first detachments in the assault being put out of action taking the first of the guns. Sergeant Statton, in broad daylight and armed only with a revolver rushed for enemy machine-gun posts in succession. Two of these he disposed of, killing five of the enemy. The two remaining posts were wiped out with Lewis gun fire after retiring. That same evening, under extremely heavy machine-gun fire, he ventured out and brought back two severely wounded men. It was due mainly to Sergeant Statton's determined gallantry, and the setting of his fine example of quick-thinking ,that the attack was a success.
* Tasmania.
Additional information:. Sergeant Statton, Army No. 506, was also awarded the Military Medal (MM).

STEELE, Gordon Charles. (reg No. 1181).
Lieutenant. Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 11th November 1919.
VC Medal's Custodian is Trinity House, Tower Hill, London. EC3N 4DH.
Born on the 1st November 1892 at Exeter, Devon.
Died on 4th January 1981, at Winkleigh, Okehampton, Devon.
Memorial on grave at All Saints Cemetery, Winkleigh, Okehampton, Devon.
Digest of Citation reads:
At Kronstadt, Russia, whilst second in command of Coastal Motor Boat 88, on 18th August 1919, his commanding officer having been killed and the boat thrown off course, Lieutenant Steele took the wheel and after steadying the boat, lifted the dead commanding officer away from the steering position. He then torpedoed the Russian Battleship Andrei Pervozanni from a range of 100 yards. After manoeuvring CMB 88 in a very confined space to take a clear shot at another Battleship, the Petropavlosk, prior to taking the CMB to the safety of the bay.
Additional information:. Commander Steele was the author of two books, Electrical Knowledge for Ship's Officers and The Story of the Worcester. He was, from 1929 to 1957, the Captain Superintendent of the training ship HMS Worcester, and in World War II served as Anti-Submarine Commander and the Inspector of Anti-Submarine Equipment.

STEELE, Thomas. (reg No. 1182).
Sergeant. 1st. Battalion. Seaforth Highlanders *.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
Born on 6th February, 1891 at Oldham, Lancashire.
Died on 11th July 1978 at Springhead, Oldham, Lancashire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd February 1917, a strong counter attack, by the enemy, had regained some of the captured trenches, near Sanna-y-Yat, Mesopotamia, temporarily, . At a critical moment in the attack, Sergeant Steele, with the aid of a comrade, carried a machine gun into position. He continued to keep this gun firing. in the action, until he was relieved, thus being predominantly instrumental in keeping the line intact. During another counter-attack. some time later, which allowed the enemy to reoccupy a portion of the captured trenches. Sergeant Steele, rallying the men and encouraging them to remain in their trenches, and further leading a number of them forward, helping to re-establish the line. During this latter action he was severely wounded.
* Duke of Albany's Ross-shire Buffs.

STEWART,* William George Drummond. (reg No. 1183).
Captain. 93rd Regiment. *
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born in February 1831 at Grandtully, Perth, Scotland.
Died on 19th October 1868 at Hythe, Kent.
Memorial on vault at St Mary's Church, Grandtully, Perth, Scotland.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th November 1857 he led an attack at Lucknow, India, with a small force of Highlanders and some of the 53rd Foot Regiment, upon two guns, which had maintained a heavy fire on the approach to the barracks. The guns were captured and the position of the Mess House was made secure.
* or Steuart. (VC 1856-1920 pp50-51)
* Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Additional information:. Captain Stewart was elected for the Victoria Cross by the officers of the 93rd Regiment, under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant.
He was the son of Sir William and Christina Mary Steuart, of Grandtully, Perth, Scotland. He joined the 93rd Regiment in 1848 as an Ensign, after four years becoming a Lieutenant and two years later a Captain.
He served in the Crimea, at the Battle of Alma and at Balaclava. He was part of the Thin Red Line that repulsed the charge of the Russian cavalry. After serving at the Siege of Sebastopol he left the Crimea in 1856. He received the Crimean Medal with Clasps for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol as well as the Order of the Medjidie. In 1857 He served in the Indian mutiny, and under Sir Colin Campbell's command, was present at the capture of Sikandarbagh and Shaf Najaff.
More research required.

STOKES, James. (reg No. 1184).
Private. King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 17th April 1945.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 6th February 1915 at Hutchesontown, Lanark, Scotland.
Killed in action on 1st March 1945 at Kervenheim, Rhineland.
Memorial on grave at Reichwald Forest War Cemetery, Cleves.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the attack on, Kervenheim, Rhineland, on the 1st March 1945, the advance platoon came under intense rifle and machine-gun fire, from a farm building, pinning them down. Privates Stokes, on his own initiative, dashed forwards through the German fire, firing his gun from the hip and entered the building. Privates Stokes appeared with 12 prisoners. He had received a neck wound. The platoon, now able to advance, set-off for the new objective. Privates Stokes refused to go back for treatment to his wound. They again came under heavy fire from a building on the left. Once more Private Stokes rushed forward towards the house and was seen to fall wounded. Getting to his feet, under intense fire, he entered the house and brought out of five more prisoners. The company were about to attack the next objective, an enemy strong point in a huddle of buildings. Privates Stokes, now severely wounded, rushed forward the remaining distance to the objective, again firing from the hip, through extremely heavy enemy fire. He eventually fell wounded 20 yards from the enemy, still firing his rifle.
Additional information:. Privates Stokes was said to have waved goodbye as the company passed him on the way to their objective. It is believed that he knew he was dying from his wounds, eight in all. His efforts allowed his platoon and company to advance on their objectives. Even though he never lived to see it.

STONE, Charles Edwin. (reg No. 1185).
Gunner. 83rd Brigade. * Royal Field Artillery.
London Gazetted on 22nd May 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich.
Born on the 4th February 1889 at Denby, near Belper, Derbyshire.
Died on 29th August 1952 at Derby, Derbyshire.
Memorial on grave in Belper Cemetery, Derbyshire.
Digest of Citation reads:.
After being subjected to heavy gas and shellfire for more than six hours, as he continuously worked hard at his gun, Gunner Stone was sent to the rear with an order. After delivering the order, voluntarily, he returned, with his rifle, to help delay the enemy on a sunken road. He lay in the open, only 100 yards from the enemy , all the time under extremely heavy machine-gun fire, as he continuously and accurately shot the enemy until he was ordered to retire. He then took up a position on the right of the two rear guns, holding the enemy at bay as they continuously attempted to outflank the guns. During this time an enemy soldier managed to break through. Regardless of his own safety and the machine-gun fire raging all around him, Gunner Stone chased him and killed him, thus saving the flank of the Guns. Later, during dusk, four of the enemy with a machine-gun had managed to get round to the rear. Gunner Stone was a member of the party who captured these men and the gun. Their act undoubtedly saved the detachment who were firing their guns. Gunner Stone's actions during the day, was beyond praise. His actions undoubtedly allowed the guns to be kept in action, holding the enemy at a most crucial moment.
* 'C' Battery.
Additional information:. Bombardier Stone also held the Military Medal (MM). Like his father before him, he was a miner prior to joining the Army. He was one of 13 children, another of his brothers having been killed in action in 1917. He was employed by Rolls-Royce of Derby, where as a young office boy I came across his name whilst doing the records in 1943.. Charles Edwin Stone was responsible for my first interest in the Victoria Cross.

STONE, Walter Napleton. (reg No. 1186).
Captain.* 3rd Battalion. * Royal Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 13th February, 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 7th December 1891 at Blackheath, London.
Killed in action on 30th November 1917 at Moeuvres, near Cambrai, France.
Memorial on Cambrai Memorial, France. (Actual burial place unknown).
Digest of Citation reads:
On 30th November, 1917 , whilst in command of a company in an isolated position, 1000 yards to the front of the main line and overlooking the enemy in a position in the Canbrai sector, in France, he observed the enemy preparing for an attack and sent back information to headquarters to this effect. He was ordered to withdraw his company leaving a rearguard as cover. As the enemy attack gathered unexpected momentum, Captain Stone sent back three platoons, staying with the rearguard himself. Standing on the parapet with a telephone, all the time under heavy bombardment, he observed the enemy, sending back valuable information on the situation until the wire was cut on his orders. The reargard was surrounded by the enemy and cut to pieces. Captain Stone was shot through the head as he fought to the last. The accuracy of the information he supplied was invaluable, causing the line to be saved, thus averting a disaster.
* Lieutenant, acting Captain.
* Attached to 17th Battalion at time of Deed.

STORKEY, Percy Valentine. (reg No. 1187).
Lieutenant. 19th Battalion. * Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 7th June 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Army Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand.
Born 7th December 1891 at Blackheath, London.
Died on 3rd October 1969 at Teddington, Middlesex.
Cremated at South West Middlesex Crematorium, Hanworth, Middlesex and remembered on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Storkey showed conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty whilst leaving Hangard Wood leading his platoon, in an attack. As they emerged from the wood they encountered an enemy trench. Lieutenant Storkey was left with only six men. As they continued to move forward they noticed that a large enemy party, of approximately 100 men equipped with several machine-guns, were holding up the advance on the right. Immediately, Lieutenant Storkey decided to attack the enemy from the flank and the rear. Whilst they were moving forward in the attack, he was joined by Lieutenant Lipscomb and another four men. Undertaking the leadership, Lieutenant Storkey, the other officer and the 10 men, fixed bayonets and charged the enemy position, driving them out, capturing three officers and 50 men, killing and wounding 30 others. They also captured one machine-gun. This skilful action, against a greater enemy force, removed a great handicap to the advance of the troops on the right. Lieutenant Storkey's leadership inspired the small party, giving them confidence to advance to the objective line.
* New South Wales.
Additional information:. Captain Storkey was decorated by King George V at an Investiture at Buckingham Palace.

STRACHAN, Harcus. (reg No. 1188).
Lieutenant. Fort Garry Horse. Canadian Expeditionary Force.
London Gazetted on 18th December 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born on 7th November 1884 at Borrowtounness, West Lothian, Scotland.
Died on 1st May 1982, at Vancouver, Canada.
Cremated at Vancouver Crematorium. Canada.
Digest of Citation reads:
Lieutenant Strachan took command of his squadron, on 20th November 1917 at Masnieres, France, when its leader was killed galloping at the enemy line. He led the squadron through a line of enemy machine-gun posts and then, with the remains of his squadron, led a charge on the enemy battery. Using his sword, he killed seven gunners. Having killed all the Gunners and silenced the battery, once more the men rallied and at night-time they fought their way back through the enemy lines, bringing back all the unwounded to safety; along with 15 enemy prisoners. This outstanding and fearless officer had, with his squadron, silenced the battery; killed all battery personnel; killed many Infantry and had also cut telephone communications two miles to the rear of the enemy lines.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel Strachan also held the Military Cross (MC). Borrowstounness, his birthplace, presented him with a sword, at a reception attended by Lord Rosebery. He also posed for a portrait which was hung in Parliament House, Ottawa. During the Second World War he commanded the 1st Battalion Edmonton Fusiliers.
Further research required.

STRINGER, George. (reg No. 1189).
Private. 1st Battalion. Manchester Regiment.
London Gazetted on 5th August 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Manchester Regimental Museum, Ashton under Lyne.
Born on 24th July, 1889 at Manchester, Lancashire.
Died on 22nd November, 1957 at Manchester, Lancashire.
Memorial on grave at Philips Park Cemetery, Manchester, Lancashire.
Digest of Citation reads:
Private Stringer, on 8th March 1916 at Es Sinn, Mesopotamia, after an enemy position had been captured, was posted on the extreme right of the Battalion in order to guard against any surprise enemy attack. However, his battalion was forced to retire by an enemy counter attack. Private Stringer held his position, and single-handedly, using hand-grenades until they were all expended, he kept the enemy back. His action allowed the Battalion to make a steady and controlled withdrawal.

STRONG, George. (reg No. 1190).
Private. Coldstream Guards.
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Coldstream Guards Regimental HQ., Wellington Barracks, London.
Born on 30th November 1835 at Odcombe, Yeovil, Somerset.
Died on 25th August 1888 at Sherston Magna, Wiltshire.
Memorial on grave at Church of the Holy Cross churchyard, Sherston Magna, Wiltshire.*
Digest of Citation reads:
Whilst serving in the Crimea during September 1855, Private Strong was on duty in the trenches when a live shell landed nearby. Private Strong removed the shell and threw it over the parapet.
* In 1986 a new gravestone was erected.
Additional information:. Private Strong was decorated by Queen Victoria at the Investiture held on Hyde Park on 26th June 1857. In 1907, on April 17th, in London, his Cross was sold and is now in hands of a private collector. He enlisted in the Coldstream Guards on the 27th November 1854, serving for 10 years. In that time he received no promotion, probably one of the few VC recipients, serving on a regular basis that was never promoted. Other Medals for his services were, the Crimean Medal with one Clasp and the Turkish War Medal.

STUART, Ronald Neil. (reg No. 1191).
Lieutenant. Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 20th July 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Born on 26th August 1886 at Liverpool, Lancashire.
Died on 8th February 1954 at Charing, Kent.
Memorial on grave at Charing cemetery, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
Whilst serving in the Atlantic on 7th June 1917, aboard the 'Q', or Mystery ship, HMS Pargust* they were attacked by a U-boat at about 8 am. Firing a torpedo at close range, the U-boat damaged Pargust 's engine room. The 'Panic Party ' pulled away from the ship and the U-boat thinking that the ship was sinking, surfaced. The captain of the U-boat assumed that the ship was a merchantman, and closed. When the submarine was only 50 yards away the Pargust opened fire. Whilst trying to escape, by diving, the U-boat received a great many direct hits causing her to blow up and sink.
* A 'Q' ship was a Royal Naval vessel, usually disguised as an unarmed merchantman or similar. On attracting the attack by a U-boat, a Panic Party would leave the ship in a lifeboat. The U-boat would usually surface and close on the distressed ship. At a certain range the 'Q' ship would open fire, often successfully sinking the submarine.
The citations for 'Q' ship Victoria Cross winners would never reveal, during the war, the reason for the award for fear of giving the enemy vital information.
Additional information:. Captain Stuart was awarded the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant, ie., elected by his ship's fellow officers. He also held the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Royal Naval and Royal Marine Forces Reserve Decoration (R.D.). Also elected under Rule 13 was Seaman William Williams (see citation).

STUBBS, Frank Edward. (reg No. 1192).
Sergeant. 1st Battalion. Lancashire Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 15th March 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is Lancashire Fusiliers Museum, Bury, Lancashire.
Born on the 12th March 1888 at Walworth, London.
Died of wounds received on 'W' Beach on the 25th April, 1915, West of Cape Helles , Gallipoli.
Memorial on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli. Sergeant Stubbs' actual grave unknown.
Digest of Citation reads:
Whilst effecting a landing on 'W' Beach, to the west of Cape Helles, Gallipoli, three companies of the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers came under deadly fire from hidden machine gun posts. These machine guns caused several severe casualties. Not withstanding the terrifying fire, the survivors rushed forward to the barbed-wire entanglements and cut them. After extreme difficulties they gained the cliffs and the position was maintained.
Additional information:. The action of Sergeant Stubbs and his comrades, brought forth the phrase "Six VCs before breakfast." Army No. 1506, Sergeant Stubbs, along with Major Bromley, Corporal Grimshaw, Private Keneally, Sergeant Richards and Captain Willis were all elected under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant for the Victoria Cross.

SUKANAIVALU, Sefania. (reg No. 1193).
Corporal. 3rd Battalion. Fijian Infantry Regiment.
London Gazetted on the 2nd November 1944.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Birth date unknown. Born on Yathata Island, Fiji.
Killed in action on 23rd June 1944 at Bougainville in the Solomon Islands.
Memorial on grave at Rabual War Cemetery, New Britain, Papua, New Guinea. Also on a Memorial in the Civic Buildings at Suva.
Digest of Citation reads:
Corporal Sukanaivalu crawled forward in order to rescue some wounded men on 23rd June 1944 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. After successfully bringing in two men, he went to bring in a third, but on the return journey he was seriously wounded in the groin and thigh, making it impossible for him to move his lower body. Several attempts were made to rescue him, but these only resulted in further casualties. In the full knowledge that his men would never withdraw and leave him as long as he lived. Corporal Sakanaivalu raised himself as high as he could, in full view of the enemy. He met his death, riddled with bullets.

SULLIVAN, Arthur Percy. (reg No. 1194).
Corporal. 45th Battalion. Royal Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 29th September 1919.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 27th November 1896 at Crystal Brook, South Australia.
Died on 9th April 1937 at Westminster, London.
Cremated, in London, prior to his Ashes being interred at Sydney, New South Wales. Also a tribute on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
Corporal Sullivan's Platoon, after fighting a rearguard covering action, on 10th August 1919, at Sheiks River, North Russia, had to cross the river by means of a narrow plank. Whilst crossing, four men, including an officer, fell, landing in a deep swamp. Without hesitating, and under extreme fire from the enemy, Corporal Sullivan jumped into the river, and rescuing them one by one, saved them all. Had it not been for his prompt and gallant action, all four men would have drowned, as they were all exhausted and the enemy less than 100 yards away.

SULLIVAN, John. (reg No 1195).
Boatswain's Mate. Royal Navy *
London Gazetted on the 24th February, 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is unknown.
Born 10th April 1830 at Bantry, Cork, Ireland.
Died on 28th June 1884 at Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland.
Buried in an unmarked grave in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. (not confirmed).
Digest of Citation reads:
Whilst captain of one of the guns on 10th April 1855 in the Crimea, Boatswain's Mate Sullivan volunteered to place a Flagstaff as a marker, or aiming point. Far from being deterred by the enemy sharpshooter's continuous firing, he carried out this dangerous task, which, on its completion, allowed the Greenhill Battery to direct its fire on the previously hidden enemy, which had been doing great damage to parts of the advanced works.
* Naval Brigade.
Additional information:. Boatswain's Mate Sullivan also held the French Legion d'Honneur and the Sardinian Al Valori Militari .

SUTTON, William. (reg No. 1196).
Bugler. 1st Battalion. 60th Rifles *
London Gazetted on 20th January 1860.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester.
Born in 1830 at Ightham, Kent.
Died on 16th February 1888 at Ightham, Kent .
Buried in unmarked grave at St Peter's Churchyard, Ightham, Kent.
Digest of Citation reads:
On the night prior to the assault of the 13th September, 1857, at Delhi, India, Bugler Sutton volunteered to go and reconnoitre the breach. For conspicuous conduct throughout the operations at Delhi, with special attention to the operation on 2nd August 1857, during an enemy attack,, in force. On this occasion, Bugler Sutton rushed over the trenches, killing an enemy Bugler who was in the act of sounding.
* King's Royal Rifle Corps.
Additional information:. Bugler Sutton was elected by the Regiment, for the Victoria Cross, under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant.

SWALES, Edwin. ( reg No.1197)
Captain. South African Air Force Secunded to 582 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
London Gazetted on 24th April 1945.
Born on 3rd July 1915 at Inanda, Natal, South Africa.
Killed on 23rd February in burning Aircraft after crashing into high tension cables at Limburg, Belgium.
Memorial on Grave 5, at Leopoldsburg War Cemetery,Plot 8, Row C, Limburg, Belgium. Edwin Swales VC Drive, Durban.---- His Natal Mounted Rifles, Sam Browne Belt (glass cased) on exhibition; Edwin Swales Scholarship and Swales House created at Durban High School.— First National Bank named after him.
Medals and Uniform at Johannesburg Museum.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd February 1945, whilst leading an attack on Pforzheim, Germany, his aircraft was attacked by an enemy fighter. One engine, fuel tanks and the rear gun turret being badly damaged. Regardless he carried on but was again attacked, this time the one of the port engines was put out of action. Nevertheless he remained over the target until he was satisfied that the attacks purpose had been achieved. He finally managed to get the crippled Lancaster back to Allied occupied territory before ordering his crew to bail-out. As the last crew member jumped, the Lancaster plunged to earth, crashed into some high-tension cables and exploded. Captain Swales was found dead at the controls.
Additional Information: Edwin Swales and his twin brother John Harry,(killed in a motor cycle accident in 1935) were born 3rd July, 1915 at Inanda, Natal, South Africa, the sons of Harry and Olive Swales. Edwin's father, died three years later, in 1918, during the influenza epidemic of 1918-19. He also had an older sister, Joan and a younger brother, Harry Evelyn, who served in the NMR until October 1940 when he transferred to the South African Air Force.
He was educated at Durban High School, going on to work at Barclays Bank. In his spare time he did duty with the Natal Mounted Rifles. On the outbreak of war in 1939, he joined the Mounted Rifles full-time.
He saw service in Abyssinia and Egypt. Being interested in flying he transferred to the South African Air Force on 17th January 1942. His Pilot Wings awarded on the 26th June 1943 at Kimberley, being promoted to lieutenant on the same day.
In August 1943 he was secunded to 582 Squadron of the Royal Air Force which was stationed at RAF Little Staunton, Bedfordshire.
In 1944 he was promoted to Acting Major. He was killed, after ordering his crew to abandon the aircraft, by crashing into some high-tension cables and exploding. He is buried in the Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Belgium.

DECORATIONS AND CAMPAIGN MEDALS
Victoria Cross (Gazetted 24th February 1945)
Distinguished Flying Cross (Gazetted January 1945)
1939-45 Star
Africa Star
France and Germany Star
British Defence Medal The War Medal
Africa Service Medal (Inscribed)

SYKES, Ernest. (reg No. 1198).
Private. 27th (Service) Battalion. Northumberland Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Northumberland Fusiliers Regimental Museum, Abbot's Tower, Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland.
Born on 4th April 1885 at Mossley, Saddleworth, Yorkshire.
Died on 3rd August 1949 at Lockwood, Yorkshire.
Memorial on grave at at Lockwood Cemetery, Meltham, Yorkshire and named on an LMS engine plate.
Digest of Citation reads:
The Battalion was held up, 350 yards in front of our lines, by a devastating fire from the front and flank on 19th April, near Arras, France, causing many severe casualties. Private Sykes, in spite of the intense fire made his way forward four times, each time bringing back a wounded soldier. Making a fifth excursion, under conditions which appeared to be certain death, remaining a out there whilst he bandaged and treated all the men who were too badly injured to be moved.

SYLVESTER, William Henry Thomas (reg..No1199)
Assistant Surgeon, (later Surgeon Major) 23rd Regiment (later the Royal Welch Fusiliers)
London Gazetted on 20th November 1857.
Born on 16th April 1831 at Devizes, Wiltshire.
Died on 13th March 1920 at Paignton, Devon.
Memorial at Paignton Cemetery, Devon.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8 September 1855, Sebastopol, Crimea, near the Redan, Assistant Surgeon Sylvester went up with a corporal * to the aid of an officer who was mortally wounded and remainder the him, dressing his wounds, in a most dangerous and exposed situation. Again on 18 September this officer was at the front, under heavy fire, attending the wounded (* seat Reg. No.. 1140 SHIELDS, R.)
Additional information: He knew and worked with Florence Nightingale at Sebastopol and Scutari hospitals. Served in the Indian mutiny 1857-58. He holds the Legion d'Honneur (France)

SYMONS, George. (Reg. No. 1200)
Sergeant (later Captain) Royal Regiment of Artillery.
London Gazetted 20th November 1857, Amendment 1st December 1857.*
Born on 18th March 1826 at South Hill, Cornwall.
Died on 18th November 1871 at Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Memorial at Priory Church Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6 June 1855 at Inkerman, Crimea, Sergeant Symons volunteered to unmask the embrasures of a five- gun battery in the advanced Right Attack. He did this under terrific fire from the enemy, which commenced with the opening of the first embrasure, increasing further on the opening of additional ones until he came to the last one in having overcome the difficulty uncovering the last one, he boldly mounted the Parapet and threw down the sandbags. As he was doing this an enemy shell burst and wounded him severely
Additional information: he also held the Legion d'Honneur (France). There was an error in the London Gazette on 20th November 1857. It stated that his Deed of Courage was on the 18th October 1854. This was amended in the London Gazette, dated the 1st December 1857, to read 6th June 1855

SYMONS, William John. (reg No. 1201).
Second Lieutenant. 7th Battalion * Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 15th October 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 10th July 1889 at Eaglehawk, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 24th June 1948 at London.
Memorial on grave at Golders Green Cemetery, London, also on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:
At Lone Pine, Gallipoli, over the period 8th/9th August 1915, Second Lieutenant SYMONS commanding a section of newly captured trenches, with great coolness, repelled several counter attacks by the enemy. An early morning attack on an isolated Sap resulted in six of the officers becoming casualties and a part of the Sap was lost to the enemy. It was retaken, in a charge, by Lieutenant SYMONS, during which he shot two Turks with his revolver. Again the Sap was attacked, this time from three sides, and this officer, in the face of heavy fire, withdrew 15 yards to obtain some head cover and managed to build a barricade. The Turks set fire to the head cover, but he managed to extinguish it and rebuild the barricade. It was his determination and calm that finally forced the Turks to retire.
* Victoria.
Additional information:. Lieutenant Colonel SYMONS was the son of William Samson and Mary SYMONS, both Australian-born. His father's family came from Cornwall and his mother's family from Sheffield and they emigrated to Australia. He was educated at Eaglehawk State School, Bendigo, Victoria.. On the 15th August 1918, he married Isabel Anna Hockley at Sir Mary's Church, Hayling Island in Hampshire. A daughter, Isabel Evelyn, was born to them on 21st May 1919,at Armadale, Australia.
He joined, as a Private, the Australian Imperial Force on 15th August 1914, and amazingly was promoted to Colour-Sergeant just two days later. As well as serving in Gallipoli, where he won his VC, he served in Egypt. Promotion came quickly because he was commissioned Second Lieutenant on 26th April 1915, just eight months after his enlistment. Less than a year later, he was further promoted to Captain.
On 17th February 1917 he led 250 men on a raid, for which, he was Mentioned in Despatches. He was twice mentioned in the DROs for action during the repelling of enemy attacks.

Updated:08.01.04