Category Archives: Gallantry
The gory details
I am often struck when reading newspaper reports or personal accounts from the war at just how frank they can be, in a way that you just would not see in newspapers these days. These accounts often include the ‘gory … Continue reading
Posted in 1915, CWGC, Gallantry, Research, WW1, Ypres
Tagged 2nd DLI, Durham Light Infantry, Hooge, Michael O'Leary, VC
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Alfred Pollard VC
Today marks the centenary of the action for which Second Lieutenant Alfred Oliver Pollard was awarded the highest decoration for gallantry, the Victoria Cross. During this centenary of the First World War a commemorative paving slab is being laid in … Continue reading
Posted in 1917, Arras, Centenary, Gallantry, Wallington, War memorials, WW1
Tagged Alfred Oliver Pollard, Arras, Gavrelle, HAC, Honourable Artillery Company, Pollard, VC, Victoria Cross
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‘A mad scheme in my opinion’: The 1st Queen’s attack on the Hindenburg Line 23/04/1917
The 1st Battalion of The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) did not participate in the opening phase of the Battle of Arras from 9th April, but on 15th April as part of the ‘fresh’ 33rd Division, moved into support north … Continue reading
Three East Surrey VCs – Hill 60
Hill 60 had been taken by the Germans in November 1914 during the Battle of First Ypres. Due to its height it provided an excellent vantage point over Ypres, Zillebeke and the surrounding area. The British blew several mines under … Continue reading
Posted in 1915, Centenary, East Surrey Regiment, Gallantry, WW1, Ypres
Tagged Dwyer, Geary, Hill 60, Roupell, VC, Victoria Cross
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‘A Typical English Sportsman’ – Frank Brock and the Zeebrugge Raid
Today marks the 96th anniversary of the Zeebrugge raid, a daring but near-suicidal attempt by the British to block the canal entrance at the German-held port of Zeebrugge, to stop German U-Boats entering and exiting the canal into the north … Continue reading
Posted in 1918, Gallantry, Navy, WW1
Tagged Cheam war memorial, Frank Arthur Brock, RNAS, Vindictive, Zeebrugge
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‘This officer served his machine gun…until he had been shot five times’ – Jack Dimmer VC
A few years ago I worked for the London Borough of Merton. Based at the Civic Centre in Morden, for nearly two years every day I walked past a small plaque in the foyer to Lieutenant Colonel John Dimmer, VC. … Continue reading
Posted in First Ypres, Gallantry, WW1
Tagged Dimmer, First Ypres, Jack Dimmer VC, King's Royal Rifle Corps, KRRC, Merton, VC, Victoria Cross, Wimbledon, Ypres
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