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Details/Citation Extract
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19th (The 1st Yorkshire North Riding) Regiment of Foot
Gazetted: 24 February 1857
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Crimean War: For conspicuous gallantry in the trenches before Sevastopol on 10 June 1855. When a live shell fell in his traverse, Private Lyons ran forward, picked it up, and threw it out - thus saving the lives of many of his comrades.
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19th (The 1st Yorkshire North Riding) Regiment of Foot
Gazetted: 23 June 1857
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Crimean War: For repeatedly volunteering for duties of a hazardous nature in the trenches before Sevastopol on 13th April 1855. In particular, Private Evans led a small party which repaired an embrasure at a very exposed part of the line, under heavy and continuous fire.
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33rd (The Duke of Wellington's) Regiment of Foot
Gazetted: 28 July 1868
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Ethiopia: For their conspicuous gallantry, in the assault of Magdala, on the 13th April 1869. Lieutenant General Lord Napier reports that while 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 engineers, breaking away from the approach to Magdala, and climbing up a cliff, reached the defences and forced their way over the wall, and through the strong and thorny fence, thus turning the defenders of the gateway. The first two men to enter, and the first in Magdala, were Drummer Magner and Private Bergin of the 33rd Regiment. |
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33rd (The Duke of Wellington's) Regiment of Foot
Gazetted: 28 July 1868
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2nd Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 27 July 1900
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Second Boer War: On the 27th February, 1900, during the assault on Terrace Hill, north of the Tugela, Natal, the companies of the West Yorkshire Regiment on the northern slope of the hill met with a severe shell, machine gun and rifle fire, and their advance was for a few moments checked. Captain Mansel-Jones, however, by his strong initiative restored confidence, and in spite of his falling very seriously wounded, the men took the whole ridge without further check, their officer's self-sacrificing devotion to duty at a critical moment having averted what might have proved a serious check to the whole assault. |
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1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Gazetted: 11 June 1901
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Second Boer War: During the action at Plewton's Farm, near Arundel, Cape Colony, on the 24th February, 1900. Lance Corporal Blackman having been wounded and lying exposed to a hot fire at a range of 400 – 500 yards, Sergeant Firth picked him up and carried him to cover. Later in the day, when the enemy had advanced to within a short distance of the firing line, Second Lieutenant Wilson being dangerously wounded and in a most exposed positioned, Sergeant Firth carried him over the ridge, which was being held by the troops, to shelter and was himself shot through the nose and eye whilst doing so. |
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2nd Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 17 September 1901
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Second Boer War: During the night attack on Bothwell Camp, on 6th February 1901, Sergeant Traynor jumped out of a trench and ran out under extremely heavy fire to the assistance of a wounded man. While running out he was severely wounded, and being unable to carry the man by himself, he called for assistance. Lance Corporal Lintott at once came to him, and between them they carried the wounded soldier into shelter. After this, although severely wounded, Sergeant Traynor remained in command of his section, and was most cheerful, encouraging his men till the attack failed. |
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1st Battalion, Alexandra, The Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 8 August 1902
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Second Boer War: During the Battle of Paardeberg, on 18 February 1900, Sergeant Atkinson went out seven times under heavy and close fire to obtain water for the wounded. At the seventh attempt he was himself wounded in the head, and died a few days afterwards.
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Corporal William ANDERSON VC
2nd Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 22 May 1915
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First World War: For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Neuve Chapelle on the 15th March 1915, when he led three men with bombs against a large party of the enemy who had entered our trenches, and by his prompt and determined action saved what might have otherwise become a serious situation. Corporal Anderson first threw his own bombs, then those in possession of his three men (who had been wounded) among the Germans; after which he opened rapid fire upon them with great effect, notwithstanding that he was at the time quite alone.
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1/6th Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (TF)
Gazetted: 22 January 1916
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First World War: On 19 November 1915 near Yser, Corporal Meekosha was with a platoon of about twenty non-commissioned officers and men, who were holding an isolated trench. During a very heavy bombardment by the enemy, six of the platoon were killed and seven wounded, while all the remainder were buried. When the senior non-commissioned officers had been either killed or wounded, Corporal Meekosha at once took command, sent a runner for assistance, and in spite of no less than ten more big shells falling within twenty yards of him, continued to dig out the wounded and buried men in full view of the enemy and at close range from the German trenches. By his promptness and magnificent courage and determination he saved at least four lives.
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Private George W CHAFER VC
1st Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment
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First World War: On 3rd/4th June 1916 east of Méaulte, Somme, during a very heavy hostile bombardment and attack on our trenches, a man carrying an important written message to his commanding officer was half buried and rendered unconscious by a shell. Private Chafer, at once grasping the situation, on his own initiative, took the message from the man's pocket and, although severely wounded in three places, choking and blinded by gas, ran along the ruined parapet (the trench been now filled with debris) under heavy shell and machine-gun fire . He just succeeded in delivering the message before he collapsed from the effects of his wounds. He displayed great initiative and a spendid devotion to duty as a critical moment. |
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1/7th Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (TF)
Gazetted: 9 September 1916
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery (during the Battle of the Somme) near Thiepval, France, on 1st July, 1916 After an advance into the enemy's trenches, Corporal Sanders found himself isolated with a party of 30 men. He organised his defences, detailed a bombing party, and impressed upon the men that his and their duty was to hold the position at all costs. Next morning he drove off an attack by the enemy, rescuing some prisoners who had fallen into their hands. Later two bombing attacks were driven off, and he was finally relieved after 36 hours. All this time his party had been without food and water, having given their water to the wounded during the first night. After the relieving force was firmly established, he brought his party, nineteen strong, back the their trenches. |
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10th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 9 September 1916
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery near Fricourt on the 1st July 1916. When his company attempted to climb over the parapet to attack the enemy's trenches they were met by very fierce machine gun fire, which temporarily stopped their progress. Major Shand immediately leapt on the parapet, helped the men over it and encouraged them in every way until he fell mortally wounded. Even then he insisted on being propped up in the trench, and went on encouraging the non-commissioned officers and men until he died.
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9th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 9 September 1916
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery at Horseshoe Trench on 5th July 1916. During an attack a very heavy enfilade fire was opened on the attacking company by an hostile machine gun. Second Lieutenant Bell immediately, and on his own initiative, crept up a communication trench and then, followed by Corporal Colwill and Private Batey, rushed across the open under very heavy fire and attacked the machine gun, shooting the firer with his revolver and destroying gun and personnel with bombs. A memorial was unveiled in July 2000 to the first professional footballer to enlist (November 1914)
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8th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 9 September 1916
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery at Munster Alley on the 6th August 1916. He was foremost in the attack, bombing the enemy with great gallantry, when he was severely wounded in the foot. Private Short was urged to go back, but refused and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell and he was unable to stand, so that he lay in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of bombs for his comrades. He died before he could be carried out of the trench. For the last eleven months he had always volunteered for dangerous enterprises, and had always set a magnificent example of bravery and devotion to duty.
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6th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 26 October 1916
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First Worlds War: For most conspicuous bravery at Stuff Redoubt on the 27th September and the 1st October 1916. Captain White was in command of the troops that held the southern and western faces of a redoubt. For four days and nights, by his indomitable spirit, great personal courage and skilful dispositions, he held his position under fire of all kinds and against several counter-attacks. Though short of supplies and ammunition, his determination never wavered. When the enemy attacked in greatly superior numbers and had almost ejected our troops from the redoubt, he personally led a counter-attack which finally cleared the enemy out of the southern and western faces. He risked his life continually and was the life and soul of the defence.
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10th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Gazetted: 25 November 1916
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery in attack at Le Sars on 4th October 1916. Lieutenant Kelly twice rallied his company under the heaviest fire and finally led the only three available men into the enemy trench and there remained bombing until two of them had become casualties and enemy reinforcements had arrived. He then carried his Company Sergeant Major, who had been wounded, back to our trenches, a distance of 70 yards, and subsequently three other soldiers. He set a fine example of gallantry and endurance. |
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12th (Service) Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment
Gazetted: 13 January 1917
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First World War: On 13 November 1916, the opening day of the Battle of the Ancre (the final offensive of the Battle of the Somme), attacking from opposite Hebuterne near Bapaume, the 31st Division was to seize the German trenches and form a defensive flank north of Serre. After the enemy's front line had been captured, Private Cunningham went with a bombing section up a communication trench where much opposition was met and all the rest of the section were either killed or wounded. Collecting all the bombs from the casualties Private Cunningham went on alone and when he had used up all the bombs he had he returned for a fresh supply and again went up the communication trench where he met a party of 10 Germans. He killed all 10 and cleared the trench up to the new line. His conduct throughout the day was magnificent.
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11th (Service) Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment
Gazetted: 14 June 1917
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First World War: For the most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice in an attack on Oppy Wood, France, 3rd May 1917. Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage and from our own, and to the fact that our objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line. Nevertheless, 2nd Lieutenant John Harrison led his company against the enemy trench and under heavy rifle and machine gun fire, but was repulsed. Re-organising his command as best he could in no-mans land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success. Then turning round ,this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at the machine gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company. His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. He was reported missing presumed dead .
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4th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 14 June 1917
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack near Wancourt on the 23rd April 1917. Having arrived at the first objective, Captain Hirsch, although twice wounded, returned over fire-swept slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established. Machine-gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down the line encouraging his men to dig and hold the position. He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine gun fire and counter-attack until he was killed. His conduct throughout was a magnificent example of the greatest devotion to duty. Phillip Hirsch was a Leeds University Officer Training Corp cadet and was commissioned into The West Yorkshire Regiment in 1915 before transferring to The Green Howards later that year as Second Lieutenant.
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7th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 27 June 1917
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Roeux on the 12th May 1917. Private Dresser, in spite of being twice wounded on the way, and suffering great pain, succeeded in conveying an important message from Battalion Headquarters to the front line of trenches, which he eventually reached in an exhausted condition. His fearlessness and determination to deliver the message at any cost proved of the greatest value to his Battalion at a critical period. On his discharge from hospital he transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and also served as Home Guard soldier during World War Two.
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8th (Service) Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Gazetted: 14 September 1917
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on a strongly held enemy position south of Langemarck, Flanders on 11th August 1917. His platoon having been checked by heavy machine-gun fire, Private Loosemore crawled through partially-cut wire, dragging his Lewis gun with him, and single handed dealt with a strong part of the enemy killing about twenty of them and thus covering the consolidation of the position taken up by his platoon, immediately afterwards his Lewis gun was blown up by a bomb and three of the enemy rushed for him, but he shot them all with his revolver. Later, he shot several enemy snipers, exposing himself to heavy fire each time. On returning to the original post he also brought back a wounded comrade under heavy fire at the risk of his life. He displayed throughout an utter disregard of danger. |
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17th (Service) Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 17 October 1917
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First World War: On 6 August 1917, east of Lempire, France, Private Butler was in charge of a Stokes gun in trenches which were being heavily shelled. Suddenly one of the fly-off levers of a Stokes shell came off and fired the shell in the emplacement. Private Butler picked up the shell and shouted a warning to a party of infantry. He then turned and put himself between the party of men and the live shell, holding it until they were out of danger, when he threw it on to the parados and took cover. The shell exploded, damaging the trench, but only confusing Private Butler. Undoubtedly his great presence of mind and disregard of his own life saved the lives of the officers and men in the emplacement and the party which was passing at the time.
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6th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 19 December 1917
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery near Poelcappelle on the 9th October 1917, when an advance was being checked by intense machine-gun fire from concrete blockhouses and by snipers in ruined buildings, Corporal Clamp dashed forward with two men and attempted to rush the largest blockhouse. His first attempt failed owing to the two men with him being knocked out, but he at once collected some bombs and, calling upon two men to follow him, again dashed forward. He was first to reach the blockhouse and hurled in the bombs, killing many of the occupants. He then entered and brought out a machine gun and about twenty prisoners, whom he brought back under heavy fire from neighbouring snipers. This non-commissioned officer then again went forward, encouraging and cheering the men and succeeded in rushing several snipers' posts. He continued to show the greatest heroism until he was killed by a sniper. His magnificent courage and self-sacrifice were of the greatest value and relieved what was undoubtedly a very critical situation.
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7th (Service) Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment
Gazetted: 8 May 1918
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First World War: On 22 March, 1918 at Hermies, France, Sergeant Harold Jackson volunteered and went through the hostile barrage and brought back valuable information regarding the enemy's movements. Later when the enemy had established themselves in the English line, the Sergeant single-handedly bombed them out into the open. Again single-handed he stalked an enemy machine-gun, threw Mills bombs at the detachments and put the gun out of action. On a subsequent occasion when all his officers had become casualties, this very gallant NCO led his company in the attack, and when ordered to retire, he withdrew the Company successfully under heavy fire. He then went out repeatedly under heavy fire and carried in the wounded.
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5th Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Gazetted: 18 May 1918
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Rossignol Wood on the 28th March 1918. His command was at a dangerous point, where continuous attacks were made by the enemy in order to pierce the line. A counter-attack had been made against the enemy position which at first achieved its object, but as they were holding out in two improvised strong points, Lieutenant Colonel Watson saw that immediate action was necessary, and he led his remaining small reserve to the attack, organising bombing parties and leading attacks under intense rifle and machine gun fire. Outnumbered, he finally ordered his men to retire, remaining himself in a communication trench to cover the retirement, though he faced almost certain death by so doing. The assault he led was at a critical moment, and without a doubt saved the line but cost him his own life. Lieutenant Colonel Watson Olive Watson was commissioned into The Green Howards in 1897, and served in India and China until he was invalided out in 1903. Subsequently, he joined the Yeomanry and then the KOYLI.
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13th (Service) Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 4 June 1918
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and determined leading at St. Leger on the 21st and 22nd March 1918, when in command of a company detailed to occupy a certain section of a trench. When the company was established it was found that a considerable gap of about four hundred yards existed between the left flank of the company and the neighbouring unit, and that this gap was strongly held by the enemy. Organising a small party of less than a dozen men, he led them against the enemy. On reaching an enemy machine gun Second Lieutenant Beal immediately sprang forward and with his revolver killed the team and captured the gun. Continuing along the trench, he encountered and dealt with another machine gun in the same manner, and in all captured four enemy guns and inflicted severe casualties. Later in the evening, when a wounded man had been left in the open under heavy enemy fire, he, regardless of danger, walked up close to an enemy machine gun and brought in the wounded man on his back. Second Lieutenant Beal was killed by a shell on the following morning.
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15th/17th (Service)Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 7 June 1918
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First World War: On 26 March 1918 at Hamelincourt, France, when the situation was critical, Sergeant Mountain with a party of 10 volunteers attacked an advanced enemy patrol of about 200 strong with a Lewis gun, killing half of them. When the enemy main body appeared, the sergeant rallied his men in the face of overwhelming numbers, to cover the retirement of the rest of the company - this party of one NCO and four men held at bay 600 of the enemy for half an hour. Sergeant Mountain later took command of the flank post of the battalion, holding on for 27 hours until finally surrounded. Sergeant Mountain was one of the few who managed to fight their way back. His supreme fearlessness and initiative undoubtedly saved the whole situation.
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1/4th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) (TF)
Gazetted: 28 June 1918
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery when acting as a stretcher-bearer, at Erquinghem-Lys, 10th April 1918. On ten occasions Private Poulter carried badly wounded men on his back to a safe locality, through a particularly heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage. Again, after a withdrawal over the river had been ordered. Private Poulter returned in full view of the enemy, who were advancing, and carried back another man who had been left behind wounded. He bandaged-up over forty men under fire, and his contact throughout the whole day was a magnificent example of all ranks. This very gallant soldier was seriously wounded when attempting another rescue in the face of the enemy.
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8th (Service) Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 14 December 1918
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and skilful leading during the operations on the 27th October 1918, across the Piave, when his company was most seriously hindered in its advance by heavy machine-gun fire from the vicinity of some buildings on a flank. Utterly regardless of personal safety, he rushed the machine-gun post single-handed, killing the team and capturing the gun. Later at Vassola, on the 29th October, when his company, having crossed the Monticano River, came under heavy rifle fire and machine-gun fire, Sergeant McNally immediately directed the fire of his platoon against the danger point, while he himself crept to the rear of the enemy's position. Realising that a frontal attack would mean heavy losses, he, unaided, rushed the position, killing or putting to flight the garrison and capturing a machine gun. On the same day, when holding a newly-captured ditch, he was strongly counter-attacked from both flanks. By his coolness and skill in controlling the fire of his party he frustrated the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Throughout the whole of the operations his innumerable acts of gallantry set a high example to his men, and his leading was beyond all praise.
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5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) (TF)
Gazetted: 14 December 1918
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First World War: For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the capture of the village and the crossings at Marcoing and the subsequent counter-attack on 28th September 1918. When, during the advance on Marcoing, his platoon was held my machine-gun fire, Private Tandey at once crawled forward, located the machine-gun, and with his Lewis gun team knocked it out. On arrival at the crossing he restored the plank bridge under a hail of bullets, thus enabling the first crossing to be made at this vital spot. Later in the evening, during an attack, he with eight comrades was surrounded by an overwhelming number of Germans and though the position was apparently hopeless, he led a bayonet charge through them, fighting so fiercely that 37 of the enemy were driven into the hands of the remainder of his company. Although twice wounded he refused to leave until the fight was won. Private Henry Tandey earned his three gallantry awards in this first three month period with his new battalion before being hospitalised. Private Tandey joined the Green Howards in 1910 served with them until August 1917 when his unit was disbanded and he was transferred to the 'Dukes'.
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5th Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) (TF)
Gazetted: 26 December 1918
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First World War: For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on 31st August 1918. With three men Second Lieutenant Huffam rushed an enemy machine-gun post and put it out of action. His post was then heavily attached and he withdrew fighting, carrying a wounded comrade. Again on the night of the 31st August 1918 at St Servin's Farm accompanied by two men only he rushed an enemy machine-gun post, captured eight prisoners and enabling the advance to continue. Throughout the whole of the fighting from 29th August to 1st September 1918 he showed the utmost gallantry.
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Lance Sergeant Thomas E ALDER, GC
2nd Battalion, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire)
Gazetted: 4 August 1931
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On 14th November 1930, Lance Sergeant Alder, in charge of a group of three soldiers of the Regiment, was employed on anti-piracy duties on board the SS Wuhu on the Yangste Kiang River. Whilst proceeding up river, the ship was fired on by communists with guns and rifles on four occasions. Fire was returned, and a number of casualties were observed. At 4.30 p.m. on 16th November, Lance Sergeant Alder left the Wuhu in order to proceed to the assistance of the SS Kiatung which had run ashore and was being attacked by communists in sampans. The party had to proceed to the aid of this vessel 2½ miles up river in an open sampan under constant rifle fire from both banks. After reaching the Kiatung and embarking, Lance Sergeant Alder and his men were under fire from rifle and gun fire constantly from both sides of the river until the 17th November when another vessel arrived to their assistance. Eventually, the Kiatung was towed off the sandbank and during the return journey the vessel was fired upon on a number of occasions. Lance Sergeant Alder was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM) but in 1941 recipients were requested to have their EGMs replaced with the newly instituted George Medal.
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1st Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own)
Gazetted: 19 November 1935
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After the earthquake at Quetta, on the morning of 31st May 1935, Private Spoors, at very considerable risk to himself from falling debris, entered an army officer's house which was in a dangerous condition. He was successful in clearing a path for the officer's wife and was mainly responsible for saving her life. He then re-entered the house to save the nurse and baby, but was himself caught in the debris and was later rescued by two other men and brought out in an exhausted condition. He subsequently worked for many hours at the British Military Hospital. Private Spoors was awarded the Albert Medal for his actions. |
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1st Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own)
Gazetted: 19 November 1935
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Private Elston was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal for his actions at Quetta on 31st May 1935.
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1st Battalion, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire)
Gazetted: 25 July 1939
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On the 15 March 1939, Private McAvoy was amongst those endeavouring to put out the flames of the burning truck at Jinsafut Camp, Palestine. He was working beside the nearest petrol tank, which was alight. To relieve the pressure in the petrol tank and to save a possible explosion, he took up a pick axe and pierced the petrol tank without any thought for his own safety, though he must have been aware of the appalling risk he was taking. The jet of burning petrol which immediately rushed out caused him to be badly burned. |
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1st Battalion, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire)
Gazetted: 25 July 1939
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On the 15 March 1939, Corporal Thomas Atkinson was in charge of the mechanical transport when a truck caught fire at Jinsafut Camp, Palestine. He organised the removal of the remainder of the mechanical transport to a point clear of the burning truck. Without his initiative and energy in rallying the drivers and assisting them to move their trucks out of danger, the remainder of the transport would have caught fire as well and a general conflagration throughout the camp would have been inevitable. Corporal Atkinson was subsequently indefatigable in his efforts to subdue the fire right up to the time he was severely burnt in endeavouring to save the life of one of his comrades.
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Captain Robert LJ JONES GC
1st Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)
Gazetted: 24 December 1940
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Second World War: Colonel Jones and Major WM Eastman, RAOC, were awarded the George Cross for a joint achievement (bomb disposal) in Malta during the enemy's concentrated air attacks on the fortress in 1940. On various dates, Captain Jones and Lieutenant Eastman, worked under dangerous and trying conditions and performed acts of considerable gallantry in dealing with a large number of variously unexploded bombs, some of which were in a very highly dangerous state and of the German delayed action type. |
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7th Battalion, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 13 May 1943
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Second World War: On 20/21 March 1943 at the Mareth Line, Tunisia, Lieutenant Colonel Seagrim's courage and leadership led directly to the capture of an important objective. When it appeared that the attack on the position would fail owing to the intensity of the enemy fire, he placed himself at the head of his battalion and led them forward. He personally helped to place a scaling ladder over an anti-tank ditch and was the first across. Leading an attack on two machine-gun posts, he accounted for twenty of the enemy and when a counter-attack was launched next day he moved from post to post quite unperturbed, until it was defeated. Lieutenant Colonel Seagrim was killed in action shortly afterwards, on 6 April 1943.
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5th Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment (The Duke of York's Own)
Gazetted: 27 October 1943
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Second World War: On 5 April 1943 on the Wadi Akarit, Tunisia, when a company of The East Yorkshire Regiment had to withdraw temporarily behind the crest of a hill, Private Anderson, a stretcher-bearer, went forward alone through heavy fire to rescue the wounded. Three times he brought in wounded comrades, and was rendering first aid to a fourth when he was mortally wounded. Private Anderson, by his valour, complete disregard for his personal safety, and courage was an inspiration to all who witnessed his gallant acts.
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8th Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding) (145 Regt RAC)
Gazetted: 9 November 1943
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Second World War: On 21st August 1943, near Phillipville, Major Kempster was carrying out grenade throwing practice with two others in the same pit. Major Kempster attempted to scoop the grenade out of the pit but failed to do so. By this time denotation was due. Without hesitation Major Kempster threw himself on the grenade just before it exploded and received fatal injuries. By his self-sacrifice, Major Kempster undoubtedly saved the lives of the two other occupants of the pit. Major Kempster's act meant certain death, and he must have known this at the time. His was a supreme act of gallantry. |
6th Battalion, The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment)
Gazetted: 17 August 1944
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Second World War: On D-Day during a assault on the Mont Fleury battery, CSM Hollis's Company Commander noticed that two of the pill boxes had been by-passed and tasked his CSM to ensure they were cleared. At short range the pill box machine gun opened fire. CSM Hollis instantly rushed box, firing his Sten gun. He jumped on top of the pill box, recharged the magazine, threw a grenade in through the door, fired his Sten gun into the box - killing two Germans and making the remainder prisoners. He then cleared several Germans from a neighbouring trench. By this action he undoubtedly saved his Company from being fired on heavily from the rear, and enabled them to open the main beach exit. Later, in Crepon, the Company encountered a field gun and machine gun. CSM Hollis was put in command of a party to cover an attack on the gun. Hollis pushed forward to engage with a PIAT. He was observed by a sniper who fired and grazed his right cheek and at the same moment the gun swung round and fired at point blank range at the assault party. CSM Hollis moved his party to an alternative position, by which time two of the enemy gun crew had been killed and the gun destroyed. He later found that two of his men had stayed behind and immediately volunteered to get them out. In full view of the enemy, who were continually firing at him, he went forward alone using a Bren gun to distract their attention from the stranded men. Under cover of his diversion, the two men were able to get back. Wherever fighting was heaviest CSM Hollis appeared, and in the course of a magnificent day's work he displayed the utmost gallantry and on two separate occasions his courage and initiative prevented the enemy from holding up the advance at critical stages.
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1st Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own)
Gazetted: 17 August 1944
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Second World War: In Burma, at Ningthoukong, soon after midnight of 6th/7th June 1944 an attack was made by a strong force of Japanese. Three out of four light machine-guns in Sergeant Turner's platoon were destroyed and the platoon forced to give ground. Sergeant Turner, with coolness and fine leadership, at once reorganised his party and withdrew 40 yards. When it was clear that the enemy were attempting to outflank the position, Sergeant Turner at once, boldly and fearlessly, went forward from his position alone, armed with all the hand grenades he could carry, and went into attack against the enemy single-handed. He used his weapons with devastating effect and when his supply was exhausted he went back for more and returned to the offensive again. During all this time the enemy were keeping up intense small arms and grenade fire. Sergeant Turner in all made five journeys to obtain further supplies of grenade and it was on this sixth occasion still single-handed, while throwing a grenade among a party of the enemy, that he was killed. He displayed outstanding valour and had not the slightest thought for his own safety. He died on the battlefield in a spirit of supreme self-sacrifice. Sergeant Turner joined the Duke of Wellington's Regiment in 1940 but earned the posthumous award while serving with the 1st Battalion The West Yorkshire Regiment.
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1st Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment (West Riding)
Gazetted: 4 January 1945
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Second World War: In Italy on 8th October 1944 two companies of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment moved forward to take a strongly held feature 760 metres high. The capture of this feature was vital at this stage of the operation, as it dominated all the ground on the main axis of advance. The assaulting troops made good progress to within twenty yards of the crest, when they came under withering fire on the crest. Private Burton rushed forward and engaging the first machine gun position, killing the crew of three. When the assault was again held up by murderous fire from more machine guns, Private Burton, again showing complete disregard for his own safety, dashed forward toward the first machine-gun, using his sub-machine gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He then picked up a Bren gun and, firing from the hip, succeeded in killing or wounding the crews of the two machine-guns. Thanks to his outstanding courage the Company was then able to consolidate on the forward slope of the feature. Private Burton's magnificent gallantry and total disregard of his own safety during many hours of fierce fighting in mud and continuous rain were an inspiration to all his comrades.
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1st Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own)
Gazetted: 15 May 1945
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Second World War: On 3rd March 1945 during the attack on Meiktila, Burma, Lieutenant Weston was commanding a platoon which, together with the rest of the company, had to clear an area of the town of the enemy. In the face of fanatical opposition he led his men superbly, encouraging them from one bunker position to the next. When he came to the last, particularly well-defended bunker. He led a party with bayonets and grenades to eliminate the enemy within the bunker. At the entrance, he fell forward wounded. As he lay wounded he pulled the pin from a grenade and by so doing killed himself and most of the enemy in the bunker. Throughout the final three and a half hours of battle, he set an example which can seldom have been equalled. Lieutenant Weston joined the Green Howards in 1943, was commissioned in 1944 and having completed his jungle training posted to the West Yorkshire's in December 1944.
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Lieutenant Terence E WATERS GC
The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own)
Gazetted: 13 April 1954
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Korean War: Whilst attached to the Gloucester Regiment, Lieutenant Waters was captured subsequent to the Battle of the Imjin River, 22-25 April 1951. By this time he had sustained two serious wounds as a result of this action. On the journey to Pyongyang, he set a magnificent example of courage and fortitude in remaining with wounded other ranks on the march, whom he felt it his duty to care for to the best of his ability. After a journey or hardship and privation, they arrived at "the Caves", a series of tunnels driven into a hillside and used as a prison. Various allied prisoners of war were packed into the flooded caverns. Subjected to the elements, lice infestation, insufficient food and no medical attention - soldiers died daily as a result of wounds, sickness and malnutrition. Realising that his soldiers would not survive these conditions, he ordered his soldiers to take up the offer of better food, medical attention and other amenities as a reward for joining a prisoner of war group known as "Peace Fighters" (an anti-allies propaganda movement). An initial offer to join had been unanimously rejected. Whilst realising that this act would save his party, he refused to go himself, aware that the task of maintaining British prestige was vested in him. Despite efforts to subvert him, the North Koreans failed to persuade Lieutenant Waters and he died a short time after. He was a young and inexperienced officer, comparatively recently commissioned from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, yet he set an example of the highest gallantry.
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