VICTORIA CROSS
B

BABTIE, William (later Sir William)

BADCOE, Peter John.
Major Australian Training Team Vietnam.
London Gazetted on 13th October 1967.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Born on 11th January 1934 at Adelaide, South Australia.
Died on 7th April 1967 at Huong Tra, Vietnam.
Memorials at Terendak Cemetery, Malaysia and on the Austral;ian War Memorial at Canberra.
Digest of Citation reads:.
On 23rd February, 1967 in Vietnam, and Major and bad Co rescued under heavy fire a United States and medical adviser. On 7th March he led his company in an attack and turned what seemed to be a certain defeat into a victory. Again, on 7th April he attempted to lead his company against more powerful opposition. This final acts of bravery resulted in his death.

BADLU SINGH.
Rissaldar* 14th Lancers (Scinde Horse) attchd. 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse).
London Gazetted on 27th November 1918.
Born on at Dhakla (village)in the Rhotak District of the Punjab, India.
Died on the 23rd September 1918 at River Jordan in Palestine. (Killed in action).
Memorial on the Heliopolis Memorial, the Heliopolis War Cemetery, Egypt
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd September 1918 on the West Bank of the River Jordan, Palestine, when his squadron was charging a strong enemy position, Ressaidar * Badlu Singh realised that heavy casualties were being inflicted from a small hill occupied by machine-guns and 200 infantry. Without any hesitation he collected six other ranks and with entire disregard of danger he charged and captured the position. He was mortally wounded on the very top of the hill when capturing one of the machine-guns single handed, but all the gums and infantry had surrendered to him before he Died on.
* Captain.

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

BALL, Albert

BAMBRICK, Valentine
Private 1st Battalion 60th Regiment. (King's Royal Rifle Corps)
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
Born on 13th April 1837 at Cawnpore, India.
Died on 1st April 1863 at Pentonville Prison by committing suicide.
Buried in an unmarked grave at Islington Cemetery.
Citation reads. On 6th May 1858 at Bareilly, India, Private Bambrick showed conspicuous bravery when, in a serai*, he was attacked by three Ghazees, one of whom he cut down. He was wounded twice on this occasion.
Additional information: He had to forfeit his VC for stealing medals from a comrade. Sentenced to prison at Pentonville he killed himself in his cell on All Fool's Day 1863.(See Forfeitures)

BAMFORD, Edward
Captain Royal Marine Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 23rd July 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Marine museum, Eastney Barracks, Southsea, Hants.
Born on 28th May 1887 at London.
Died on 29th September 1928 at Shanghai, China.
Memorial at Bubbling Well Rd., Cemetery, Shanghai, RM Depot Church at Deal, Kent & RM Museum Southsea.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Captain Bamford landed on the Mole from HMS Vindictive with three platoons of the Royal Marines storming force in the face of great difficulties. When on the Mole and under heavy fire, he commanded his company with total disregard of personal danger and showed a magnificent example to his men. He first established a strong point on the right of the disembarkation and when satisfied that it was safe, led an assault on a battery to the left. (VC awarded by Ballot. See Zeebrugge Page)
Additional information: He was the son of the Rev. and Mrs Robert Bamford of 34, Langdon Park Rd., London.
His education at Sherbourne was followed by further tuition at Malvern House, Kearnsey, Nr. Dover by Mr R.A. Hammond.
His began his career in the RM on the 1st September 1905 as a 2nd Lieut. He attended the Royal Naval College, Greenwich , where he excelled. He was promoted to Lieutenant on the 1st July 1906. He joined the Portsmouth Division of the RMLI on the 1st July 1907.
In 1908 he served with the Channel Squadron in HMS Bulwark, in March 1910 he joined HMS magnificent, in the 3rd Division Home Fleet. On 5th September 1911 he joined HMS Brittania. It was whilst on the way to support the cruisers at the Battle of Dogger Bank that Brittania ran aground, thus missing the action. In May 1916 he was promoted T/Captain and he joined HMS Chester, serving on her during the Battle Of Jutland where the ship was hit several times. For his action in this battle he was awarded the DSO.(Gazetted 15th Sept 1916) He was wounded in the face and leg when a shell burst in the after control. With a smaller gun-crew he helped to work one gun whilst controlling another. He also helped put out a fire.
The following 19th of August the Chester was torpedoed. (Also HMS Nottingham).
Promoted to Captain on the 1st September 1916. He took command of the 4th Battalion Royal Marines which would go on to great glory in the Battle of Zeebrugge and Bamford would win the VC.

BANKES, William George Hawtry
Cornet 7th Hussars (The Queen's Own).
London Gazetted on 24th December 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Own Hussars Museum.
Born on 11th September 1836 at Kingston Lacy, Dorset.
Died on of his wounds on 6th April 1858 at Lucknow in India.
Memorial at Wimbourne Minster, Dorset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 19 March 1858 at Lucknow, India, Cornet Bankes led three charges against a body of fanatical rebels who had rushed the guns in the vicinity of Moosa-Bagh. In the course of these charges the young officer was almost cut to pieces. He Died on of his wounds 18 days later.

BARBER, Edward
Private 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
London Gazetted on 19th April 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 10th June 1893 at Tring, Hertfordshire.
Died on 12th March 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France. (Killed in action).
Memorial on Le Touret Memorial, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12 March at Neuve Chapelle, France, Private Barber ran in front of the grenade company to which he belonged, and threw bombs on the enemy with such effect that a very great number of them surrendered at once. When the grenade party reached Private Barber they found him alone and unsupported, with the enemy surrendering all about him. He was killeds soon afterwards.

BARKER, William George
Acting Major 201 Squadron Royal Air Force.
London Gazetted on 30th November 1918
VC Medal's Custodian is the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada.
Born on 3rd November 1894 at Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada.
Died on 1st March 1930 near Ottawa, Canada.
Memorial at grave in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27 October 1918 over the Foret de Mormal, France, Major Barker attacked a two-seater enemy aircraft causing it to break up in the air. He was afterwards attacked by a formation of Fokker fighters and was wounded in both thighs and his elbow was shattered. He lost consciousness twice but each time, on recovering, went back to the attack and sent three of his opponents down in flames. Finally he brought his crippled aircraft back to our lines where he crashed on landing.
Additional information: His other medals included DSO and Bar, the MC and 2 Bars, The French Croix de Guerre and the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour.
He was the son of Mr G.W.J.Barker of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was educated at Dauphin College, Manitoba before joining the Army (Manitoba Regt.) on the 1st November 1914. He was attached to the Royal Air Force.
As a soldier he was awarded the Military Cross at the capture of Beaumont Hamel on 20th November 1916 whilst the Bar for this Medal came during the capture of Bulecourt on 9th of April 1917. The second Bar to his MC was awarded for destroying enemy aircraft on the 24th April 1918 and the Croix de Guerre for destroying enemy aircraft on the French Sector, 26th May 1918.
He got his DSO for destroying enemy aircraft on the 5th January 1918 and the Bar for the destruction of enemy aircraft on 20th July 1918. The Italian Silver Medal for Valour was for destroying enemy aircraft on the Italian Front. Along with these he also had the 1914-15 Star and other campaign medals.
He went on to serve as a Wing Commander in the Canadian Air Force from 1920-24.

BARRATT, Thomas

BARRETT, John Cridlan
Lieutenant* 1/5th Battalion The Leicestershire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 14th December, 1918.
Born on 10th August 1897 at Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
Died on 7th March 1977 at Leicester.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th September, 1918 at a Pontruet, France, during an attack, owing to the darkness and smoke barrage, Lieutenant Barrett found himself advancing towards a trench containing numerous machine-guns. He at once collected all available men and charged the nearest group of guns and in spite of being wounded, gained the trench, personally disposing of two machine-guns and inflicting many casualties. Notwithstanding a second wound he then climbed out of the trench to fix his position and locate the enemy, then ordered his men to cut their way back to the Battalion, which they did. He was again wounded, very seriously
Additional information. * Promoted Colonel. He also held the decoration TD (Not Identified)

BARRON, Colin Fraser
Corporal* 3rd Battalion 1st Central Ontario Regiment (Toronto Regiment) C E F.
London Gazetted on 11th January 1918.
Born on 20th September 1893 at Baldavie , Boyndie, Banff, Canada.
Died on 15th August 1958 at Toronto, Canada.
Memorial at Prospect Cemetery, Toronto.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th November 1917 at Passchendaele, Belgium, when his unit was held up by three machine-guns, Corporal Barren opened fire on them at point-blank range, rushed the guns, killed four of the crew and captured the remainder. He then turned one of the captured guns on the retiring enemy, causing severe casualties. This action produced far-reaching results and enabled the advance to continue
*Promoted Sergeant

BARRY, John

BARTER, Frederick
Company Sergeant-Major Special Reserves attchd. The Royal Welch Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 29th June 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
Born on 17th of January 1891 at Cardiff, Wales.
Diet on 15th May 1952 at Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth.
Memorials: cremated at Bournemouth.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th May 1915 at Festubert, France, Company Sergeant-Major Barter, when in the first line of German trenches, called for volunteers to enable him to extend our line, and with the eight men who responded, he attacked the German position with bombs, capturing three German officers, 102 men and 500 yards of their trenches. He subsequently found and cut 11 of the enemy's mine. leads situated about 20 yards apart.
Additional information: Captain Barter served with the Home Guards during the Second World War. He also held the Military Cross.

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

BASKEYFIELD, John Daniel

BASSETT, Cyril Royston Guyton
Corporal New Zealand Divisional Signal Company, N Z E F.
London Gazetted on 15th October 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Auckland Museum, New Zealand.
Born on 3rd January 1892 at Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand.
Died on 2nd January 1983 at Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand.
Memorial at Dunedin RSA, New Zealand.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th August 1915 at Chunuk Bair Ridge, Gallipoli, the New Zealand Brigade had attacked and established itself on the ridge, Corporal Bassett, in full daylight and under continuous fire, succeeded in laying a telephone line from the old position to the new one on Chunuk Bair. He also did further gallant work in connection with the repair of telephone lines by day and night under heavy fire.
Additional information: Promoted Colonel

BATES, Sidney
Corporal The Royal Norfolk Regiment
London Gazetted on 2nd November 1944
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Norfolk Regiment Museum
Born on 14th June 1921 at Camberwell, London.
Died on 8th August 1944 at Sourdeval, Normandy.(Died on of wounds)
Memorial at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 6th August 1944 near Sourdeval, North West Europe, when the enemy had penetrated deeply in the area occupied by his section, Corporal Bates seized a light machine gun and charged, moving forwards through a hail of bullets. Although wounded twice he was undaunted and continued firing until the enemy started to withdraw before him. At this moment he was wounded for a third time mortally. He still went on firing, however, until his strength failed him, but by this time the enemy had withdrawn and the situation had been restored. He Died two days later.

BATTEN-POOLL Arthur Hugh Henry
Lieutenant. 3rd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers.
VC Medal's Custodian is the National Army Museum.
London Gazetted on 5th August 1916.
Born on 25th October 1891 at Knightsbridge, London.
Died on 21st January, 1971 at Ivybridge, Devon.
Memorial on grave at Wolverton, Bath, Somerset.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th June, 1916 near Colonne, France, Lieutenant Batten-Pooll was in command of a raiding party when, on entering the enemy's lines he was severely wounded by a bomb which broke and mutilated all the fingers of his right hand. In spite of this he continued to direct operations with unflinching courage. Half-an-hour later during the withdrawal, while personally assisting in the rescue of other wounded men, he received two further wounds, but refusing assistance, he walked to within 100 yards of our lines when he fainted and was carried in by the covering party.
Additional information:. Captain Batten-Pooll also held the Military Cross. (MC). Bob

BAXTER, Edward Felix
Second Lieutenant 1st/8th Battalion the King's (Liverpool) Regiment.
London Gazetted on 26th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Imperial War Museum.
Born on 18th September 1885 at Old Swinford, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.
Died on 18th April 1916 near Blairville, France.
Memorial at Fillievres British Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 17th/18th April, 1916 near Blairville, France, prior to a raid, Second Lieutenant Baxter was engaged on cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. While doing this, he held a bomb with the pin withdrawn and once the bomb slipped and fell. He picked it up, unscrewed the base plug and dug out the detonator which he smothered in the ground, preventing the alarm being given an saving many casualties. Later, leading a storming party, he was first into the trench. After assisting in bombing dug-outs, he finally climbed out, held in the last man over the parapet. He was not seen again.

BAXTER, Frank William
Trooper Bulawayo Field Force.
London Gazetted on 7th May 1897 and 15th January 1907..
Born on 29th December 1869 at Woolwich, London.
Died on 22nd April 1896 in Matabeleland.
Memorial at grave in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, and also on the Matabeleland Rebellion Memorial, at Bulaway.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd April 1896 near Bulawayo, South Africa, trooper Baxter gave up his horse to a wounded comrade who was being hotly pursued by an overwhelming force of the enemy. The trooper then tried to escape on foot, hanging on to the stirrup leather half one of the scouts of the Bulawayo Field Force, until he was hit in the side, whereupon he had to let go of the stirrup and was killed and a few moments later.

BAZALGETTE, Ian Willoughby
Squadron Leader 635 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
London Gazetted on 17th August 1945.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Air Force Museum.
Born on 19th October 1918 at Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Died on 4th August 1944 at Senantes, France. (Killed in action).
Digest of Citation reads:
On 4th August 1944 at Trossy St. Maximin, north-west Europe, Squadron Leader Bazalgette was one of the marking formation spearhead on a daylight raid. When near his target his Lancaster came under heavy anti-aircraft fire, both starboard engines were put out of action and serious fires broke out. In spite of this the squadron leader pressed on to the target, marking and bombing it accurately. He then attempted to bring the burning aircraft safety, having ordered those of the crew who were able to do so to bail out. He managed to land the Lancaster, but it immediately exploded, killing him and his two wounded crew members.
Additional information: H was also awarded the DFC

BEACH, Thomas
Private 55th Regiment (later The Border Regiment).
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sheesh Mahal Museum, Patiala, Punjab, India.
Born on in January 1824 at Dundee, Scotland.
Died on 24th August 1864 at Dundee, Scotland.
Memorial at Eastern Necropolis, Dundee.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th November 1854 at the Battle of Inkerman, Crimea when on picuet duty, Priory Beach attacked several Russians who were robbing a Colonel who was lying wounded. He killed two of the Russian's and protected the Colonel until help arrived.

BEAK, Daniel Marcus William
Temporary Commander (later Major-General). Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. (Drake Battalion Royal Naval Division. )
London Gazetted on 15th November 1918.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Naval Museum.
Born on 27th July 1891 at Southampton, Hampshire.
Died on 3rd May 1967 at Swindon, Wiltshire.
Memorial on grave at Brookwood Cemetery,Woking, Surrey.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 21st/25th August and on 4th September 1918 at Logeast Wood, France, Commander Beak led his men and captured four enemy positions under heavy fire. Four days later, although dazed by a shell fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander, he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely heavy gunfire and led his men to their objective. When an attack was held up, accompanied by only one runner he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing in and nine or ten prisoners. His initiative and the confidence with which she inspired all ranks, contributed very materially to the success of these operations.

BEAL, Ernest Frederick

BEATHAM, Robert Matthew
Private 8th Battalion. (Victoria) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 14th December 1918.
Born on 16th June 1894 had Glassonby, Penrith, Cumberland.
Died on 11th August 1918 at Rosiere, France. (Killed in action)
Memorials at grave in Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France; On the War Memorial, Glassonby; In Addingham-with-Gamblesby Church and the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 9th August 1918 at Rosiere, east of Amiens, France, when the advance was held up by heavy machine-gun fire, Private Beatham and one other man bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing 10 and capturing 10. This helped the advance to go ahead, and when the final objective was reached, although wounded, he again dashed forward and bombed a machine gun, but he was killed while doing so.

BEATTIE, Stephen Halden
Lieutenant Commander Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 21st May 1942.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Imperial War Museum.
Born on 29th March 1908 at Leighton, Montgomery, Wales.
Died on 24th April 1975 at Mullion, Cornwall.
Memorial on grave at Ruan Minor Churchyard, Helston, Cornwall.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 27th March 1942, in the attack St. Nazaire, France, Lieutenant Commander Beattie was in command of HMS Campbeltown. Under intense fire directed on the bridge from a range of about 100 yards, and in the full blinding glare of many Searchlights, the Lieutenant Commander steamed Campbeltown into the lock gates, as instructed, and beached and scuttled her in the correct position. The Victoria Cross was awarded not only in recognition of Lieutenant Commander Beattie's own valour, but also of the unnamed officers and men of the ship's company, many of whom did not survive.
Additional information: Captain Beattie held the Croix de Guerre avec Palmes and the Legion d'Honneur (France). In 1956-58 he was a senior naval officer in the Persian Gulf. During that the years 1965 to 1969 he was naval adviser to the Ethiopian government.

BEELEY, John
Rifleman The King's Royal Rifle Corps.
London Gazetted on 21st April 1942.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Green Jackets Museum.
Born on 8th February 1918 at Manchester, Lancashire.
Died on 21st November 1941 at Sidi Rezegh, Western Desert.
Memorial at Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, North Africa.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 21st November 1941 at Sidi Rezegh,, Libya, at an airfield being attacked by Rifleman Beeley's company, progress was held up by short range fire. All the offices of the company were wounded so, on his own initiative the rifleman ran forward over open ground, firing his Ben Gun and at 20 yards range put an anti-tank gun and two machine-guns out of action. He was killed but his bravery inspired his comrades to further efforts to reach their objective, which was eventually captured, together with 700 prisoners.

BEES, William
Private 1st Battalion The Derbyshire Regiment (later the Sherwood Foresters -- the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment).
London Gazetted on 17th December 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sherwood Foresters Museum, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham.
Born on 12th September 1872 at Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Died on 20th June 1938 at Coalville, Leicestershire.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 30th September, 1901 at Moedwil, South Africa, Private Bees was one of the Maxim gun detachment which suffered heavy casualties, six out of nine men being hit. Hearing his wounded comrades asking for water, Private Bees went forward under heavy fire to a spruit held by the Boers about 500 yards ahead of the men, and brought back a kettle filled with water. In doing this he had to pass within 100 yards of some rocks also held by the enemy and the kettle he was carrying was hit by several bullets.

BEESLEY, William

BEET, Harry Churchill
Corporal 1st Battalion, The Derbyshire Regiment. (later the Sherwood Foresters-- Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)
London Gazetted on 12th February 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Sherwood Foresters Museum, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham.
Born on the 1st April 1873 at Bingham, Nottinghamshire.
Died on 10th January 1946 at a Rupert, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Memorial at Vancouver Veterans Cemetery, Canada.
Citation read:
On 22nd April 1900 at Wakkerstroom, South Africa, an infantry company and two squadrons of the Imperial Yeomanry had to retire from near a farm under a ridge held by the Boers. A corporal was lying on the ground wounded and Corporal Beet, seeing him, remained behind and put him under cover, bound up his wounds and, by firing, prevented the enemy from coming down to the farm until dark when a medical officer came to the wounded man's assistance. Corporal Beet was exposed to very heavy fire during the wholeafternoon.
Additional information: Promoted Captain.

BEHARRY, Johnson Gideon

BELCHER, Douglas Walter

BELL, David

BELL, Donald Simpson

BELL, Edward William Derrington

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

BELL, Frederick William
Lieutenant West Australian Mounted Infantry.
London Gazetted on 4th October 1901.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Western Australia Museum.
Born on 3rd April 1875 at Perth, Western Australia.
Died on 28th April 1954 at Bristol, England.
Memorials at Canford Cemetery, Bristol and Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 16th May 1901 at Brakpan, Transvaal, South Africa, when retiring under heavy fire, Lieutenant Bell noticed a man dismounted. He returned and took him up behind him, but the horse not been equal to the weight, fell with them. The Lieutenant then remained behind, covering the man's retirement until he was out of danger.
Additional information he was Commandant of the embarkation camps at Plymouth during the First World War. After the war he was a Political officer, in British Somaliland. He became the senior Administrative officer, northern Nigeria and Kenya Colony.
Additional information: Final rank was Lt. Colonel.

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

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

BENNETT, Eugene Paul
Lieutenant 2nd Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 30th December 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Worcestershire Regimental Museum.
Born on 4th June 1892 at Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Died on 6th April 1970 in Italy.
Memorial not known
Digest of Citation reads:
On 5th November 1916 near Le Transloy, France, Lieutenant Bennett was in command of the second wave of the attack, and finding that the first wave had suffered heavy casualties, its commander killed and the line wavering, he advanced at the head of the second wave and reached their objective with only 60 men. Isolated with his small party he took steps to consolidate his position under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire from both flanks, and although wounded he remained in command. But for his example of courage the attack would have been checked at the outset.
Additional information: Captain Bennett also held the Military Cross.

BENT, Philip Eric

BENT, Spencer John

BERESFORD, Lord William Leslie de la Poer
Captain 9th Lancers (the Queen's Royal)
London Gazetted on 23rd August 1879.
Born on 20th July 1847 at Mullaghbrack, Markethill, County Armagh, Ireland.
Died on 28th December 1900 at Dorking, Surrey.
Memorials at Clonagem Churchyard, Curraghmore, Ireland and Mullaghbrack Church. Co. Armagh.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st July 1879 at Ulundi, Zululand, during the retirement of the reconnoitring party Captain Lord William Beresford went to the assistance of an NCO of the 24th Regiment, whose horse had fallen and rolled on him. The Zulus were coming in great numbers, but Lord William, with help from a sergeant * of the Frontier Light Horse, managed to mount the injured man behind him. He was, however, so dizzy that the sergeant, who had been keeping back the advancing Zulus, gave up his carbine and, riding alongside, helped to hold him on. They all finally reached safety.

* see also O'Toole, E.
Additional information: Lt. Colonel Lord Beresford was a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire (KCIE).

BERGIN, James
Private 33rd Regiment. (later the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment.
London Gazetted on 28th July 1868.
Duke of Wellington's Regimental Museum.VC Medal's Custodian is the
Born on 29th June 1845 at Killbricken, Queen's County, Ireland.
Died on 1st December 1880 at Poona, India.
Memorial not known
Digest of Citation reads:
On 13th April 1868 in Abyssinia, during the assault on Magdala, when the head of the column of attack was checked by the obstacles at the gate, a small stream of officers and men of the 33rd Regiment and an officer of the Royal Engineers broke away from the main approach to Magdala, and, reaching the defences, climbed a cliff, forced their way over a wall and through a strong and thorny fence, thus turning the defenders of the gateway. The first two men to enter Magdala were Private Bergin and a Drummer*.
(see also Magner, M).

BERRYMAN, John
Troop Sergeant- Major 17th Lancers (later the Duke of Cambridge's Own).
London Gazetted on 24th February 1857.
Born on the 18th to July 1825 at Dudley, Worcestershire.
Died on 27th June 1896 at Woldingham, Surrey.
Memorial at grave in St Agatha's Churchyard, Woldingham, Worcestershire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th October 1854 at Balaclava , Crimea, Troop Sergeant-Major Berryman, whose horse had been shot under him, stopped on the field with a wounded officer amidst a storm of shot and shell. Two sergeants * came to his assistance and between them they carried the wounded officer out a range of the guns.
* (see also Farrell, J. and Malone, J.).
Additional information: Major Berryman's Victoria Cross was earned during the Charge of the Light Brigade. He also served in the Indian Mutiny and the Zulu Wars.

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

BHANDARI RAM
Sepoy 10th Baluch Regiment, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 8th February, 1945.
Born on 24th July 1919 at Serunia (Village)Bilaspur State, Simla, India.
Died on 19th May 2002 at Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 22nd November, 1944 at East Mayu, Arakan, Burma, Sepoy Bhandari Ram's platoon was pinned down by machine-gun fire. Although wounded he crawled up to a Japanese light machine-gun in full view of the enemy and was wounded again, but continued to crawl to within five yards of his objective. He then threw a grenade into the position killing the of Gunner and two others. This action inspired his platoon to rush and capture the enemy position. Only then did he allow his wounds to be dressed.
Additional information: Promoted Subadur
Captain Bhandari Ram married Champa Devi in 1950. The had three sons and two daughters, all of whom survive him.
Captain Bhandari Ram continued to serve in the Army at the end of the war. He transferred to the Dogra Regiment, in the New Indian Army, from the 10th Baluchi at the Partition of India in 1947 because, as a Hindu, he felt he could not serve in the Baluch.
He served in the army for another 22 years, retiring in November 1969 at the age of 50. He farmed until ill health prevented him.
His old Baluch Regiment created a montage of his army career and his actions in the winning of the Victoria Cross.
He was also awarded the Indian Medal for Most Distinguished Service, the Param Vishissht Seva (PVS).
His death on 19th May 2002 leaves 16 surviving Victoria Cross recipients.

BINGHAM, The Hon. Edward Barry Stewart
Commander Royal Navy.
London Gazetted on 15th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the North Down Heritage Centre.
Born on the 26 July 1881 at Bangor, County Down, Ireland.
Died on 24th September 1939 in London.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 31st and May it 1916, at the Battle of Jutland, Commander Bingham of HMS Nestor, led his division in their attack, first on enemy destroyers and then on their battle cruisers. He finally sited the enemy Battle Fleet and followed by the one remaining destroyer of his division, HMS Nikator, he closed to within 3,000 and yards of the enemy, in order to attain a favourable position for firing the torpedoes. While making this attack Nestor and Nicator were under concentrated fire of the Secondary batteries of the High Seas Fleet. Nestor was subsequently sunk.
Additional information: Rear Admiral Bingham also held the Order of the British Empire (0BE).

BIRKS, Frederick

BISDEE, John Hutton
Trooper Tasmania Imperial Bushmen.
London Gazetted on 13th November 1900.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Tasmanian Museum, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Born on the 28th September, 1869 at Hutton Park, Tasmania.
Died on 14th January 1930 at Melton Mowbray, Tasmania.
Memorial on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st September 1900 near Warm Baths, Transvaal, South Africa, Trooper Bisdee was one of an advanced scouting party passing a through a narrow gorge, when the enemy suddenly opened fire at close range and six out of the party of eight were wounded, including two officers. The horse of one of the wounded officers bolted and Trooper Bisdee dismounted, put him on his own horse and took him out a range of the very heavy fire.
Additional information: Lt Colonel Bisdee also held the Order of the British Empire.
He was the first Australian-Born on man to be Gazetted for winning the Victoria Cross while serving under British Command whilst serving in an Australian Regiment. The second man, was Lieutenant G. G. Wylly, who won his VC in the same engagement, was, for some reason, Gazetted 10 days later,

BISHOP, William Avery
Captain Canadian Cavalry and 60 Squadron of The Royal Flying Corps.
London Gazetted on 11th August 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada.
Born on 8th February 1894 at Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
Died on 11th September 1956 at Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America.
Memorials on grave at Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound, Ontario and a Plaque in Queen's Park, West Owen Sound Ontario.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2nd June 1917 near Cambrai, France, Captain Bishop, patrolling independently, flew to an enemy aerodrome where several machines were standing with their engines running. One of the machines took off, but Captain Bishop fired at very close range and it crashed. He fired at and missed, the second, but his fire made the pilot swerve and hit a tree. Two more aircraft then took off– He emptied his Lewis -gun into the forward fuselage of the first and it crashed. He then emptied a whole drum into the fourth machine which had come up behind him and it dived away. Captain Bishop then flew back to his station.
Further information: Air Marshal Bishop was the son of William Avery Bishop, Registrar of Grey County, Ontario. He attended and was educated at the Royal Military College at Kingston joining the Canadian Militia on the 26th of August 1911. He was commissioned in the Canadian Cavalry in March 1915 travelling to the European War in France with one of the Units. After a short spell in the trenches, he decided to join up as an airman.
He succeeded Captain Albert Ball VC, on his demise, as commander of the Squadron.
In 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order, later he received a Bar for the DSO.. On the 28th August 1917 he was promoted to Major. Later, on the 5th August 1918 he was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant Colonel and took the appointment of General Staff Officer, First Grade of the Canadian Forces. He later became an Air Marshall.
He married Margaret Eaton, the daughter of Mr and Mrs C.E. Burdon, and niece of Sir John Eaton, on the 17th Of October 1917.

BISSET, William Davidson
Lieutenant 1/6th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's)
London Gazetted on 6th January 1990.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum.
Born on 7th August 1893 at St Martin's, Perthshire, Scotland.
Died on 12th May 1971 at Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales.
Memorial on grave at Aldershot Military Cemetery, Hampshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 25th October 1918 east of Maing, France, Lieutenant Bissett was commanding a platoon, but owing to casualties took command of the company and handled it with great skill when an enemy counter attack turned his left flank. Realising the danger he withdrew to the railway, but the enemy continued to advance and when the ammunition was exhausted Lieutenant Bisset mounted the railway embankment under heavy fire and, calling for a bayonet charge, drove back the enemy with heavy loss and again charge forward, establishing the line and saving a critical situation.
Additional information Major Bissett also held the Croix de Guerre avec Palme ( France).
He served in the second world war with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and the Royal Pioneer Corps.

BLACKBURN, Arthur Seaforth
Second Lieutenant 10th Battalion (S. A.) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 9th September 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Australian War Memorial.Canberra, Australia.
Born on 25th November 1892 at Adelaide, South Australia..
Died on 24th November 1960 at Adelaide, South Australia.
Memorial at AIF Cemetery and on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 23rd July 1916, at Posieres, France, Second Lieutenant Blackburn was directed with 50 men to drive the enemy from a strong point. By great determination he eventually captured 250 yards of trench, after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it, many of whom became casualties. Then after crawling forward with A sergeant to reconnoitre, he returned, attacked and seized another 120 yards of trench, establishing communication with the Battalion on his left.
Additional information: Brigadier Blackburn served in World War II, Commanding the 2/3rd machine-gun battalion, 2nd A.M.F., in 1940. He was General Officer Commanding the AMF in Java from 1941-42.
His decorations include the Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG); the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE); and the Military Cross (MM).

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

BLAIR, Robert
Lieutenant 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays) attchd to 9th Lancers. (Queen's Royal).
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Dragoon Guards,
Born on 13th March 1834 at Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland.
Died on 28th March 1859 at Cawnpore, India.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 28 per September 1857 at Bolandshahr, India, Lieutenant Blair was ordered to take a party of one sergeant and 12 men and bring in a deserted ammunition wagon. As they approached, 50 or 60 of the enemy on horseback attacked them, but without hesitation Lieutenant Blair formed up his men and gallantly led them through the rebels. He made good his retreat without losing a man, but leaving 9 of the enemy dead on the field. He himself was severely wounded in this action.
Additional information: he was the cousin of Captain James Blair VC.

BLAKER, Frank Gerald

BLOOMFIELD, William Anderson
Captain Scout Corps, 2nd South African Mounted Brigade.
London Gazetted on 30th December 1916.
Born on 30th January 1873 at Edinburgh, Scotland.
Died on 12th May 1954 at Ermelo, Transvaal, South Africa.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 24th August 1916 at Miali, East Africa, when consolidating his new position after being heavily attacked and being forced to retire, Captain Bloomfield found that one of the wounded, a corporal, had not been evacuated with the rest. At considerable personal risk the captain went back over 400 yards of ground sweapt by machine-gun fire and rifle fire and managed to reach the wounded man and bring him back to safety.

BOGLE, Andrew Cathcart
Lieutenant 78th Regiment (later the Seaforth Highlanders, The Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's)
London Gazetted on 2nd September 1859.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Queen's Own Highlanders' Museum.
Born on 20th January 1829 at Glasgow.
Died on 11th December 1890 at SherBorn one, Dorset.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 29th July 1857 in the attack on Oonao, India, Lieutenant Bogle led the way into a loopholed house which was occupied by the enemy and from which a heavy fire harassed the advance of his regiment. The lieutenant was severely wounded in this action

BOISRAGON, Guy Hudleston.
Lieutenant Indian Staff Corps and 5th gurkha Rifles, Indian Army.
London Gazetted on 12th July 1892.
Born on 5th November 1864 at Kohat in the Punjab.
Died on 14th July 1931 at Biarritz, France.
Memorials are at Kensal Green Cemetery in London and in the Sanctum Crypt at St. Luke's Church, Chelsea.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 2 December 1891 during the attack on Nilt Fort, India, Lieutenant Boisragon led the assault , forcing his way through difficult obstacles to the inner gate, when he returned for reinforcements, moving fearlessly to and fro under heavy cross-fire until he had collected sufficient men to drive the enemy from the fort.
Additional information: Brigadier Boisragon won the VC during the Huntza Campaign. He was the eldest son of Major-General Henry Boisragon and his wife Anna, the daughter of William Hudleston of the Madras Civil Service.
He was educated at Charterhouse before going on to the Royal Military College at Sandhurst He served in the 10th Regiment (Lincolnshire) in 1885 before service in the 5th Gurkha Regt. in 1887 From 1888 he served on several expeditions, The Hanzari, (Medal and clasp) the 2nd Hazari (clasp) . He served on the Miranzai expedition (1891) as Orderly Officer to the Gen. Officer (clasp0 which was followed by the 2nd Maranzai Expedition. From 189-92 he served in the Huntza- Nagar area, where he won the VC for his part in the capture of the Nilt Fort. He was mentioned in Despatches (clasp) He served also in the Waziristan Expedition in 1894-5 (clasp) under Sir William Lockhart and as ADC to the Lt. Gen. of the Punjab Command.
Promoted to Captain in 1896 he, in the following two years, took part in the Sumana and Kurrum Valley operations (1897) gaining a medal and two clasps, and in the reconnaissance of the pass at Kharmana and the action of November 7th 1897 as well as the mission against the Khani Khel Chamkannis.
In 1903 he bacame Brevet-Major then Brevet Colonel, Colonel in the Frontier Forces. He received The Order of the Nile, 4th Class for services in the European War (WWI) where he was wounded.

BONNER, Charles George
Lieutenant Royal Naval Reserve.
London Gazetted on 2nd November 1917.
Born on 29th December 1884 at Shuttington, Warwickshire.
Died on 7th February 1951 at Edinburgh.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 8th August 1917 in the Bay of Biscay, Lieutenant Bonner was with HMS Dunraven (a Q or mystery ship *) when she was shelled by an enemy submarine. The lieutenant was in the thick of the fighting and throughout a whole of the action his pluck and determination had a considerable influence on the crew.
* Ships that were disguised as harmless merchantmen .
Additional information: Lieutenant Bonner also held the Distinguished Service Cross (D S C). After the war Captain Bonner became a salvage expert in shipping.

BOOTH Anthony Clarke
Colour Sergeant 80th Regiment (The South Staffordshire Regiment).
London Gazetted on 23rd February 1880.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Staffordshire Regiment's Museum.
Born on 21st April 1846 at Carrington, Nottingham.
Died on 8th December 1899 at Brierley Hill, Staffordshire.
Memorials at the Garrison Church, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 12th March 1879 on the Intombi River, South Africa*,during an attack by very large numbers of the enemy, Colour-Sergeant Booth rallied a few men on the South Bank of the river and covered the retreat of 50 soldiers and others for a distance of three miles. Had it not been for the coolness displayed by this NCO not one man would have escaped.
* During the Zulu Wars.

BOOTH, Frederick Charles
Sergeant British South African Police attchd Rhodesia Native Infantry.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
Born on 6th March 1890 at Upper Holloway, London.
Died on 14th September 1960 at Brighton, Sussex.
Memorial at grave Bear Road Cemetery, Brighton.
Digest of Citation reads:
Control of February 1917 at Johannesbruck, near Songea, East Africa, during an attack in thick bush on the enemy position and under very heavy rifle fire, Sergeant Booth went forward alone and brought in a man who was dangerously wounded. Later he rallied native troops who were badly disorganised and brought them to the firing line. On many previous occasions this NCO had set a splendid example of pluck and endurance.
Additional information: Sergeant Booth also holds the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

BORELLA, Albert Chalmers
Lieutenant 26th Battalion (Queensland and Tasmania) Australian Imperial Force.
London Gazetted on 16th September 1918.
Born on 7th August 1881 at Borung, Victoria, Australia.
Died on 7th February 1968 at Albury, Victoria, Australia.
Memorial on the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 17th/18th July 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux, France, Lieutenant Borella, whilst leading his platoon, charged and captured an enemy machine gun, shooting two gunners. He then led his party, by now reduced to 10 men and two Lewis guns, against a very strongly held trench, using his revolver and later a rifle with great effect and causing many casualties. Two large dug-outs were also bombed and 30 prisoners taken. On another occasion, although outnumbered 10 to one, he and his men repulsed the enemy causing heavy losses.
Additional information: Captain Borrello also held the Military Medal (MM)

BORTON, Arthur Drummond
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 2/22nd Battalion (County of London),. The London Regiment. (the Queen's).
London Gazetted on 18th December 1917.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Royal Surrey Regiment's Museum
Born on the first to July 1883 at Chevening, Kent.
Died on 5th January 1933 at Hunton, Kent.
Memorial on the King's Royal Rifle Corps memorial in Winchester Cathedral.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 7th November 1917 at Sheria, Palestine, under most difficult conditions, in darkness and in an unknown country, Lieutenant Colonel Borton deployed his Battalion for attack and at dawn led his attacking companies against a strongly held position. When the leading waves were checked by withering fire, he moved freely up and down the line under heavy fire and then led his men forward, capturing the position. At a later stage he led a party of volunteers against a battery of field guns in action at point blank range, capturing the guns and the detachments. His fearless leadership was an example to the whole brigade.
Additional information: Decorations held by Lt Col. Borton included Companion (of the Order) of St Michael and St George (C M G) and the Distinguished Service Order (D S O)

BOUGHEY, Stanley Henry Parry
Second Lieutenant 1/4th Battalion The Royal Scots Fusiliers.
London Gazetted on 13th February 1918.
Born on 9th April 1896 at Ayrshire, Scotland.
Died on 4th December 1917 near Ramleh, Palestine. (Died on of wounds).
Memorial at Gaza War Cemetery, Palestine.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 1st December 1917 at El Berf, Palestine, when the enemy in large numbers had managed to crawl opt to within 50 yards of our firing line and with bombs and automatic rifles were keeping down the fire of our machine-guns, Second Lieutenant Boughey rushed forward alone with bombs right up to the enemy, killing many and causing the surrender of a party of 30. As he turned to go back for more bonds he was mortally wounded at the moment when the enemy were surrendering.

BOULGER, Abraham
Lance-Corporal 84th Regiment (The York and Lancaster Regiment).
London Gazetted on 18th June 1858.
VC Medal's Custodian is the York and Lancaster Regiment's Museum.
Born on 4th September 1835 at Killcullen, County Kildare, Ireland.
Died on 23rd January 1900 in Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
During the period 12 July to 20 September 1857 in India, Lance-Corporal Boulger distinguished himself in all 12 actions fought by his regiment. He was one of the party which stormed the bridge over the canal on the relief of the Residency and shot a Gunner who was in the act of firing a 68 pounder in the face of the British troops. He was also the first man to enter a masked battery. In the subsequent defence of the Residency he was severely wounded.

BOULTER, William Ewart
Sergeant 6th Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment.
London Gazetted on 26th October 1916.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Northamptonshire Regiment's Museum.
Born on 14th October 1892 at Wigston, Leicestershire.
Died on 1st June 1955 at Wimbledon, Surrey.
Memorial: Lieutenant Boulter was cremated at Putney Vale Crematorium.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 14th July 1916 at Trones Wood, France, when one company and part of another was held up in the attack on a wood by a hostile machine gun which was causing heavy casualties. Sergeant Boulter, with utter contempt of danger, and in spite of being wounded in the shoulder, advanced alone over open ground under heavy fire, in front of the gun and bombed the gun team from their position. This act not only saved many casualties, but materially helped the operation of clearing the enemy out of the wood.

BOURCHIER, Claude Thomas

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

BOYD-ROCHFORT, George Arthur
Second Lieutenant. Scots Guards attached to 1st Battalion.
London Gazetted on 1st September, 1915.
VC Medal's Custodian is the Guards Regimental HQ.
Born on 1st January, 1880 at Middleton, County Westmeath, Ireland.
Died on 11th August 1940 in Dublin, Ireland.
Memorial not known.
Digest of Citation reads:
On 3rd August, 1915 between Cambrin and La Bessee, France, a German trench-mortar bomb landed on the side of a Parapet of the communication trench in which Second Lieutenant Boyd-Rochfort was standing close to a small working party of his battalion. Instead of stepping back into safety he shouted to his men to look out, rushed at the bomb, seized it and hurled it over the parapet where it at once exploded. This combination of presence of mind and courage saved the lives of many of the working party.
Additional information:. Captain Boyd-Rochfort was promoted to Captain.