Valiant Men of Bedfordshire

“VALIANT MEN OF BEDFORDSHIRE”

COMMEMORATING THOSE AWARDED

THE VICTORIA CROSS & ALBERT MEDAL

IN THE GREAT WAR

FROM BEDFORDSHIRE

“The Valiant Men of Bedfordshire” Page 2

THE VICTORIA CROSS

The Victoria Cross was introduced as the premier award for gallantry, available for all

ranks, to cover actions since the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854; it was allegedly

created on the suggestion of Prince Albert, the Prince Consort. The Naval version originally

had a navy blue ribbon which continued during the Great War.

Of the 1354 awards since 1856, 832 have gone to the Army, 107 to the Navy, 31 to

the RAF, 10 to the Royal Marines and 4 to civilians. Second bars have been awarded three

times. The facility for posthumous awards, made retrospective to 1856, began in 1902 and

was confirmed in 1907, while the early practice of forfeitures (eight between 1863 and

1908) was discontinued after the First World War.

Each VC is still made by the same London jewellers, Messrs Hancocks (now of

Burlington Gardens, London, W1) from the bronze of Chinese cannons captured from the

Russians at the siege of Sebastopol (large ingots of which are stored at the Army's Central

Ordnance Depot at Donnington).

There is a requirement for the award to be approved that at least three witnesses

must make sworn written statements as to the exact circumstances of the action involved.

This means many equally brave acts are not rewarded.

The Albert Medal (AM) was

Victoria's husband and consort Price Albert who died on 14 December 1861 at Windsor. A royal

warrant issued in 1867 created two classes of AM: 1st and 2nd class. Ten years later, in 1877, the

warrant was altered to allow the saving of life on land to be recognised by the award of the Albert

Medal.

In 1917 the title was altered producing the Albert Medal in gold (formerly the AM 1st Class)

and the Albert Medal (formerly the 2nd class bronze medal).

In 1949 the Albert Medal in Gold was replaced by the George Cross. The Albert Medal, now

only issued in bronze, was only awarded posthumously. In 1971, the Albert Medal was ceased and all

living recipients were invited to exchange their Albert Medals for the Geo

During the Great War 1914

awarded the Victoria Cross. Two men are also included in this book who won the equivalent

Albert Medal

This book is written as a tribute to them. It is distributed

generations may remember them and those who fought alongside them.

“The Valiant Men of Bedfordshire”

THE ALBERT MEDAL

The Albert Medal (AM) was introduced on 7 March 1866, and was named after Queen



s altered to allow the saving of life on land to be recognised by the award of the Albert


and the Albert Medal (formerly the 2nd class bronze medal).

9 the Albert Medal in Gold was replaced by the George Cross. The Albert Medal, now


living recipients were invited to exchange their Albert Medals for the George Cross.

During the Great War 1914 - 1918 fifteen men associated with Bedfordshire were


This book is written as a tribute to them. It is distributed free so that recent

generations may remember them and those who fought alongside them.

Page 3

introduced on 7 March 1866, and was named after Queen



s altered to allow the saving of life on land to be recognised by the award of the Albert


9 the Albert Medal in Gold was replaced by the George Cross. The Albert Medal, now


rge Cross.

men associated with Bedfordshire were


free so that recent

This book is published in the Centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War 1914

– 1918. It is intended as a tribute to all those who endured the horrors o

memory of those awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in

the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces

Included are two recipient

association with Bedfordshire. Unfortunately the Albert Medal and the other precursors of what is

now the George Cross have not received the same publicity as the equivalent Military award of the

Victoria Cross and the antecedents of the recipients

for all those awarded these medals for

unexploded mines and police work

Five men serving in the Bedfordshire Regiment have already featured in the sister volume

“The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire” available from the same source. They are therefore shown

separately in the contents but to see their profiles

The eight men represented here, who were awarded the VC, are associated with

Bedfordshire as encompassed by the county boundaries of that time. Not only included are those

born in Bedfordshire but those living there, attending

County’s Regiment.

Of these eight recipients

home more than one had physical and mental scars. Some had difficulty finding work and were

traumatized by their experiences. S

on the line.

So this book concentrates on the events where they displayed extreme courage

rather than the aftermath.

AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE THEY SAY OF FIGHTING MEN:

THAT OLD SOLDIER

THE ROYAL MARINES ARE SAID TO CROSS THE HARBOUR BAR.

SO PLEASE READ THEIR STORIES THAT THEY MAY REMEMBERED

Compiled by Ted Sparrow


PREFACE


1918. It is intended as a tribute to all those who endured the horrors of that war and to honour the


the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

recipients of the Albert Medal known through Bedford



he antecedents of the recipients are difficult to find. Thus the

for all those awarded these medals for:- fire fighting, mine rescue, saving life at sea, dealing with

unexploded mines and police work etc..

men serving in the Bedfordshire Regiment have already featured in the sister volume


separately in the contents but to see their profiles one needs to go to the other volume.

men represented here, who were awarded the VC, are associated with

as encompassed by the county boundaries of that time. Not only included are those

but those living there, attending a Bedfordshire school or who served in the

recipients two lost their lives in the conflict. Of those returning


traumatized by their experiences. Sadly it is a problem that can still affect those who put their lives


AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE THEY SAY OF FIGHTING MEN:

THAT OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY AND


THEY ONLY DIE IF THEY ARE FORGOTTEN.


AND SO LIVE ON IN PEOPLE’S MEMORIES.

Compiled by Ted Sparrow July 2014

Page 4


f that war and to honour the


.

School to have an



ese two cases stand

fire fighting, mine rescue, saving life at sea, dealing with

men serving in the Bedfordshire Regiment have already featured in the sister volume


er volume.

men represented here, who were awarded the VC, are associated with

as encompassed by the county boundaries of that time. Not only included are those

hool or who served in the

lost their lives in the conflict. Of those returning


adly it is a problem that can still affect those who put their lives


AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE THEY SAY OF FIGHTING MEN: -

S NEVER DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY AND




CONTENTS

ADLAM, Thomas Edwin VC Page 7

Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment

BUCKINGHAM, William Henry VC Page 10

He was born William Billington, at 57, St John's Street, Bedford

FOSS, Charles Calveley V.C., C.B., D.S.O. Page 14

Charles Foss served in the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment

HEDGES, Frederick William VC Page 19

Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment

HENDERSON, Edward Elers Delaval VC Page 23

Henderson was educated at Dunstable Grammar School.

HOSKYN, Charles Reginald OBE AM Page 26

He attended Bedford School

MOORE, Montague Shadworth VC Page 28

He attended Bedford School.

NEEDHAM, Samuel VC Page 31

Private, Service No: 203329, Bedfordshire Regiment 1st

/5th

Battalion

NEWALL, Cyril Louis Norton GCB, OM, GCMG, CBE, AM

Marshal of the RAF The Lord Newall of Clifton upon Dunsmoor Page 34


TISDALL, Arthur Walderne St. Clair VC Page37

Lived at 32 Kimbolton Road, Bedford

WHEELER, George Campbell VC.


WHEELER, George (Godfrey) Massy VC

Memorial at Bedford Modern School

THE PROFILES OF THE

“The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire”

COLLINGS-WELLS, John Stanhope VC

Enlistment in the Hertfordshire Militia

BURT, Alfred Alexander V.C

Resident of Port Vale

COX, Christopher Augustus VC

Born and lived in Kings Langley

WARNER, Edward VC

He was born in St Albans in

YOUNG, Frank Edward VC

He was born in Cherat in the North West Province, India. Served in the Hertfordshire TA


Kimbolton Road, Bedford

WHEELER, George Campbell VC. Page


WHEELER, George (Godfrey) Massy VC Page

Memorial at Bedford Modern School

PROFILES OF THE FOLLOWING ARE GIVEN IN


WELLS, John Stanhope VC

nlistment in the Hertfordshire Militia

BURT, Alfred Alexander V.C

COX, Christopher Augustus VC

Born and lived in Kings Langley

WARNER, Edward VC

St Albans in Hertfordshire

YOUNG, Frank Edward VC

Cherat in the North West Province, India. Served in the Hertfordshire TA

Page 6

Page 40

Page 44

ARE GIVEN IN


Cherat in the North West Province, India. Served in the Hertfordshire TA


ADLAM, Thomas Edwin VC

Tom Edwin Adlam was born at Waterloo Gardens in Salisbury, on the 21st October 1893, the

son of John and Evangeline Adlam. Following his education at Bishop Wordsworth's School, Salisbury,

he was training to be a teacher and joined the Territorial Force in September 1912. When war broke

out in August 1914, Tom Adlam was embodied for service and had worked his way up to Sergeant

when commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment in November 1915. He

joined the regiment at

Sittingbourne, Kent, and was soon

moved to and trained as Bombing

Officer as he had the unusual tlent

of being able to throw Mills bombs

'40 yards' with both arms, which he

put down to years spent playing

cricket.

The 7th battalion served

with distinction on the Western

Front and had suffered heavy losses

since the opening day of the battle

of the Somme on the 1st July 1916.

They had been in the front

assaulting waves on that notorious

day, which saw them storm and

hold the German positions on the southern edges of the battlefield. Not only had they been one of

the few British battalions to successfully get into the German trenches, but they had taken the front

three lines of enemy trenches as well as the heavily fortified and stubborn Pommiers Redoubt that

bristled with machine guns. Two weeks later they were again mauled during the assault on the

deadly Trones Wood, after which battle a further draft of reinforcements saw the new Second

Lieutenant Tom Adlam join them in the field on the 18th July 1916. He was posted to C Company and,

other than two weeks in August spent in the front lines opposite Lille, spent the period leading up to

the storming of Thiepval and the Schwaben Redoubt in reserve positions. Here the battalion initially

rested after their ordeal on the Somme, then started training for their involvement in the Somme

battles that September.

Tom joined what he called a 'very happy platoon' and remarked how he was never bitten by

a bug during his time on the Western Front, although his impression of it all was that it could be

'bloody awful at times'. His mother died while he was on the front that summer but as the burial and

service would have been finished by the time he returned to England, he chose to remain with his


platoon. This innocuous decision would ensure he was with the battalion while they stormed Thiepval

and the Schwaben Redoubt, otherwise he would not have been with them during the action that saw

him win the Victoria Cross.

In what would go down in the Regimental annuls as one of the finest military feats of the

battalion's impressive involvements in the war, the 54th Brigade were 'wound up' to take on the

defensive positions around Thiepval with the 7th battalion assigned to assault the 'impregnable' and

formidable defensive work called the Schwaben Redoubt once the village itself had fallen.

Thiepval stood on a high ridge that dominated the surrounding countryside. The fortified

village itself sat in the middle and on either shoulder of the ridge the defenders had built redoubts to

repel any attempts to overrun the ridge. These redoubts were complex tangles of barbed wire,

trenches, reinforced machine gun posts and dugouts in which the defenders could shelter from

shelling. The Ulstermen of the 36th Division, despite the bravest of attempts, had failed to hold it on

the 1st July when they were assigned the unenviable task of assaulting it and had almost been wiped

out in the process. Early in September the relatively inexperienced Territorial troops of the 49th (West

Yorkshire) Division had also failed to take it but the shoulders of the ridge had finally been captured.

After almost three months of horrific battles and casualty levels, the now highly experienced 54th

Brigade were moved up overnight to make yet another attempt at taking the carefully crafted

positions high on the Thiepval Ridge

CITATION

[ London Gazette, 25 November 1916 ], Thiepval and Swaben Redoubt, France, 27 - 28 September

1916, Second Lieutenant 7th Bn, Bedfordshire Regiment.

"For most conspicuous bravery. A portion of a village which had defied capture had to be

taken at all costs, to permit subsequent operations to develop.

This minor operation came under very heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. Second Lieutenant

Adlam, realising that time was all-important, rushed from shell-hole to shell-hole under heavy fire,

collecting men for a sudden rush, and for this purpose also collected many enemy grenades. At this

stage he was wounded in the leg, but nevertheless he was able to out-throw the enemy, and then

seizing his opportunity, and in spite of his wound, he led a rush, captured the position and killed the

occupants.

Throughout the day he continued to lead his men in bombing attacks. On the following day

he again displayed courage of the highest order, and, though again wounded and unable to throw

bombs, he continued to lead his men. His magnificant example of valour, coupled with the skilful

handling of the situation, produced far-reaching results."

POST WW1

Following the end of World War I, Tom Adlam became headmaster of the village school in

Blackmoor, Hampshire, where he and his wife Ivy raised their four children. Called into service again

during World War II, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1944.

MEDALS

Victoria Cross: British War Medal

War Medal - (1939-45): King George VI Coronation Medal 1937: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation

Medal 1953: Medaglia Al Valore Militare

COMMEMORATION

Tom Adlam died, aged 81, on the 28th May 1975, during a family holiday on Hayling Island,

Hampshire. He is buried in St Matthew's Churchyard, Blackmoor, near Liss, Hampshire.


Victoria Cross: British War Medal - (1914-20): Victory Medal - (1914-19): Defence Medal

45): King George VI Coronation Medal 1937: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation

Medal 1953: Medaglia Al Valore Militare ( Silver ) ( Italy )



Page 9

19): Defence Medal - (1939-45):

45): King George VI Coronation Medal 1937: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation




BUCKINGHAM, William Henry VC

EARLY LIFE

William Buckingham was born William Billington, at 57, St John's Street, Bedford, on

29.3.1886. Both parents were natives of Bedfordshire: his father, William John Billington, was born

at Flitwick in 1869 and his mother, Annie, was born in Bedford in the Spring of 1867, and they were

married at the Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Mill Street, Bedford, on 1.2.1886. A second son,

Frederick Ernest Billington, was born on 7.5.1887.

Their father died tragically at New Spring Road, Kempston, of pulmonary tuberculosis age

19. The boy's mother had difficulties in bringing the boys up and by May 1889 the family was living in

Howbury Street, Bedford, and was receiving outdoor relief from the local Board of Guardians.

William Billington was admitted to the Bedford Union Workhouse on 17th

May 1889 (aged 3 years)

as his mother was no longer able to care for him. He was shown as being at the Workhouse in the

1891 census. His brother Frederick was living with his maternal

grandparents.

Their mother, Annie, moved to Leicester at this time, settled,

and married Thomas Henry Buckingham, aged 18 years, possibly met

whilst working in a factory. They had a son, Joseph Henry Buckingham,

on 19.11.1891. Problems arose at bringing up this son, who was

admitted to the Leicester Union Workhouse on 21.4.1892. Both William

and Frederick were transferred to Leicester where the boys adopted

their stepfather's name, returned to the workhouse and subsequently

were transferred to Countesthorpe Cottage Homes. William became a

boy soldier and his brother Frederick joined the Navy.

Number nine of the eleven Cottage Homes at Countesthorpe plus a visit to the homes by its most famous

old boy, Pte Buckingham VC. Photos courtesy of the Record Office for Leicestershire,


MILITARY CAREER

Buckingham joined the 2nd Battalion of The Leicestershire Regiment in 1901, at the age of

15, and served in Egypt and India. 2nd Battalion in August 1914 was in Ranikhet as one of the

battalions comprising the Gharwal Brigade, Meerut Division of the Indian Army.

On the12th October 1914 the Division landed at Marseilles for service in France, Was a

member of the “Old Contemptibles”. The first action was the defence of Festubert, 23-24 November

1914 by the Indian Corps (Willcocks): Meerut Division

The defence of Givenchy, 20-21 December 1914 the Indian Corps makes an attack

Events did not go as planned the enemy actually attacked their French neighbours, disrupting

plans. Elsewhere, a series of six disconnected and small-scale assaults took place. Where men

entered the enemy lines - and they were few as the rest were held on the thick enemy wire - they

were out-ranged by German hand grenades (the British had few, homemade and quite useless

grenades). The 7th and 8th Divisions quickly lost another 51 officers and 1024 men, having achieved

next to nothing.

The Meerut and Lahore Divisions of the Indian Corps had already suffered some 6,000

casualties since arriving in Flanders a few weeks previously. Most of these had been lost in the

defence south of Ypres, but more recently they had suffered in fruitless attacks in November and as

recently as 16 December. They were exhausted, reeling from the debilitating effects of trench

warfare in the flooded ditches of Flanders. The men lacked suitable winter clothing, and missed their

accustomed special rations. On 18 December, the Meerut held the left sector of the Corps line, from

La Bombe crossroads near Neuve Chapelle, to Picquet House near La Quinque Rue at Festubert.

Extending to the right, the Lahore held the line to Givenchy, with one battalion, the 1st Connaught

Rangers, on the opposite bank of the La Bassée Canal. The Corps attacked at 3.10am on the cold,

windy, rainy early morning of 19 December 1914. The attack gains a toehold in the enemy front line

The 2nd Leicesters of Gharwal Brigade, supported by the 2/3rd Gurkhas, attacked at 3.15am,

and despite having to cross a field of machine gun fire managed to capture a length of 300 yards of

the enemy front line near Festubert. They held on through the dawn against numerous bombing

attacks delivered along the network of communication trenches. By 10.00am, the enemy was seen

massing for a counter-attack near the Orchard, which was being mortared. The most advanced men

were withdrawn to a line to the rear of the Orchard. A little way south, the 1st Highland Light

Infantry and 1/4th Gurkha Rifles of the newly-arrived Sirhind Brigade and 59th Scinde Rifles of

Jullundur Brigade attacked in front of Givenchy. They also got into 200 yards of the lightly-held

enemy front line, but casualties were heavy as the enemy counter-attacked again and again, and

men crossing no man's land in support were scythed down by machine gun fire.

Casualties

incurred

Killed or missing Wounded

Indian Corps Officers Men Officers Men

British 144 915 148 1246

Indian 70 2590 96 4370


NEUVE CHAPELLE

In the Spring of 1915 the British Expeditionary Force in France came under political pressure

to do something to expel the Germans from France, and the village of Neuve Chapelle was selected

as the objective for this the first major British offensive of the war. At Neuve Chapelle the British

managed mainly through good luck to achieve surprise and local superiority, so that the first day of

the battle, 10 March 1915 was one of considerable success. Over the following days however German

resistance hardened and the hoped for breakthrough was not achieved.

One of the units chosen to spearhead the assault was the Indian Corps with its mixture of

Gurkha, Garwahli and British troops. Among its battalions was the 2nd Leicestershire Regiment.

Along with their Indian comrades the Leicesters attacked the German position known as Port Arthur,

near La Bombe crossroads.

Three infantry brigades were ordered to advance quickly as soon as the barrage lifted from

the front line at 8.05am. The Gharwal Brigade of the Indian Corps advanced successfully, with the

exception of the 1/39th Gharwal Rifles on the extreme right that went astray and plunged into

defences untouched by the bombardment, suffering large losses. The 25th and 23rd Brigades of the

8th Division made good progress against the village. There were delays in sending further orders and

reinforcements forward, but by nightfall the village had been captured, and the advanced units were

in places as far forward as the Layes brook. During the night the Germans reinforced their second line

in front of the Bois de Biez, and all further attempts over the next few days brought little material

success

CITATION (London Gazette, 28 April1915).

'for conspicuous acts of bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing and rendering aid to the wounded

whilst exposed to heavy fire, especially at Neuve Chapelle, on 10th and 12th of March 1915'

INTERLUDE

He was promoted to Lance Corporal and was based at The Depot at Glen Parva Barracks, and

employed with recruiting in the county. He then gave up his stripes and returned to France, joining

1st Battalion where he became orderly to Captain JWE Mosse (OC A Company, and whose father

was CO of the Depot).

William Buckingham VC pictured on a contemporary postcard. The red

white and black ribbon around his cap indicates he is with a recruiting

party

The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, 15 - 22 September 1916

A renewal of the offensive finally broke through the area that had

proved to be so difficult since 14 July. using a small number of tanks for

the first time in history, the British Army finally captured High Wood

and pressed on through Flers and up the Bapaume road to Courcelette.

1st Leicesters moved into the attack position during the night of 14

September and were ready to engage the enemy by 4.30 am on the 15th. Zero Hour for the infantry

attack was fixed for 6.20 am with the Battalion and the 9th (Ser

Regiment facing the north-east along a line of trenches due south from Ginchy. The attack

commenced on time and the battalion encountered heavy machine

Regiment to whom they were directly oppose

killed in action that day William Buckingham VC of A Company. Typically, he fell as he advanced to

the aid of wounded comrades. He had just cleared a parapet when he was hit in the thigh and head

by machine-gun fire and was killed instantly. He was 30 years old.

MEDALS The VC was presented to him by HM King George V at Buckingham Palace on 4

June 1915. His medal and some personal effects are displayed in the Regimental Museum.

Victoria Cross 1914

COMMEMORATED

He died aged 28 on the 5th

September 1916

the 843 men of the Regiment commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme

In 1961 during its development and expansion the village of Countesthorpe honoured one of

its bravest former sons by naming a

village War Memorial in the churchyard of Saint Andrew’s. T

memory by erecting a bronze memorial plaque on a granite plinth in Buckingham Road.


attack was fixed for 6.20 am with the Battalion and the 9th (Service) Battalion of t

east along a line of trenches due south from Ginchy. The attack

commenced on time and the battalion encountered heavy machine-gun fire from the 9th Bavarian

Regiment to whom they were directly opposed. Casualties were extremely heavy and amongst those



gun fire and was killed instantly. He was 30 years old.

The VC was presented to him by HM King George V at Buckingham Palace on 4

His medal and some personal effects are displayed in the Regimental Museum.

Victoria Cross 1914 Star: British War Medal: British Victory Medal.

September 1916. His body was never recovered, and his name is among


its development and expansion the village of Countesthorpe honoured one of

its bravest former sons by naming a road after him. Later, in 1986 after adding his name to the

in the churchyard of Saint Andrew’s. The Parish Council further


Page 13

of the Norfolk

east along a line of trenches due south from Ginchy. The attack

gun fire from the 9th Bavarian

d. Casualties were extremely heavy and amongst those



The VC was presented to him by HM King George V at Buckingham Palace on 4th

His medal and some personal effects are displayed in the Regimental Museum.

British War Medal: British Victory Medal.

His body was never recovered, and his name is among


its development and expansion the village of Countesthorpe honoured one of

after adding his name to the

he Parish Council further honoured his


FOSS, Charles Calveley V.C., C.B., D.S.O.

Charles was born 8th March 1885 in Kobe, Japan, the eldest son of the Right Reverend Hugh James

Foss, Bishop of Osaka. He attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire (1899

He enrolled into the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in 1902 and was commissioned as a

Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1904.

Captain Foss mentioned in Sir John French's despatches for gallantry in the field and his D.S.O.

followed the same month.

The 2nd battalion spent the period until early March in the trenches around Fleurbaix before

moving into reserve to train in readiness for the coming operations around Neuve Chapelle. Other

British and Indian troops were to make the first attacking waves up on the 10th March 1915, with

the Bedfords' Brigade moving through them to carry the lines further forwards. This

10.30am they moved forward with their objective laying in a south

northern edge of Neuve Chapelle, headed in the direction of Pietre.

After advancing through the German barrage across open fields and passing the

casualties suffered by the first waves, they had cleared the old German front lines by 4.30pm. Their

orders took them to support positions next to the Royal Scots Fusiliers and they settled into the new

lines in an open field for the night, having l


FOSS, Charles Calveley V.C., C.B., D.S.O.


He attended Marlborough College in Wiltshire (1899-1902).


Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1904.

WORLD WAR 1

Charles Foss was serving in the 2nd Battalion of the

Bedfordshire Regiment in South Africa when the war broke

out and the battalion made it to the Western Front in time

for the First Battle of Ypres. He was one of only four

Officers to survive the battle during which he won his

D.S.O

Having miraculously survived the battle that saw many

British battalions reduced to mere cadres he worked

steadily through the first winter in the trenches until the

opposing armies started their respective campaigning

seasons again the following spring. February 1915 saw



o train in readiness for the coming operations around Neuve Chapelle. Other


the Bedfords' Brigade moving through them to carry the lines further forwards. This

10.30am they moved forward with their objective laying in a south-easterly direction, on the

northern edge of Neuve Chapelle, headed in the direction of Pietre.

After advancing through the German barrage across open fields and passing the



lines in an open field for the night, having lost around 60 Officers and men to the shelling that day.

Page 14


1902).


the 2nd Battalion of the

Bedfordshire Regiment in South Africa when the war broke

out and the battalion made it to the Western Front in time

for the First Battle of Ypres. He was one of only four

Officers to survive the battle during which he won his

Having miraculously survived the battle that saw many

British battalions reduced to mere cadres he worked

steadily through the first winter in the trenches until the

opposing armies started their respective campaigning

February 1915 saw



o train in readiness for the coming operations around Neuve Chapelle. Other


the Bedfords' Brigade moving through them to carry the lines further forwards. This in mind, at

easterly direction, on the

After advancing through the German barrage across open fields and passing the heavy



ost around 60 Officers and men to the shelling that day.


The following day was spent in the same position, manning a salient jutting into the German

lines, with the British troops hugging the ground waiting for firm orders which were delayed due to a

supporting Brigade not being able to make it into the allotted positions. The Bedfords simply dug in

tight and watched an attack from the Northampton's halted by intense shell and rifle fire just to

their right. A further thirty Officers and men fell on the 11th but no more attempts to advance were

made that included them.

Overnight the two front line companies dug a new trench at right angles to their existing

ones, which were being heavily enfiladed from their open southern flank, resulting in one company

facing east, the other south. That night also saw a company of the Scots Fusiliers brought into the

line on their right, opposite the 'High Trees', but they were rushed early in the early morning mist

and driven from the

trench, leaving the

Bedfords cruelly exposed.

At about 7am

Major Denne (second in

command) was organising

a counter attack to regain

the lost trench when he

was wounded and had to

be removed from the line

completely, dying as a

result some two years

later. Captains

Cumberledge and Baird

took charge and led A

Company in the attack,

which was disastrous.

Every last Officer and man

was hit, many of them

falling as they left the trenches and the regimental history remarks that those who made it into no

man's land lay in a straight line where they fell as a German machine gun took them in enfilade. Only

a handful of Bedfords actually made it into the German trenches, being Captain Baird (wounded), Sgt

9238 Woods (wounded), Pte 7072 Wareham (wounded), Pte 9446 Coxall (wounded), Pte 9957 Day

(killed), Pte 8006 Hodson (wounded), Pte 6684 Richards (killed).

Half an hour later word reached battalion HQ of the doomed assault, just as the Scots to

their right started suffering badly from British shell fire. The situation was falling into confusion as

the Brigadier ordered the trench to be retaken, so Major Onslow (in command) ordered the Adjutant

to go forward and find out what the situation was.

Captain Foss was his Adjutant but it seems that he was not satisfied with events and took

control himself. Having considered the situation he suggested one of the newly raised bombing

sections should attempt the assault but neglected to add that he intended to lead them himself. In

his own words, he "was rather afraid that he [the C.O.] might not countenance his Adjutant going for


a 'jolly' on his own, so I did not hint that I thought of joining the bombers". Having taken one such

section of Bombers from D Company, he led them from the front in a line through the trenches,

intending to flank attack the German held line and placed himself at the front as the leading bayonet

man.

Having moved through the 'veritable shambles' that the British trenches had become,

overflowing with wounded and dying men as they were, Foss approached the end of the British

territory and was faced with open ground between them and the German lines with flooded dykes

running across their line of attack. As he describes in his own words: "We then launched our attack.

The words sound grand; but we felt very 'naked' and 'above ground' in the open field - at least I did.

The dyke caused me some amusement - none of the bombers were inclined to get their feet wet and

I thoroughly sympathised with them - wet puttees are so cold. So they 'covered' me while I ran and

leapt, then I 'covered' them while they ran and leapt. What's more, we all cleared the dyke. This

safely negotiated, we threw a few bombs … The bombs, the first I had seen go off in anger,

frightened me with their noise and the mess they made of the local German. They also stirred the

Germans into activity. They got up and crowded round us with their hands up. The bombers

thoroughly enjoyed themselves, waving the bombs in their faces, making grimaces and ordering

them to hold their hands higher. I had to shout to warn the bombers not to throw any more as they

would blow us all up."

The tiny band of eight overzealous bombers and a single worried Officer overcame one

German Officer and forty eight men in addition to those who were killed during their bombing

assault. A Company moved in to take over and the salient was saved.

Sir John French, the C in C of the British Army, heaped praise on the battalion for their

actions at Neuve Chapelle, and visited them in person on 10th April whilst they were resting in

Reserve. A copy of his speech was printed in the local newspapers and several decorations were

handed out to the battalion for their part in the battle. Captain Foss himself was awarded the V.C.

for his part in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle on the March 12, 1915.

During the Battle of Festubert in May 1915 Foss once again led a team of bombers who

played a vital, stubborn part in the battalion's fortunes but was moved back from the lines on the

22nd May ill. A week later he returned as the battalion's Adjutant and remained there until August,

when he was appointed as a Brigade Major in the 20th Infantry Brigade.

CITATION

His citation for the Victoria Cross reads: "For most conspicuous bravery . . . After the enemy

had captured a part of one of our trenches, and our counter-attack made with one officer and twenty

men having failed (all but two of the party being killed or wounded in the attempt), Capt. Foss, on his

own initiative, dashed forward with eight men, and under heavy fire attacked the enemy with bombs,

and captured the position, including the fifty-two Germans occupying it. The capture of this position

from the enemy was of the greatest importance, and the utmost bravery was displayed in essaying

the task with so very few men."


MEDALS

Foss’ V.C. was presented to him by the King in person on the 25th

November 1915 in the

field, although his then former battalion were in the line at the time, so could not be present.

His medals are held by the Bedfordshire Regimental Museum in Luton.

VC: CB: DSO Star and Bar: 1914 (Mons) Star: British War Medal: British Victory Medal: Defence

Medal (1939-1945): War Medal (1939-1945): King George V Silver Jubilee Medal: King George VI

Coronation Medal: Order of Danilo (4th

Class) {Montenegro} plus 5 Mentions in Despatches

POST WAR

His leadership skills had been well proven so for the rest of his Army career Charles served in

General Staff positions. In August 1915 he became a Brigade Major and by the end of 1918 he was

an Honorary Lt-Colonel.

By the end of 1919 Charles Foss was a Brevet Lt-Colonel, who ran the Small Arms School and

he even went on to serve as an aide-de-camp to King George VI.

WORLD WAR 2

During World War II he was Brigadier of the Bedfordshire Home Guard and ran the County's

Cadet School.

Having devoted his life to a decorated and celebrated Army career that spanned both World Wars,

he passed away on the 8th April 1963, in hospital in London, aged 68. He is buried in West Hill

Cemetery, Winchester, England.

His grave in the

There was a ceremony at Marlborough College, W

unveil a plaque to its winners of 13 VCs, one George Cross and one Albert Medal in Gold

is in the western vestibule to the Memorial Hall

The Memorial Hall is the College's principal memorial to the 749 men who gave their lives in World

War I. It was opened by H.R.H. The Duke of Conna


His grave in the West Hill Cemetery, Winchester

There was a ceremony at Marlborough College, Wiltshire, on Saturday, 8th

unveil a plaque to its winners of 13 VCs, one George Cross and one Albert Medal in Gold

is in the western vestibule to the Memorial Hall


War I. It was opened by H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught on May 23rd, 1925.

.

Page 18

th October 2005, to

unveil a plaque to its winners of 13 VCs, one George Cross and one Albert Medal in Gold. The plaque



HEDGES, Frederick William VC

Frederick Hedges was born on the 6th June 1896 at Umballa in India, the seventh of nine

children... His father was Henry George Hedges who was 'born at Sea, Bengal Bay' around 1857 and

his mother was Mrs Harriet Eliza (nee Loader) Hedges, born in India around 1865. Henry has served

as a Bandsman in the 12th Royal Lancers at Bangalore, later serving as the bandmaster in the 18th

Hussars.

In 1901 the family

were living at 24

Landsdowne Road,

Hounslow, Middlesex. Henry

was a superintendent

(assurance) and Freddie was

the seventh of nine children.

He was later educated at

Grove Road Boy's School, and

Isleworth County School.

WORLD WAR 1

Freddie enlisted into

the Queen Victoria's Rifles on

the 6th August 1914 at

Davies Street in London. He

was posted as Rifleman 2182, to the 1st/9th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment

(Queen Victoria's Rifles) on 8th August 1914 and left for France with the battalion in the 5th

November 1914. After involvement in the First Battle of Ypres in 1914, Freddie was admitted to

hospital in France with frostbite on 28th January 1915 and evacuated to England on 29th January

1915. Having recovered, he was transferred to B Company, 3rd/9th Battalion London Regiment

(Queen Victoria's Rifles) on 15th April 1915.

The 6th July 1915 saw him commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire

Regiment and he went to the Felixstowe School of Instruction on the 10th July, before joining the

9th Reserve battalion as a Musketry Officer. After a year training recruits in musketry, on the 2nd

September 1916 he left for France again, joining the recently arrived 6th battalion.


Whilst serving in the 6th battalion, Freddie was engaged in the Battle of the Ancre between

the 13th and 15th November 1916 and the Battle of Arras in April 1917. On the night of the 10th

April 1917, he was wounded in the right hand by shrapnel whilst the battalion dug in astride the Le

Bergere crossroads, a few yards south of Monchy le Preux in the snow. He was evacuated to Rouen,

thence to England aboard the St. George on the 19th April and was admitted to No.5 General

Hospital in Portsmouth.

The 12th October 1917 saw him returned to light duties with the 3rd Reserve battalion as a

machine gun instructor and his promotion to Lieutenant came through from the 1st July 1917.

Freddie returned for a third tour on the western Front, arriving on the 25th September 1918.

As his battalion had been disbanded that summer, he was attached to the 6th Northampton's,

where his service on the front lines would end. He served in the final battles of the war, specifically

at the Battles of Epehy on the 29th September, the Selle on the 23rd and 24th October and finally at

Sambre on the 4th November 1918.

During the Battle of the Selle in October, Lieutenant Hedges won the Victoria Cross for

capturing six German machine guns and fourteen prisoners in Bousies Wood, north-east of Le

Cateau on the 24th October.

The book 'V.C.'s of the First World War' reads: "To the north-east of Le Cateau on 24th

October 1918, Captain F.W. Hedges of the Bedfordshire Regiment, attached to the 6th Battalion,

Northamptonshire Regiment (54th Brigade, 18th Division), gained a V.C. when his battalion was

attacking north-east of Bousies. They were ordered to advance as far as the hamlet of Hecq, on the

south-western edge of Mormal Forest. The advance began at 4 a.m. with A and B Companies

advancing 500 yards over wooded country, which was very difficult terrain. C and D Companies then

passed through their lines. C Company, under Captain Hedges, reached Hecq at about 6 a.m., only to

find it very strongly held by the enemy, who immediately launched a counter-attack. The Lewis-guns

dealt with this attack, but when the company emerged from the edge of the wood they found their

way barred by two German machine guns. At about 2 p.m., on hearing that the line on his left was

intending to make a determined advance, Hedges decided to move also. With the help of Sgt. Gibson,

he managed to capture the machine guns and some prisoners".

The 18th Divisional History adds of the episode: "Hedges' company was on the right of the

54th Brigade front. It was held up by six machine gun posts on a hill opposite. Hedges made up his

mind to clear these posts. Armed with a revolver and carrying a cane*, which he waved when he

wanted his men to dash forward, Hedges crawled up the hill under cover of a hedge. A sergeant

[13974 Sgt. Fred Gibson] was with him. A Lewis-gun section followed some distance behind.

Breaking cover, Hedges killed the first machine-gunner. Then he worked his way along the crest of

the hill and dealt with three more machine gun posts, taking the feed-blocks out of the guns and

securing altogether fourteen prisoners. The Lewis gun section came up to help. All the six Boche

machine gun posts were captured, and as suddenly as it became clear that the three companies of

the 6th Northamptonshires that had been checked near Bousies Wood Farm, had by now worked

round the enemy from the north, the German resistance collapsed. The 2nd Bedfordshires and the

55th Brigade swept forward to seize Renuart Farm, and by 6 p.m. two companies of the Queens and

East Surreys - cyclist patrols were used on this occasion - had got as far as the church in Robersart.

As the Germans retired the French inhabitants braved the shelling and came out of their cellars to


welcome our men. There were smiles and excited shouts, and hot cakes and potatoes for the

Queens and East Surreys that night."

In what would be the final battle of the war for his battalion, Captain Hedges was, ironically,

wounded again. During the fighting at Mormal Forest on the 4th November 1918, Freddie was

wounded in the right side of the scalp - "a three and a half inch crack in the skull" according to

Sergeant Gibson - and a "through and through" bullet in his right shoulder. He was evacuated back

to England, arriving at Southampton on the 8th November and heard the war had ended from a

hospital bed in England.

CITATION

"For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the operations north-east of Bousies on the 24th

October, 1918.

“He led his company with great skill towards the final objective, maintaining direction under the

most difficult conditions. When the advance was held up by machine-gun posts, accompanied by one

Serjeant and followed at some considerable distance by a Lewis-gun section, he again advanced and

displayed the greatest determination, capturing six machine guns and 14 prisoners. His gallantry and

initiative enabled the whole line to advance, and tended largely to the success of subsequent

operations”

MEDALS

Captain Hedges was awarded the Victoria Cross by the King at Buckingham Palace on the 15th May

1919

Victoria Cross: 1914 Star - clasp "5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914": British War Medal (1914-20): Victory

Medal (1914-19): King George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal

(1953)

COMPLETION OF MILITARY SERVICE

He was appointed the Commandant of No.8 POW Camp on the 19th June Captain Hedges, V.C.

relinquished his commission on completion of service on 14th April 1920, and retained the rank of

Lieutenant

.On the 26th July 1919 Freddie married Mollie Lorna Kenworthy

Grosvenor Hedges born in 1924.

POST WAR

A detailed account of his pos

Great War” website.

COMMEMORATION

Hedges suffered from depression after the death of his son in a drowning accident and committed

suicide on the anniversary of his death


On the 26th July 1919 Freddie married Mollie Lorna Kenworthy and they had one son, John

detailed account of his post war life is available on the “The Bedfordshire Regiment in the


on the anniversary of his death

Page 22

and they had one son, John

The Bedfordshire Regiment in the



HENDERSON, Edward Elers Delaval VC

Edward Elers Delaval Henderson VC

He was born on the2 October 1878 at Shimla, British India. Henderson was educated at

Dunstable Grammar School.

He was 38 years old when he earnt his VC and an acting lieutenant colonel in The North

Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's), British Army, attached to The Royal Warwickshire

Regiment, commanding 9th Battalion during the First World War.

For the second half of 1916 the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force was to spend time on

building up a force strong enough to resume the offensive towards Baghdad and to drive the Turkish

Army out of the country. The beginning of the British offensive took place on the 25th January 1917

at the Hai salient to the south-west of Kut, which was to become the Second Battle of Kut-el-Amara.

Two battalions, the 9th Worcesters and the 7th North Staffordshires, got within 50 yards of

the enemy front, protected by artillery fire, and after the bombardment lifted they entered the

enemy lines. Although the 7th North Staffordshires suffered heavy casualties, they still managed to

carry out their objectives. However, the Turks made a series of counter-attacks and were supported

by shrapnel fire, trench motars and bombs, which forced the Staffordshires back on to the

Worcestershire battalion.

It was at this point that the 9th Warwickshires were brought up from brigade reserve to

make a counter-attack of their own. Colonel Edward Henderson personally led the leading troops

through the retiring troops across 500 yards of open ground in order to recapture the objectives lost

by the North Staffordshires.

CITATION

Major (acting Lieutenant.-Colonel

Regiment:- “For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and personal example when in command of

his battalion.

Lt.-Col. Henderson brought his battalion up to our two front

intense fire, and his battalion had suffered heavy casualties when the enemy made a heavy counter

attack, and succeeded in penetrating our line in

Although shot through the arm, Lt.

alone some distance in front of his battalion, cheering them on under the most intense fire over 500

yards of open ground. Again wounded, he nevertheless continued to lead his men on in the most

gallant, manner, finally capturing the position by a bayonet charge.

wounded, and died when he was eventually brought in

MEDALS

Medal entitlement of Lieuten

Victoria Cross: Africa General Service Medal (

Nigeria 1903": 1914-15 Star: British War Medal (1914

COMMEMORATED

Lying out wounded in the open Colonel Henderson was rescued by his adjutant Lieutenant Robert

Phillips, who was to earn the Victoria Cross on the same day. It came as no surprise that Henderson

died shortly afterwards from his wounds and

Baghdad.

In 1933 the headstones in the cemetery had to be removed because of salts in the soil which

caused them to deteriorate and all the names of the men buried there were engraved on the wall of

the cemetery.


onel) Edward Elers Delaval Henderson, late North Staff

For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and personal example when in command of

Col. Henderson brought his battalion up to our two front-line trenches, which were under

intense fire, and his battalion had suffered heavy casualties when the enemy made a heavy counter

attack, and succeeded in penetrating our line in several places, the situation becoming critical.

Although shot through the arm, Lt.-Col. Henderson jumped on to the parapet and advanced


Again wounded, he nevertheless continued to lead his men on in the most

gallant, manner, finally capturing the position by a bayonet charge. He was again twice

wounded, and died when he was eventually brought in”

Medal entitlement of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Henderson, North Staffordshire Regiment

: Africa General Service Medal (1902-56)- 3 clasps: "N Nigeria" - "N Nigeria 1902"

: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal ( 1914-



died shortly afterwards from his wounds and was buried at Amara War Cemetery, 150 miles south of



Page 24

Staffordshire

For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and personal example when in command of

line trenches, which were under

intense fire, and his battalion had suffered heavy casualties when the enemy made a heavy counter-

several places, the situation becoming critical.

Col. Henderson jumped on to the parapet and advanced


Again wounded, he nevertheless continued to lead his men on in the most

He was again twice

North Staffordshire Regiment

"N Nigeria 1902" - "N

-19 ) + MiD Oakleaf



was buried at Amara War Cemetery, 150 miles south of



The cemetery at Al Amara, built for those on the M

the 2003 invasion of Iraq to depose Saddam Husein it was found that a number of Military

Cemeteries had been vandalised or fallen into disrepair. However,

vandals by its Iraqi keeper, Hassan Hatif Moson, a 40

death threats from Baath officials.

agreement with the Baathist Governme

the cemeteries.


The cemetery at Al Amara, built for those on the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force. During


Cemeteries had been vandalised or fallen into disrepair. However, this sitehad been protected

by its Iraqi keeper, Hassan Hatif Moson, a 40-year-old father of seven,who

death threats from Baath officials. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission had secured an

agreement with the Baathist Government whereby they could arrange for gardners to tend some of

Page 25

esopotamian Expeditionary Force. During


had been protected from

old father of seven,who had received

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission had secured an

ers to tend some of


HOSKYN, Charles Reginald OBE AM MD

Charles Reginald Hoskyn was born in 1882 in Pakistan and was educated at Bedford School.

His father was Major Charles Reginald Hoskyn in the Royal Engineers.

The 1901 Census shows him living in Bedford but by 1911 he has relocated to Rugby. He

studied medicine at Bart's and graduated M.B., B.S. in 1909. He was house-surgeon to Sir Holbert

Waring and in 1912 proceeded to the London M.D. He entered general practice in Rugby in 1910. In

1911 he was appointed assistant surgeon to the Hospital of St. Cross, which he served until 1946

except for a break in the R.A.M.C. during the first world war

WORLD WAR 1

He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and served in France.

18th August 1916 Temporary Lieutenant C. R. Hoskyn to be a temporary. Captain {

The London Gazette Publication date:15 September 1916Issue:29753Page:9094}

24 November 1916: Captain Charles Hoskyn, 29th Casualty Clearing Station, RAMC.

Gezaincourt. In a railway accident, a trapped man's foot was being burned off in the

debris. Hoskyn had started to amputate the other foot but managed to loosen the

man's body so that he was freed. For this action he was ultimately awarded the Albert

Medal.

19th August 1917 He relinquished his commission {The London Gazette Publication date:5 October

1917 Issue:30326Page:10370}

CITATION The London Gazette Publication date:1 January 1918Issue:30453Page:143

“The KING has been graciously pleased to award the Decoration of the Albert Medal to the

under mentioned Officers .and Non-Commissioned Officers and a Private of His Majesty's Forces

serving in France or elsewhere in recognition of their gallantry in saving life: —

Captain Charles Reginald Hoskyn, Royal Army Medical Corps.In France on the 24th

November, 1916, as a result of a serious railway accident, a man was pinned down by the legs under

some heavy girders. The wreckage was on fire and the flames had already reached the man's ankle.

Captain Hoskyn crawled into a cavity in the flaming wreckage and after releasing one of the man's

legs, amputated the other, whereupon the man was drawn out alive, Captain Hoskyn retaining hold

of the -main artery until a tourniquet could be put on.”

POST WAR

In 1941

the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem:

Gazette Publication date:27 June 1941Issue:35203Page:3674

After the war he r

spent probably half his time at the hospital, at first doing general surgery but later concentrating on

orthopaedic surgery. His general practice was really a group including surgeon, physician,

ophthalmologist, E.N.T. specialist, obstetrician, and pathologist. Although these were sometimes not

in step, they gave a wonderful service to the town and at the hospital. Dr. Hoskyn was awarded the

O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1964, but what prob

was being given the freedom of Rugby for his outstanding work as their doctor and humanitarian.

His only son, Dr. C. H. Hoskyn, died in, the prime of life at the age of 48 in 1960. He had one

daughter.

COMMEMORATION

Dr. C. R. Hoskyn died on 3 March in the Hospital of St. Cross, Rugby. He was 84 years of age


In 1941 The KING has been graciously pleased to sanction

the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem: — as a serving brother

Gazette Publication date:27 June 1941Issue:35203Page:3674

After the war he returned to Rugby and continued in general practice, but



almologist, E.N.T. specialist, obstetrician, and pathologist. Although these were sometimes not


O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1964, but what probably gave him greater pleasure still



C. R. Hoskyn died on 3 March in the Hospital of St. Cross, Rugby. He was 84 years of age

Page 27

The KING has been graciously pleased to sanction his promotion to

as a serving brother {The London

eturned to Rugby and continued in general practice, but



almologist, E.N.T. specialist, obstetrician, and pathologist. Although these were sometimes not


ably gave him greater pleasure still



C. R. Hoskyn died on 3 March in the Hospital of St. Cross, Rugby. He was 84 years of age


MOORE, Montague Shadworth VC

The 1901 Census shows him as a 4 year old and born 9 October 1896 Worthing, West

Sussex. The 1911 Census has him as a 15 year old still in West Sussex under Steyning. He attended

Bedford School.

In his letters home he describes his experience as follows:-.” On the night of 20th / 21st

August 1917 the Germans bombed his small party but were driven off. In the morning the British put

down a barrage on his position believing everyone had been killed. Later that morning Moore

realised there was no sense in staying where he was and retreated to his

own lines, to the astonishment of the General and his own Commanding

Officer who had given him up as dead long ago.

On the 21st September the Germans failed to get through so the

whole German advance was held up, mainly because the Germans knew

Moore and his men were there but uncertain as to his strength and were

not prepared to take the risk for a full scale attack. According to the

Divisional General this saved the whole Division. If the Germans had

advanced the British barrage would have just missed them and the whole

line would have been lost. “

CITATION

For the award of the Victoria Cross:-[ London Gazette, 8 November 1917 ], East of Ypres, Belgium, 20

August 1917, Second Lieutenant Montague Shadworth Seymour Moore, 15th Battalion, Hampshire

Regiment.

“For most conspicuous bravery in operations ( near Tower Hamlets, East of Ypres, Belgium )

necessitating a fresh attack on a final objective which had not been captured. 2nd Lieutenant Moore

at once volunteered for this duty and dashed forward at the head of some 70 men.

They were met with heavy machine gun fire from a flank which caused severe casualties,

with the result that he arrived at his objective – some 500 yards on – with only a Serjeant and four

men. Nothing daunted, he at once bombed a large dug-out and took twenty-eight prisoners, two

machine guns and a light field gun. Gradually more officers and men arrived, to the number of about

60. His position was entirely isolated as the troops on the right had not advanced, but he dug a

trench and repelled bombing attacks throughout the night.


The next morning he was forced to retire a short distance. When opportunity offered he at

once reoccupied his position, rearmed his men with enemy rifles and bombs, most of theirs being

smashed, and beat off more than one counter-attack.

2nd Lieutenant Moore held this post under continual shell fire for thirty-six hours until his

force was reduced to ten men, out of six officers and 130 men who had started the operation. He

eventually got away his wounded, and withdrew under cover of a thick mist.

As an example of dashing gallantry and cool determination this young officer’s exploit would

be difficult to surpass”

RUSSIAN INTERVENTION 1919

Following the end of the First World War Montague Moore's fighting was not over. In May

1919 he was serving with the 2nd Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, part of the 238th Special Brigade

of the North Russia Relief Force, despatched to Archangel ostensibly to assist the withdrawal of

Allied troops threatened by Bolsheviks.

POST WAR

In March 1921 Montague Moore was posted to the 2nd Battalion, King's African Rifles, in

Tanganyka Territory, formerly German East Africa. The posting proved a turning-point in his life. He

retired from the Army in 1926 and joined the Tanganyika game department eventually becoming the

country's chief game warden.

MEDALS

Montague Moore was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the

21st November 1917.

Medal entitlement of Major Montague Moore VC, 15th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment

Victoria Cross: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19) + MiD Oakleaf: King George VI

Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953): Croix de Guerre ( France )

COMMEMORATION

Moore died on 12th September 1966 at Kugenzo, Kenya, and his ashes scattered in the Nairobi

National Park.


Livestock grazing in Langata Crematorium, Nairobi, Kenya

There is also a memorial in Bedford School Library.


NEEDHAM, Samuel VC

Private, Service No: 203329: Bedfordshire Regiment 1st

/5th

Battalion. Samuel Needham was born in

Great Limber, Lincolnshire on the 16th

August 1885, to Septimus and Mary Needham. His father was

one of Lord Yarborough’s grooms and Sam was to follow in his father’s footsteps. When he left the

Brockesby Stables, he worked in several other hunting stables, including the Duke of Westminster’s

and the Earl of Fitzwilliam’s.

When war broke out in August 1914,

Sam’s parents had both passed away and he

was living with his married sister (Mrs Baron) at

6 Astley Street in Hull. His interest in and

experience with horses led him to enlist on the

14th

December 1914 initially as Private

RTS/5023 in the Army Service Corps and he

went to France on the 13th

January 1915. He

served there for 20 months.

Having been wounded and recovered in

England, he was posted to the 1st

/5th

Bedfords

in Palestine in June 1917/. The battalion was

assigned to the 162nd

Brigade of the 54th

(East

Midlands Division) and was involved in the

Palestine Campaign involving-

1917 The First Battle of Gaza (26-27 March): The Second Battle of Gaza (17-19 April): The

Third Battle of Gaza (27 October -7 November) including the Capture of Gaza (1-7 November): The

Battle of Jaffa (21-22 December)

1918 The fight at Ras el’Ain (12 March, 162nd

Brigade only): The operations at Berukin (9-

10 April): The battle of Sharon (19-23 September, part of the Battles of Megiddo).

On 24 September the Division concentrated at Hable and began an advance to Haifa three

days later. This move was completed on 4 October. The division was ordered to Beirut on 20

October; this move began three days later and the brigades moved on successive days via Acre, Ras

es Naqura, Tyre and Sidon. The units concentrated at Beirut between 31 October and 5 November,

but the Turks signed an Armistice on 31 October.


The Division moved to El Qantara, back in Egypt, from 28 November. Samuel survived all the war

could throw at him but died within a week of its ending. According to a privately printed pamphlet

detailing the life of Samuel, died on 4th

November 1918 from a gunshot wound to his head received

whilst at No. 1 Base Depot in Kantara.

CITATION

An extract from The London Gazette, No. 30982, dated 29th

Oct 1918, records the following:

“For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when with a strong patrol which was heavily

attacked by the enemy and forced back in confusion. At this critical moment Private Needham ran

back and fired rapidly at a body of the enemy at point-blank range. His action checked the enemy

and enabled the patrol commander to reorganise his men. The patrol had many casualties, but

successfully got back all their wounded, and it was due to the action of individuals, of which this is

the most outstanding, that the entire patrol was not cut off. Private Needham’s example was of the

greatest value at a critical moment, and the bold and determined stand made by him did more than

anything to inspire confidence, and undoubtedly saved a critical situation.”

DESCRIPTION OF EVENT

'At one stage of operations on the Bureid Ridge, one of Captain Yarde's patrols suddenly

bumped into a very much stronger Turkish patrol and, when our men were getting demoralised by

our casualties, Private S Needham, who was a miner from Hull, saved the situation and won the

Victoria Cross. He charged the enemy single handed and, fighting like one possessed, accounted for

many Turks. His berserk fury created such a diversion in the darkness and confusion that, for the

moment, the enemy was checked and they gave way before him. His comrades were unanimous in

thinking that Private Needham's action enabled them to get away; otherwise they would have all

been surrounded and cut off. Had this happened the valuable information that Captain Yarde

brought back would not have been available for further operations. It should be noted that Captain

Yarde himself won a bar to his MC on this occasion.' REFERENCE 15

MEDALS

Victoria Cross: 1914 - 15 Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19)

COMMEMORATION

Kantara War Memorial Cemetery is situated at Kantara East on the eastern side of the Suez Canal

Grave Reference E. 181.



Page 33



NEWALL, Cyril Louis Norton GCB, OM, GCMG, CBE, AM

Marshal of the RAF The Lord Newall of Clifton upon Dunsmoor

He was born 15TH

February 1886 son of Lieutenant-Colonel William Potter Newall and Edith

Gwendoline Caroline Newall (née Norton). After education at Bedford School, Newall studied at the

Royal Military College, Sandhurst, before taking a commission as a junior officer in the Royal

Warwickshire Regiment in 1905. After transferring to the 2nd Gurkha Rifles in the Indian Army, he

saw active service on the North West Frontier, but after learning to fly in 1911 (RAeC Certificate No

144 on 3 October) he was selected to set up a military flying school

in India., but still being in Britain on the outbreak of WW1 he was

absorbed into the RFC..

During the First World War he rose from flying instructor

to command of No. 41 Wing, the main strategic bombing force,

and was awarded the Albert Medal for putting out a fire in an

explosives store.

CITATION

The award of the Albert Medal (1st Class) (London Gazette - 19

May 1916): -

"Major Cyril Louis Norton Newall, 2nd Gurkha Rifles

(attached to the Royal Flying Corps). Albert Medal of the Second Class plus Corporal Henry Hearne,

Royal Flying Corps. 1st Class Air Mechanic Harrie Stephen Harwood, Royal Flying Corps. 2nd Class Air

Mechanic Alfred Edward Simms, Royal Flying Corps.

On the 3rd January,1916,at about 3 p.m., a fire broke out inside, a large bomb store

belonging to the Royal Flying Corps, which contained nearly 2,000 high explosive bombs, some of

which had very large charges, and a number of incendiary bombs which were burning freely. Major

Newall at once took all necessary precautions, and then, assisted by Air Mechanic Simms, poured

water into the shed through a hole made by the flames. He sent for the key of the store, and with

Corporal Hearne, Harwood and Simms entered the building and succeeded in putting out the flames.

The wooden cases containing the bombs were burnt, and some of them were charred to a cinder."

POST WAR

On 28 January 1936 he was one of three officers representing the Air Council at the funeral

of HM King George V


He served in staff positions through the 1920s and was Air Officer Commanding the Middle

East Command in the early 1930s before becoming Air Member for Supply and Organisation in 1935.

Newall was appointed Chief of the Air Staff in 1937 and, in that role, supported sharp increases in

aircraft production, increasing expenditure on the new, heavily armed, Hurricane and Spitfire

fighters, essential to re-equip Fighter Command.

WORLD WAR 2

As Chief of Air Staff, he was responsible for requesting Dowding to delay his retirement at

the critical point of the start of the Battle of Britain and was also responsible for persuading the

Cabinet not to accede to a request from Churchill, then in Paris, for a further six squadrons to be

sent to France. Instead he got agreement for the squadrons to be operated from bases in Britain

over France

HONOURS & CAREER

Baron - 13 Jun 1946 (Conferred 19 Jul 1946), GCB - 9 Jun 1938 (KCB - 4 Jun 1935, CB - 3 Jun 1929),

OM - 1 Nov 1940, GCMG - 4 Feb 1941 (CMG - 1 Jan 1919), CBE - 3 Jun 1919, KStJ - 3 Jan 1941, AM

(1st) - 19 May 1916, MiD - 15 Jun 1916, MiD - 11 Dec 1917, MiD - 1 Jan 1919, LoH, O - 10 Oct 1918,

Cwn Off - 8 Nov 1918, Leo, (O) - 15 Apr 1921, CdeG (B) - 15 Apr 1921.

(Army): - 2 Lt: 16 Aug 1905, Capt: 16 Nov 1907, (T) Capt (RFC): 12 Sep 1914, (T) Maj: 24 Mar 1915, (T)

Lt Col: 1 Feb 1916, (T) Brig-Gen: 28 Dec 1917.

(RAF): - (T) Brig-Gen [Lt Col]: 1 Apr 1918, Act Brig-Gen: xx xxx 1919 - 30 Apr 1919, Wg Cdr: 1 Aug

1919 [1 Apr 1918], Gp Capt: 8 Aug 1919, A/Cdre: 1 Jan 1925, AVM: 1 Jan 1930, AM: 1 Jul 1935, ACM:

1 Apr 1937, MRAF: 4 Oct 1940.

He married May Weddell and secondly Olive Foster and had a son Francis and two daughters. He

died on 30 November 1963.

St Mary Magdalene's Churchyard

Cyril Louis NORTON, 1st Baron Newall

15 February 1886


St Mary Magdalene's Churchyard Tormarton, Gloucestershire

Memorial Inscriptions –

Cyril Louis NORTON, 1st Baron Newall

GCB, OM, GCMG, CBE, AM

15 February 1886 - 30 November 1963

Marshall of the Royal Air Force,

Chief of Staff 1937 - 1945

Governor-General of New Zealand,

Architect of Victory

And of his devoted wife Oliva,

19 July 1891 - 29 November 1988

Page 36


TISDALL, Arthur Walderne St. Clair VC

He was born 21 July 1890. The 1911 Census shows Arthur with his parents and 4 siblings

(including John Theodore, who subsequently died) and 1 servant. They were living at 32 Kimbolton

Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire. His father was a Clergyman (established church) Missionary C.M.S and

his mother is shown having had 9 children, of which 1 had died

The son of a missionary, he was born in Bombay, India, and raised in Persia (Iran), educated

by a governess and his father. He distinguished himself at Cambridge,

earning a Double First BA Honours Degree and the Chancellor's Gold medal

for Classics. At Cambridge Tisdall joined the OTC, rowed in his college first

boat and took a Double First in Classics.

In 1913 he passed both the Indian and Home Civil Service

examinations and seemed destined for great things in the Treasury when

the war broke out.

WORLD WAR 1

Tisdall had enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in May

1914 as an Able Seaman and saw service in the abortive attempt by the Royal Naval Division to

relieve the Belgian Army at Antwerp. When the mission failed and most of the Division chose

internment in Holland over capture by the Germans, Tisdall was one of the few able to escape back

to England. He was commissioned in October, 1914, and early in 1915 was sent to Egypt with the

Division to prepare for the attempt to take Constantinople via the Gallipoli Peninsula.

He served as a Sub-Lieutenant in the 13 Platoon, D Company, Anson Battalion, Royal Navy.

During the landing from the S.S. River Clyde at V Beach, in the Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey, on the

April 25, 1915, many men were being wounded on the beach. The former collier SS River Clyde was

used as a kind of Trojan horse to land troops on V Beach at Cape Helles. The ship had been prepared

by cutting a series of openings in her sides and constructing gangways to her bows, the idea being to

run the ship aground and have troops which had been hidden in the hold come out of the ports.

They would then disembark down the gangways and cross the last few yards on a bridge of boats to

reach the beach. The plan did not reckon with well dug-in Turkish forces well-armed with machine

guns.


Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall seeing the men needed assistance jumped into the water and pushing

a boat in front of him went to their rescue. On shore he found the men were under heavy machine

gun fire from entrenched Turkish forces. He managed to enlist help from some naval personnel and

made five trips from the ship to the shore rescuing several wounded men under heavy fire, until

darkness forced them to stop.

Tisdall had earned the VC for action on this first day of the landings at Gallipoli. However his

VC was not officially awarded until March 31, 1916, as most of the witnesses to his actions who

could have identified him by name were killed in the attack and it wasn't until much later that an

investigation revealed the extent of Tisdall's heroism. .

Following the landings from SS 'River Clyde' on the 25th April 1915, Arthur Tisdall's platoon had

carried out the supply duties that they

were originally tasked with. On the

27th Tisdall had written "Have been

under fire .... all day spent in burying

soldiers. Some of my men killed. Plenty

of hard work and enemy shells, and a

smell of dead men". His courageous

leadership, so evident on the first day,

was plain for all to see. For five days

the Anson Battalion, including Tisdall's

platoon, helped to bolster the newly arrived French, while preparations were made for an advance

on Achi Baba. On the 6th May 1915, whilst sheltering in an abandoned Turkish trench, Sub-

Lieutenant Arthur Tisdall was shot in the chest by a sniper and died without gaining consciousness.

He was buried where he fell on the 7th May,

CITATION

For the award of the Victoria Cross: [London Gazette, 31 March 1916], V Beach, Gallipoli,

Turkey, 25 April 1915, Sub-Lieutenant Arthur Walderne St Clair Tisdall, R.N.V.R. (Anson Battalion,

Royal Naval Division).

“During the landing from the S.S. "River Clyde" at V Beach in the Gallipoli Peninsula on the

25th April 1915, Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall, hearing wounded men on the beach calling for assistance,

jumped into the water and pushing a boat in front of him, went to their rescue. He was, however,

obliged to obtain help and took with him on two trips Leading Seaman Malia and on other trips Chief

Petty Officer Perring and Leading Seaman Curtiss and Parkinson. In all Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall made

four or five trips between the ship and the shore, and was thus responsible for rescuing several

wounded men under heavy and accurate fire.

Owing to the fact that Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall and the platoon under his orders were on

detached service at the time, and that this Officer was killed in action on the 6th May, it has only now

been possible to obtain complete information as to the individuals who took part in this gallant act.

Of these, Leading Seaman Fred Curtiss has been missing since the 4th June 1915.

The following awards have been approved to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

(CGM): Chief Petty Officer (now Sub

Leading Seaman James Parkinson

MEDALS

Medal entitlement of Sub Lieutenant Arthur Tisdall, RNVR, Anson Battalion, Royal Naval Division

Victoria Cross: 1914 Star + clasp "5th Aug

(1914-19) + MiD Oakleaf

COMMEMORATION

During the Second Battle of Krithia, Gallipoli, Turkey, he was killed by a sniper.

Although buried yards from where he fell, Tisdall's body was never recovered. His name is

on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli

KENT

Bedford School Library Sub Lt A W St Clair Tisdall VC Citation



: Chief Petty Officer (now Sub-Lieutenant) William Perring, Leading Seaman James Malia and

Leading Seaman James Parkinson”


1914 Star + clasp "5th Aug-22 Nov 1914": British War Medal (1914

Battle of Krithia, Gallipoli, Turkey, he was killed by a sniper.


on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli - Panel 8 - 15. And is Memorial ST. GEORGES CHURCHYARD DEAL

Bedford School Library Sub Lt A W St Clair Tisdall VC Citation

Page 39


Lieutenant) William Perring, Leading Seaman James Malia and


British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal


ST. GEORGES CHURCHYARD DEAL


WHEELER, George Campbell VC.

Wheeler was born on 7 April 1880 in Yokohama, Japan. He attended Bedford School and

joined the Indian Army on 20 January 1900 as a second lieutenant unattached.

Major George Campbell Wheeler won the Victoria Cross (VC) for his actions at Shumran in

Mesopotamia on 23 February 1917. Together with one Gurkha officer and eight men, he crossed the

River Tigris and immediately rushed the enemy's trench in spite of the heavy bombing, rifle, machine

gun and artillery fire to which they were being subjected. The party of which Major Wheeler had

command was successful in obtaining a footing on the river bank,

when almost immediately a strong detachment of the enemy with

bombers launched a violent counter-attack. At once Wheeler led a

charge with another officer and three men against the on-coming

enemy when he received a severe bayonet wound to the head. In

spite of this, he continued to lead and disperse the enemy and

save the situation.

Early 1917 one of the tasks of the British troops was to

clear the enemy from the important bends in the River Tigris in

the progress towards Baghdad. Such an operation was mounted at

Shumran Bend, which was about five miles north of Kut-el-Amara,

where a boat bridge was constructed at a point where the Tigris,

already swollen by flood water, was approximately 350 yards

wide.

The overall picture of the fighting at Shumran Bend is given in the following extract from General

Maude’s despatch on Operations Leading to the Fall of Baghdad,

December 1916-March 1917

“The site selected for the passage of the Tigris was at the

south end of the Shumran Bend, where the bridge was to be

thrown, and three ferrying places were located immediately

downstream of this point. Just before daybreak on February

23rd the three ferries began to work. The first trip at the ferry

immediately below the bridge site, where the Norfolks crossed,

was a complete surprise, and five machine guns and some 300

prisoners were captured.


Two battalions of Ghurkhas who were using the two lower ferries, were met by a staggering

fire before they reached the left bank but in spite of losses in men and pontoons they pressed on

gallantly and effected a landing. The two downstream ferries were soon under such heavy machine-

gun fire that they had to be closed, and all ferrying was subsequently carried on by means of the

upstream ferry.

NORFOLKS CROSSING AT SHUMRAN BEND

By 7.30 a.m. about three companies of the Norfolks and some 150 of the Ghurkhas were on

the left bank. The enemy's artillery became increasingly active, but was vigorously engaged by ours,

and the construction of the bridge commenced. The Norfolks pushed rapidly upstream on the left

bank, taking many prisoners, while our machine guns on the right bank, west of the Shumran Bend,

inflicted casualties on those Turks who tried to escape.

The Ghurka battalions on the right and centre were meeting with more opposition, and their

progress was slower. By 3 p.m. all three battalions were established on the east and west line one

mile north of the bridge site, and a fourth battalion was being ferried over.


The enemy attempted to counter-attack down the centre of the peninsula and to reinforce

along its western edge, but both attempts were foiled by the quickness and accuracy of our artillery.

At 4.30 p.m. the bridge was ready for traffic.

By nightfall, as a result of the day's operations, our troops had, by their unconquerable

valour and determination, forced a passage across a river in flood, 340 yards wide, in face of strong

opposition, and had secured a position 2,000 yards in depth, covering the bridgehead, while ahead of

this line our patrols were acting vigorously against the enemy's advanced detachments, who had

suffered heavy losses, including about 700 prisoners taken in all.

The infantry of one division were across and another division was ready to follow.

During this day's fighting at Shumran heavy losses had been inflicted on the enemy, and our

captures have been increased in all to four field guns, eight machine guns, some 1,650 prisoners, and

a large quantity of rifles, ammunition, equipment and war stores. The gunboats were now ordered

upstream from Falahiyeh, and reached Kut the same evening.”

ACTION OF THE 2/9TH

GURKHAS

On the 23rd

of February 1917 the 14th

Division started crossing the Tigris at daybreak. The

main crossing was led by Major George Campbell Wheeler of the 2nd Battalion 9th Gurkha Rifles,

Indian Army, when he took his D Coy across the River Tigris see map at bottom right hand corner.

The crossing was made with 13 boats similar to those shown with the Norfolk troops. Only

10 made it to the other side as 3 drifted downstream. The boats were met with heavy gun fire and

bombs from the Turkish trenches, which were close to the river bank. These trenches were soon

taken as more Gurkhas landed.

The Turks counter attacked in about platoon strength. To counter this threat Wheeler and

Russell together with three Gurkhas charged the approaching enemy with bombs and bayonets. The

Turks were successfully repelled and Wheeler sustained a bad cut to his head from a bayonet. He

was able to hold some 200 yards of trench near the area marked Liquorish Factory. As he became

reinforced by more men they were able to expand into a secure bridge head.

CITATION

The London Gazette: no.30122, p.5702: of 8 June 1917,

“The Victoria Cross was awarded to George Campbell Wheeler, Major, 2/9th Gurkha Rifles, Indian

Army. For most conspicuous bravery and determination. This officer, together with one Gurkha

officer and eight men, crossed a river and immediately rushed the enemy's trench under heavy

bombing, rifle, machine-gun and artillery fire. Having obtained a footing on the river bank, he was

almost immediately afterwards counter-attacked by a strong enemy party with bombers. Major

Campbell Wheeler at once led a charge with another officer and three men, receiving a severe

bayonet wound in the head, but managed, in spite of this, to disperse the enemy. This bold action on

his part undoubtedly saved the situation. In spite of his wound, he continued to consolidate his

position.” Lieutenant Russell received the DSO.

MEDALS

The Victoria Cross: the British War Medal 1914

Despatches clasp): the India General Service Medal 1908

Waziristan 1921-24 and the King George VI Coronation Medal 1937.

POST WW1

After being awarded the VC he subsequently commanded the 1st Battalion of the 9th Gurkha Rifles

from 1923 until 1927. Wheeler retired to Barton

COMMEMORATED

He died 26 August 1938 (aged 58

MEMORIAL

Bedford School Library displays his citat


NAM Image Number 43602

The Victoria Cross: the British War Medal 1914-20: Allied Victory Medal 1914-19 (with Mention in

the India General Service Medal 1908-35, with clasps for Waziristan 1919

24 and the King George VI Coronation Medal 1937.


1923 until 1927. Wheeler retired to Barton-on-Sea where he died in 1939

26 August 1938 (aged 58) Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire

hool Library displays his citation

Page 43

19 (with Mention in

35, with clasps for Waziristan 1919-21 and


Sea, Hampshire


WHEELER, George (Godfrey) Massy VC

Born 31 January 1873, Chakrata, India. Wheeler son of General Wheeler and was a grandson of Sir

Hugh Massy Wheeler. He was educated at

Bedford Modern School. He joined the Army on

the 20th

May 1893. He served initially with the 1st

Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment transferring to

the Indian Army on the October the 13th

October

1897 assigned to the 7th Hariana Lancers. He was

promoted to Captain in 1902 and from 1908 to

1912 was the Commandant of the 50th

Camel

Corps. In 1911 he became a Major. In 1908 he

served in operations on the North West Frontier.

He was a good polo player and a devoted

Regimental Officer.

In 1900 he married Nellie Purcell, a daughter of the surgeon

Ferdinand Purcell.

CITATION

An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 29281, dated

31st Aug., 1915, records the following:-"For most conspicuous

bravery at Shaiba, Mesopotamia. On the 12th April, 1915, Major Wheeler asked permission to take

out his Squadron and attempt to capture a flag, which was the centre point of a group of the enemy

who were firing on one of our picquets. He advanced and attacked the enemy's infantry with the

Lance, doing considerable execution among them. He then retired while the enemy swarmed out of

hidden ground and formed an excellent target to our Royal Horse Artillery guns. On the 13th April,

1915, Major Wheeler led his Squadron to the attack of the "North Mound". He was seen far ahead of

his men riding single-handed straight for the enemy's standards. This gallant Officer was killed on the

Mound."


MEDALS

Victoria Cross: Indian General Service Medal with clasp for NW Frontier: 1914 - 15 Star: the British

War Medal 1914-20: Allied Victory Medal 1914-19.

COMMEMORATION

Date of Death: 13/04/1915. Age: 42. There is a Memorial at Bedford Modern School

Basra War Cemetery (Cemetery damaged during the Iraq

invasion 2003/ 04), Iraq

Grave Reference: plot III. Row C:


Various memorials to him

Basra War Cemetery (Cemetery damaged during the Iraq - Iran War and again during the Allied

: Grave 22. Cemetery: BASRA WAR CEMETERY

Page 46

Iran War and again during the Allied


SOURCES

1. “THE V.C. AND D.S.O. BOOK: THE VICTORIA CROSS 1856 -1920” Naval & Military Press

2. The London Gazette

3. IWM

4. Commonwealth War Graves Data Bank.

5. 1911 Census, 1901 Census

6. The War Graves Photographic Project

7. The Victoria Cross Organization

8. Find a grave memorials

9. “The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War” Website.

10. Local Newspapers

11. The “HELL FIRE CORNER” website

12. The “Long Long Trail” website

13. The 13 volumes entitled the “Great War” publisher/ authors not given but believed

possibly issued by the Daily Mail in the 1920s

14. 'A Tiger and a Fusilier'. by Derek Seaton

15. In a number of cases the pictures of medals are not the recipients but of replicas.

16. Captain FAM Webster's book 'The History of the Fifth Battalion Bedfordshire and

Hertfordshire Regiment’

17. National Army Museum profile on George Wheeler VC plus an article published by the

Western Front Association.

18. Career information on Newall from http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Newall.htm

PLEASE NOTE that we obtained special dispensation from a number of agencies

including the CWGC, the IWM and the War Graves photographic project regarding

copyright on their material used in this book. The IWM have granted a non

commercial licence for their material used in this book. This was granted in view of

the nature of the book being commemorative rather than published for

commercial reasons.

(C) NOTE THEIR COPYRIGHT STILL REMAINS ON THIS MATERIAL USED ELSEWHERE.

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Valiant Men of Bedfordshire

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