100 Years Ago - VCs

SKIPPER JOSEPH WATT

RECIPIENTS OF THE VICTORIA CROSS IN lHE COURTYARD OF BUCKINGHAM PALACE, SEPTEMBER 26, 1917,

Photographed as the King departed. The men are wearing their crosses.

Left to right: Mrs. Ackroyd, 'Lieutenant InsalI, R.F.C., Sergeant Bye, Sergeant Cooper. Sergeant Edwards (Seaforths), Sergeant Rees, Private Edwards (K.O.Y.L.I.),

Private Ratcliffe. Company Sergeant-Major Skinner.

SERGEANT (Acting C.S.M.) JOHN SKINNER, King's Own Scottish Borderers, receives his Cross

BRIGADIER-GENERAL CLIFFORD COFFIN LEAVING BUCKINGHAM PALACE AFTER RECEIVING THE VICTORIA CROSS

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Public investiture by the King

When the widow and little son of Captain Harold Ackroyd, RAMC, were presented to his Majesty, the cheers of the spectators were loud and prolonged

September 9, 1917

The King held a public Investiture of the Victoria Cross in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace yesterday. Large numbers of the public had a good view of the ceremony from outside the groat sweep of railings of the forecourt and the high steps and terrace of the Victoria Memorial.
The forecourt was flooded with sunshine when at a quarter to 12 o’clock the King came out of the Palace, wearing the uniform of a Field-Marshal and attended his Staff. Drawn up in line with the Palace was a guard of honour supplied by the Grenadier Guards, with the hand of the regiment. The soldiers who were to receive the decoration were seated on chairs to the right. The King, with his Staff, stood in the centre of the forecourt, facing the Colour of the Grenadier Guards, which was carried in front of the guard of honour.
As each recipient of the Victoria Cross was presented to his Majesty the official account of his valour was read by an officer. Neither the name nor a word of the record could he heard by the public outside the railings, but they heartily cheered and clapped their hands all the same, well knowing that each story was one that might most fittingly be proclaimed in trumpet tones to listening London. The King pinned the Victoria Cross on each hero’s breast, and, having held him in conversation for a few moments, warmly shook him by the hand.
When at the end the widow and little son of Captain Harold Ackroyd, RAMC, were presented to his Majesty, and the widow received her husband’s Victoria Cross, the cheers of tts spectators were particularly loud and prolonged. In this instance the Military Cross had also been bestowed, and it was handed by the King to the little boy.
The names and exploits of the recipients of the decoration are given in full detail in the Court Circular in page 9. At the private investiture which took place in the Palace before the outdoor ceremony Military Crosses were presented by the King to three brothers - Captain R M Blofeld, Trench Mortar Battery, and Lieutenant H Blofeld, Royal Flying Corps, the former receiving the Cross awarded to his brother, Second Lieutenant Dudley Blofeld, London Regiment, who was killed in action on the Somme. Mr H Blofeld, The Woodlands, Sydenham-hill, SE, their father, has a fourth son, Second Lieutenant B L Blofeld, Royal Flying Corps, who has been at the front in France since January.

ORDER OF THE EMPIRE

The King will hold today the first Investiture on a large scale in connexion with the Order of the British Empire. A few of those admitted were invested in Scotland, but today practically all the remaining members will attend, and the number is estimated to be about 230. The function will begin at 10.30 and should be over by about noon. The Queen, who is a Dame Grand Cross of the Order, will be invested privately. Various members of the Royal Family are likely to be present to-day and the Home Secretary will attend.

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The Victoria Cross

The German pilot dived through a cloud, followed by Lieutenant Insall, fire was again opened and the German machine was brought down heavily in a ploughed field

September 9, 1917

His Majesty proceeded to the Forecourt of the Palace, and decorated the following with the Victoria Cross:
Second Lieutenant Gilbert INSALL, Royal Flying Corps.
For most conspicuous bravery, skill, and determination. He was patrolling tn a Vickers Fighting Machine, with First Class Air Mechanic T H Donald as gunner, when a German machine was sighted, pursued and attacked. The German pilot led the Vickers machine over a rocket battery, but wIth great skill Lieutenant Insall dived and got to close range, when Donald fired a drum of cartridges into the German machine, stopping its engine. The German pilot then dived through a cloud, followed by Lieutenant Insall, fire was again opened and the German machine was brought down heavily in a ploughed field. On seeing the Germans scramble out of their machine and prepare to fire Lieutenant Insall dived to 500 feet, thus enabling Donald to open heavy fire on them. The Germans then fled, one helping the other, who was apparently wounded. Other Germans then commenced heavy fire, but In spite of this, Lieutenant Insall turned again, and an incendiary bomb was dropped on the German machine, which was last seen wreathed in smoke. Lieutenant Insall then headed west in order to get back over the German trenches, but as he was at only 2,000 feet altitude he dived across them for greater speed, Donald firing into the trenches as he passed over. The German line, however, damaged the petrol tank, and, with great coolness, Lieutenant Insall landed under cover of a wood 500 yards inside our lines. The Germans fired some 150 shells at our machine on the ground, but without causing material damage. Much damage had, however, been caused by rifle fire, but during the night it was repaired behind screened lights, and at dawn Lieutenant Insall flew his machine home with First Class Air Mechanic T H Donald as passenger.
No. 6895 Sergeant (Acting Company Sergeant-Major) John SKINNER, King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
For most conspicuous bravery and good leading.

Whilst his company was attacking, machine gun fire opened on the left flank, delaying the advance. Although Company Sergeant-Major Skinner was wounded in the head, he collected six men, and with great courage and determination worked round the left flank of three blockhouses from which the machine-gun fire was coming, and succeeded In bombing and taking the first blockhouse single-handed: then, leading his six men towards the other two blockhouses, he skilfully cleared them, taking sixty prisoners, three machine guns, and two trench mortars. The dash and gallantry displayed by this warrant officer enabled the obiective to be reached and consolidated.
No. 939 Sergeant Robert BYE, Welsh Guards.
For most conspicuous bravery.
Sergeant Bye displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy’s position. Seeing that the leading waves were beting troubled by two enemy blockhouses he, on his own inItiative, rushed at one of them and put the garrison out of action. He then rejoined his company and went forward to the assault of the second objective. When the troops had gone forward to the attack on the third objective, a party was detailed to clear up a line of blockhouses which had been passed. Sergeant Bye volunteered to take charge of this party, accomplished his object and took many prisoners. He subsequently advanced to the third objective, capturing a number of prisoners, thus rendering valuable assistance to the assaulting companies. He displayed throughout the most remarkable initiative.
No R2794 Sergeant Edward COOPER, King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative.
Enemy machine guns from a concrete blockhouse. 250 yards away, were holding up the advance of the battalion on his own left, and were also causing heavy casualties to his own battalion, Sergeant Cooper with four men, immediately rushed towards the blockhouse, though heavily fired on. About 100 yards distant he ordered his men to lie down and fire at the blockhouse. Finding this did not silence the machine-guns, he immediately rushed forward straight at them and fired his revolver into an opening In the blockhouse. The machine-guns ceased firing and the garrison surrendered. Seven machine-guns and 45 prisoners were captured In this blockhouse. By this magnificent act of courage he undoubtedly saved what might have been a serious check to the whole advance, at the same time saving a great number of lives.
No. 265473 Sergeant Alexander EDWARDS, Seaforth Highlanders.
For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when, having located a hostile machine-gun in a wood, he with great dash and courage led some men against it, killed all the team and captured the gun. Later, when a sniper was causing casualties, he crawled out to stalk him, and although badly wounded in the arm, went on and killed him. One officer only was now left with the company, and, realising that the success of the operation depended on the capture of the furthest objective, Sergeant Edwards, regardless of his wounds, led his men until the objective was captured. He subsequently showed great skill in consolidating his position, and very great daring in personal reconnaissance. Although again twice wounded on the following day, this very gallant non-commissioned officer maintained throughout a complete disregard for personal safely, and his high example of coolness and determination engendered a fine fighting spirit in his men.
No. 20002 Sergeant Ivor REES, South Wales Borderers.
For most conspicuous bravery in attack.
A hostile machine-gun opened fire at close range, inflicting many casualties. Leading his platoon forward by short rushes Sergeant Rees gradually worked his way round the right flank to the rear of the gun position. When he was about 20 yards from the machine-gun he rushed forward towards the team, shot one and bayoneted another. He then bombed the large concrete emplacement, killing five and capturing 305 prisoners, of whom two were officers, in addition to an undamaged machine-gun.
No. 13303 PrIvate Wilfred EDWARDS, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
For most conspicuous bravery when under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from a strong concrete fort. Having lost all his company officers, without hesitation he dashed forward at great personal risk, bombed through the loopholes, surmounted the fort and waved to his company to advance. By his splendid example he saved a most critical situation at a time when the whole battalion was tied up and a leader urgently needed. Three officers and 30 other ranks were taken prisoner by him in the fort. Later Private Edwards did most valuable work as a runner, and he eventually guided most of the battalion out through very difficult ground. Throughout he set a splendid personal example to all, and was utterly regardless of danger.
No. 22151 Private William RATCLIFFE. South Lancashire Regiment.
For most conspicuous bravery.
After an enemy’s trench had been captured. Private Ratcliffe located an enemy machine-gun which was firing on his comrades from the rear, whereupon, single-handed and on his own initiative, he immediately rushed the machine-gun position and bayoneted the crew. He then brought the gun back into action in the front line. This very gallant soldier has displayed great resource on previous occasions and has set an exceptionally fine example of devotion to duty.
VICTORIA CROSS AND MILITARY CROSS. The King then received Mrs Ackroyd and her young son and handed to her the Victoria Cross won by her late husband, Captain Harold ACKROYD, Royal Army-Medical Corps, under the following circumstances, and also the Military Cross For most conspicuous bravery.
During recent operations Captain Ackroyd displayed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty. Utterly regardless of danger, he worked continuously for many hours up and down and in front of the line treating the wounded and saving the lives of officers and men. In so doing he had to move across the open under heavy machine-gun, rifle and shell fire. He carried a wounded officer to a place of safety under very heavy fire. On another occasion he went so evae wny in front of our advanced line and brought in a wounded man under continuous sniping and machine-gun fire. His heroism was the means of saving many lives and provided a magnificent example of courage, cheerfulness and determination to the fighting men in whose midst he was carrying out his splendid work, This gallant officer has since been killed in action.


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Eleven new VCs

It is generally agreed that Brigadier-General Coffin’s splendid example saved the situation, and had it not been for his action the line would certainly have been driven back

September 15, 1917

The King has been pleased to approve of the award of a Bar to the Victoria Cross to Capt. Noel Godfrey Chavasse, VC, MC, late RAMC, att’d L’pool R.
For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action. Though severely wounded early in the action whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the Dressing Station, Capt. Chavasse refused to leave his post, and for two days not only continued to perform his duties, but in addition went out repeatedly under heavy fire to search for and attend to the wounded who were lying out. During these searches, although practically without food during this period, worn with fatigue and faint with his wound, he assisted to carry in a number of badly wounded men, over heavy and difficult ground. By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example he was instrumental in rescuing many wounded who would have otherwise undoubtedly succumbed under the bad weather conditions. This devoted and gallant officer subsequently died of his wounds.
The King has been pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the following Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men:
Lt.-Col (T./Brig.-Gen.) Clifford Coffin, DSO, RE.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.

When his command was held up in attack owing to heavy machine-gun and rifle fire from front and right flank, and was establishing itself in a forward shell hole line, he went forward and made an inspection of his front posts. Though under the heaviest fire from both machine-guns and rifles, and in full view of the enemy, he showed an utter disregard of personal danger, walking quietly from shell hole to shell hole, giving advice generally, and cheering the men by his presence. His very gallant conduct had the greatest effect on all ranks, and it was largely owing to his personal courage and example that the shell hole line was held in spite of the very heaviest fire. Throughout the day his calm courage and cheerfulness exercised the greatest influence over all with whom he came in contact, and it is generally agreed that Brigadier-General Coffin’s splendid example saved the situation, and had it not been for his action the line would certainly have been driven back.
Lt. John Reginald Noble Graham, Arg. and Suthd. High’rs, attd. MGC.
For most conspicuous bravery, coolness, and resource when in command of a Machine Gun Section. Lt. Graham accompanied his guns across open ground, under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire, and when his men became casualties, he assisted in carrying the ammunition. Although twice wounded he continued during the advance to control his guns and was able, with one gun, to open an accurate fire on the enemy, who were massing for a counter-attack. This gun was put out of action by the enemy’s rifle fire, and he was again wounded. The advancing enemy forced him to retire, but before doing so he further disabled his gun, rendering it useless. He then brought a Lewis gun into action with excellent effect till all the ammunition was expended. He was again severely wounded, and forced through loss of blood to retire. His valour and skilful handling of his guns held up a strong counter-attack which threatened to roll up the left flank of the Brigade, and thus averted what might have been a very critical situation.
Sec. Lt. Denis George Wyldbore Hewitt, late Hamps. R.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of a company in attack.
When his first objective had been captured he re-organized the company and moved forward towards his objective. While waiting for the barrage to lift he was hit by a piece of shell, which exploded the signal lights in his haversack, and set fire to his equipment and clothes. Having extinguished the flames, in spite of his wound and the severe pain he was suffering, he led forward the remains of the company under very heavy machine gun fire, and captured and consolidated his objective. He was subsequently killed by a sniper, while inspecting the consolidation and encouraging his men. This gallant officer set a magnificent example of coolness and contempt of danger to the whole Battalion, and it was due to his splendid leading that the final objective of his Battalion was gained.
No. R.2794 Sgt. Edward Cooper, KRRC (Stockton).
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack.
Enemy machine guns from a concrete blockhouse, 250 yards away, were holding up the advance of the battalion on his left, and were also causing heavy casualties to his own battalion. Sgt. Cooper, with four men, immediately rushed towards the blockhouse, though heavily fired on. About 100 yards distant he ordered his men to lie down and fire at the blockhouse. Finding this did not silence the machine guns, he immediately rushed forward straight at them and fired his revolver into an opening in the blockhouse. The machine guns ceased firing and the garrison surrendered. Seven machine guns and 45 prisoners were captured in this blockhouse. By this magnificent act of courage he undoubtedly saved what might have been a serious check to the whole advance, at the same time saving a great number of lives.
No. 265473 Sgt. Alexander Edwards, Sea. High’rs. (Lossiemouth).
For most conspicuous bravery in attack, when having located a hostile machine gun in a wood, he, with great dash and courage, led some men against it, killed all the team, and captured the gun. Later, when a sniper was causing casualties, he crawled out to stalk him, and although badly wounded in the arm, went on and killed him. One officer only was now left with the company, and, realizing that the success of the operation depended on the capture of the furthest objective, Sgt. Edwards, regardless of his wound, led his men on till this objective was captured. He subsequently showed great skill in consolidating his position, and very great daring in personal reconnaissance. Although again twice wounded on the following day, this very gallant NCO maintained throughout a complete disregard for personal safety, and his high example of coolness and determination engendered a fine fighting spirit in his men.
No. 13531 Sgt. (acting CQMS) William H. Grimbaldeston, K.O. Sco. Bord. (Blackburn).
For most conspicuous bravery in attack.
Noticing that the unit on his left was held up by enemy machine gun fire from a blockhouse, though wounded, he collected a small party to fire rifle grenades on this blockhouse. He then got a volunteer to assist him with rifle fire. ln spite of very heavy fire from the blockhouse he pushed on towards it, and made for the entrance, from which he threatened with a hand grenade the machine gun teams inside the blockhouse. These he forced to surrender one after another. The extraordinary courage and boldness of CQMS. Grimbaldeston resulted in his capturing 36 prisoners, six machine guns, and one trench mortar, and enabled the whole line to continue its advance.
No. 20002 Sgt. Ivor Rees, S. Wales Bord. (Llanelly).
For most conspicuous bravery in attack.
A hostile machine gun opened fire at close range, inflicting many casualties. Leading his platoon forward by short rushes, Sergeant Rees gradually worked his way round tho right flank to the rear of the gun position. When he was about 20 yards from the machine gun he rushed forward towards the team, shot one, and bayoneted another. He then bombed the large concrete emplacement, killing five, and capturing 30 prisoners, of whom two were officers, in addition to an undamaged machine gun.
No. 6895 Sgt. (Actg. CS-M) John Skinner, K.O. Sco. Bord. (Pollokshields, Glasgow). For most conspicuous bravery and good leading. Whilst his company was attacking, machine gun fire opened on the left flank, delaying the advance. Although C.S.-M. Skinner was wounded in the head, he collected six men, and with great courage and determination worked round the left flank of three blockhouse from which the machine gun fire was coining, and succeeded in bombing and taking the first blockhouse singlehanded; then, leading his six men towards the other two blockhouses, he skilfully cleared them, taking sixty prisoners, three machine guns, and two trench mortars. The dash and gallantry displayed by this warrant officer enabled the objective to be reacbed and consolidated.
No. 2O017 Cpl. (L-Sgt.) Tom Fletcher Mayson, R Lanc R. (Silecourt, Cumberland).
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when with the leading wave of the attack his platoon was held up by machine gun fire from a tank. Without waiting for orders, L-Sgt. Mayson at once made for the gun, which he put out of action with bombs, wounding four of the team. The remaining three of the team fled, pursued by L.-Sgt. Mayson to a dugout, into which he followed them and disposed of them with his bayonet. Later, when clearing up a strong point, this non-commissioned officer again tackled a machine gun single-handed, killing six of the team. lfs !ly, during an enemy counter-attack, he took charge of an isolated post, and successfully held it till ordered to withdraw as his ammunition was exhausted. He displayed throughout the most remarkable valour and initiative.
No. 13303 Pte. Wilfred Edwards, K.O. York. L.I. (Leeds).
For most conspicuous bravery whon under ,heavy machine gun and rifle fire from a strong concrete fort. Having lost all his company officers, without hesitation he dashed forward at great personal risk, bombed through the loopholes, surmounted the fort, and waved to his company to advance. By his splendid example he saved a most critical situation at a time when the whole battalion was held up and a leader urgently needed. Three officers and thirty other ranks were taken prisoner by him in the fort. Later, Pte Edwards did most valuable work as a runner, and he eventually guided most of the battalion out through very difficult ground. Throughout he set a splendid personal example to all, and was utterly regardless of danger.
No. 16805 Pte. Arnold Loosemore, W. Rid. R. (Sheffield).
For most conspicuous bravery, and initiative during the attack on a strongly-hold enemy position. His platoon having been checked by heavy machine-gun fire, he crawled through partially cut wire, dragging his Lewis gun with him, and single-handed dealt with a strong party 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 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.