Download - Valiant men of hertfordshire
“VALIANT MEN OF HERTFORDSHIRE”
COMMEMORATING THOSE AWARDED
THE VICTORIA CROSS
IN THE GREAT WAR
FROM HERTFORDSHIRE
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 1
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 until the end of the Great War when the same purple ribbon was adopted by all
Services.
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 Donning
ton).
Recommendation for the VC is normally issued by an officer at regimental level, or
equivalent, and has to be supported by three witnesses, although this has been waived on occasion.
The recommendation is then passed up the military hierarchy until it reaches the Secretary of State
for Defence. The recommendation is then laid before the monarch who approves the award with his
or her signature. Victoria Cross awards are always promulgated in the London Gazette with the
single exception of the award to the American Unknown Soldier in 1921
In the case of a gallant and daring act being performed by a squadron, ship's company or a
detached body of men (such as Royal Marines) in which all men are deemed equally brave and
deserving of the Victoria Cross then a ballot is drawn. The officers select one officer, the NCOs select
one individual and the private soldiers or seamen select two individuals. In all 46 awards have been
awarded by ballot with 29 of the awards during the Indian Mutiny. Four further awards were
granted to Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery at Korn Spruit on 31 March 1900 during the Second Boer
War. The final ballot awards for the army were the six awards to the Lancashire Fusiliers at W Beach
during the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 although three of the awards were not gazetted until
1917. The final seven ballot awards were the only naval ballot awards with three awards to two Q-
Ships in 1917 and four awards for the Zeebrugge Raid in 1918. The provision for awards by ballot is
still included in the Victoria Cross warrant but there have been no further such awards since 1918
This book is published in the Centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War 1914
It is intended as a tribute to all those who endured the horrors of that war and to honour the
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.
The nineteen represented here are associated with
county boundaries of that time. Not only included are those born in
there, attending a Hertfordshire
Of the nineteen recipients
more than one had physical and mental scars. They had difficulty finding work and were traumatized
by their experiences. Sadly a problem that can still
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 SOLDIERS NEVER DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY AND
THE ROYAL MARINES ARE SAID TO CROSS THE HARBOUR BAR.
THEY ONLY DIE IF THEY ARE FORGOTTEN.
SO PLEASE READ THEIR STORIES THAT THEY MAY REMEMBERED
AND SO LIVE ON IN PEOPLE’S MEMORIES.
Compiled by Ted Sparrow June
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
PREFACE
This book is published in the Centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War 1914
a tribute to all those who endured the horrors of that war and to honour the
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.
represented here are associated with Hertfordshire as encompassed by the
county boundaries of that time. Not only included are those born in Hertfordshire
school or who served in the County’s Militia.
recipients, eight lost their lives in the conflict. Of those returning
more than one had physical and mental scars. They had difficulty finding work and were traumatized
by their experiences. Sadly a problem that can still affect those who put their lives on the line.
So this book concentrates on the events where they displayed extreme courage rather than
AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE THEY SAY OF FIGHTING MEN: -
THAT OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE THEY JUST FADE AWAY AND
THE ROYAL MARINES ARE SAID TO CROSS THE HARBOUR BAR.
THEY ONLY DIE IF THEY ARE FORGOTTEN.
SO PLEASE READ THEIR STORIES THAT THEY MAY REMEMBERED
AND SO LIVE ON IN PEOPLE’S MEMORIES.
June2014
Page 2
This book is published in the Centenary year of the outbreak of the Great War 1914 – 1918.
a tribute to all those who endured the horrors of that war and to honour the
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.
as encompassed by the
Hertfordshire but those living
lost their lives in the conflict. Of those returning home
more than one had physical and mental scars. They had difficulty finding work and were traumatized
those who put their lives on the line.
So this book concentrates on the events where they displayed extreme courage rather than
THE ROYAL MARINES ARE SAID TO CROSS THE HARBOUR BAR.
SO PLEASE READ THEIR STORIES THAT THEY MAY REMEMBERED
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 3
CONTENTS
Barber, Edward VC Page 5
Native of Tring
BURT, Alfred Alexander V.C Page 7
Resident of Port Vale
COLLINGS-WELLS, John Stanhope VC Page 11
Enlistment in the Hertfordshire Militia
CLOUTMAN, Sir BRETT Mackay VC, QC Page 15
Educated at Bishop's Stortford College and Berkhamsted Preparatory School
COX, Christopher Augustus VC Page 18
Born and lived in Kings Langley
MARTIN-LEAKE, Arthur VC L.R.C.P., F.R.C.S. Page 23
He was born at Standon, near Ware
McKEAN, George Burdon VC MC MM Page 26
He spent final time living with daughter at Potters Bar (which was Hertfordshire). Served
with the Canadians
McREADY-DIARMID, Allastair Malcolm Cluny VC Page 30
He went to Queen Elizabeth Boys' Grammar School, Barnet.
Reverend MELLISH, Edward Noel VC Page 33
He served as a private in the Boer War in the Artist’s Rifles attached to Baden-Powell's police He
gained the rank of Temporary Chaplain in 1915 in the service of the Army Chaplain's Department
Also appears in “The Valiant Men of Essex connected to ”Saffron Walden/ Dunmow
PEARKES, George Randolph VC DSO MC Page 38
He was born in Watford, Hertfordshire and was sent to Berkhamsted School. He served with the
Canadian Expeditionary Force.
SMITH, Alfred Victor Smith VC
Chorister at Saint Alban’s
VEALE, Theodore William Henry VC
He was born in Dartmouth. Spent last years with daughter at Hoddesdon
WARNER, Edward VC
He was born in St Albans in Hertfordshire
YOUNG, Frank Edward VC
He was born in Cherat in the North West Province, India. Served in the Hertfordshire TA
HAILEYBURY COLLEGE
COFFIN, Clifford VC, CB, DSO & Bar
He was born in Blackheath. Pupil at Haileybury
FRISBY, Cyril Hubert VC
He was born in Sussex. Pupil at Haileybury
HALLOWES, Rupert Price VC, MC
He was born in Sussex. Pupil at Haileybury
ROBERTSON, Clement VC
He was born in Wales. Pupil at Haileybury
WILLIS, Richard Raymond VC
Member of Staff at Haileybury post war.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
He was born in Watford, Hertfordshire and was sent to Berkhamsted School. He served with the
SMITH, Alfred Victor Smith VC Page
Chorister at Saint Alban’s Cathedral
VEALE, Theodore William Henry VC Page
He was born in Dartmouth. Spent last years with daughter at Hoddesdon
WARNER, Edward VC Page
St Albans in Hertfordshire
YOUNG, Frank Edward VC Page
Cherat in the North West Province, India. Served in the Hertfordshire TA
HAILEYBURY COLLEGE PUPILS & STAFF Page
COFFIN, Clifford VC, CB, DSO & Bar Page
He was born in Blackheath. Pupil at Haileybury
FRISBY, Cyril Hubert VC Page
born in Sussex. Pupil at Haileybury
HALLOWES, Rupert Price VC, MC Page
He was born in Sussex. Pupil at Haileybury
ROBERTSON, Clement VC Page
Pupil at Haileybury
WILLIS, Richard Raymond VC Page
Staff at Haileybury post war.
Page 4
He was born in Watford, Hertfordshire and was sent to Berkhamsted School. He served with the
Page 42
Page 44
He was born in Dartmouth. Spent last years with daughter at Hoddesdon
Page 47
Page 51
Cherat in the North West Province, India. Served in the Hertfordshire TA
Page 55
Page 56
Page 60
Page 63
Page 66
Page 69
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 5
BARBER, Edward VC
Edward Barber was born on 10 June 1893 to William and Sarah Ann Barber, who resided at Miswell
Lane, Tring in Hertfordshire. His father was a lamp lighter.
He began his working life as a bricklayer’s labourer, enlisting in the army in October 1911. After
three years of service Barber was due to be transferred to the Army
Reserve and was considering leaving to join the police but the
outbreak of war put paid to any career change. Barber stood 6 feet
2 inches tall and was described as ‘a man of buoyant spirits, an iron
will, reckless to a degree, and absolutely without fear.
OUTBREAK OF WAR
1st Bn. Grenadier Guards in August 1914 were in Warley, London
District.
September 1914: came under command of 20th Brigade, 7th
Division.
7 October 1914: landed at Zeebrugge. Thus they were involved in
the early battles of the war. On the 4 August 1915: transferred to
3rd Guards Brigade, Guards Division
His body was found by Lance Corporal Fuller from the same company. Fuller found a letter in
Barber’s pocket addressed to a cousin living at Slough. Fuller wrote to the cousin explaining, ‘while
doing his duty he was picked off by a German sniper. The bullet penetrated his brain, death being
instantaneous… Your cousin feared nothing and he was the finest man we
had, both in wit and courage.’
MEDALS
Victoria Cross: 1914 Star + clasp "5th Aug
Medal (1914-19)
CITATION
The London Gazette, 19 April 1915
“For most conspicuous bravery on 12th March, 1915, at Neuve Chapelle. He ran speedily in
front of the grenade company to which he belonged, and threw bombs on the enemy with such effect
that a very great number of them at once surrendered. When the grenade party rea
they found him quite alone and unsupported, with the enemy surrendering all about him
COMMEMORATION
LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY and the LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Richebourg L'Avoue
Barber’s body was never recovered and in Feb
His mother told a London journalist, ‘
What is the Victoria Cross to the loss of my son?
Tring War Memorial in the grounds of the St Peter &
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Victoria Cross: 1914 Star + clasp "5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914": British War Medal (1914
London Gazette, 19 April 1915
conspicuous bravery on 12th March, 1915, at Neuve Chapelle. He ran speedily in
front of the grenade company to which he belonged, and threw bombs on the enemy with such effect
that a very great number of them at once surrendered. When the grenade party rea
they found him quite alone and unsupported, with the enemy surrendering all about him
LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY and the LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Richebourg L'Avoue
Barber’s body was never recovered and in February 1916 he was officially classified as dead.
His mother told a London journalist, ‘Of course, we are very proud, but I can’t bear to
What is the Victoria Cross to the loss of my son?’
in the grounds of the St Peter & St Paul (Church of England) Church
Page 6
22nd Nov 1914": British War Medal (1914-20): Victory
conspicuous bravery on 12th March, 1915, at Neuve Chapelle. He ran speedily in
front of the grenade company to which he belonged, and threw bombs on the enemy with such effect
that a very great number of them at once surrendered. When the grenade party reached Pte. Barber
they found him quite alone and unsupported, with the enemy surrendering all about him.”
LE TOURET MILITARY CEMETERY and the LE TOURET MEMORIAL, Richebourg L'Avoue, Pas de Calais
ruary 1916 he was officially classified as dead.
Of course, we are very proud, but I can’t bear to lose my boy.
St Paul (Church of England) Church
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 7
BURT, Alfred Alexander V.C
Alfred Alexander Burt was born on the 3rd March 1895 and was a resident of Port Vale in
Hertfordshire. He was a gas fitter for the Hertford Gas Company before the war and joined the
Hertfordshire Regiment as a part time, Territorial Force soldier in 1911. He was a private with
Service number 1665
OUTBREAK OF WAR
Private Burt was mobilised with the battalion on the
4th August 1914 and, following initial training in Romford
and Bury St. Edmunds, went to the Western Front with the
battalion on the 6th November 1914. He served with them
throughout the first uncomfortable winter in the trenches,
surviving the constant patrolling and raiding as well as their
involvement in the Battle of Festubert in May 1915. It was
during the Battle of Loos in September 1915 that Alfred Burt,
by then a Corporal, won the Victoria Cross.
THE BATTLE OF LOOS
The battle took place on ground not of the British’s choosing and
before stocks of ammunition and heavy artillery were sufficient,
the opening of the battle was noteworthy for the first use of poison
gas by the British Army. Despite heavy casualties, there was
considerable success on the first day in breaking into the deep
enemy positions near Loos and Hulluch. But the reserves had been
held too far from the battle front to be able to exploit the
successes and succeeding days bogged down into attrition warfare
for minor gains.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 8
BRITISH TROOPS ADVANCING THROUGH A GAS CLOUD.AT LO
WAR DIARY FOR THE BATTALION FOR SEPTEMBER 1915
War Diary for September 1915.
1-9-15. Battalion marched to CAMBRIN, 1 Company in CUINCHY SUPPORT POINT, 1 Company in
CAMBRIN SUPPORT POINT, 1 Coy in MAISON ROUGE dugouts, and 1 Company in ANNEQUIN.
6-9-15. HQ moved from CAMBRIN to ANNEQUIN. [Comment; Private 3399 Frederick BENTLEY died of
wounds]
8-9-15. The Battalion moved into Z2 section and relived the 1st Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps.
Casualties during four days were - 2nd Lieut. N.P. Gold [Norman P. GOLD] wounded, 1 man killed
[comment; Acting L/Cpl 2264 Alec Harry DODWELL killed 11-9-15], 3 wounded.
12-9-15. Battalion was relieved by the 1st Battalion Kings Royal Rifles and marched back into billets
at BEUVRY.
16-9-15. The Battalion relieved 1st Battalion Kings Royal Rifles in A1 section.
19-9-15. The Battalion was relieved by the 1st Battalion Kings Royal Rifles in A1 section
20-9-15. The Battalion relieved 1st Battalion Kings Royal Rifles in A1 section
24-9-15. 2/Lieut. Grice [William Lucas GRICE] and 2/Lieut. Smallwood [Eric Butler SMALLWOOD, MC]
joined the battalion from the 3rd/1st battalion. The Battalion was relieved by the 1st Kings in A1
section, two Companies, No.2 and No.3 at BRADDELL POINT, No.4 Company STAFFORD REDOUBT.
25-9-15 [The Battle of Loos]. About 6.30am the 1st Kings attacked but never reached the German
trenches as they were held up by heavy machine gun fire and No.3 and No.4 Companies who were in
close support were ordered not to advance. We then assumed normal conditions.
26-9-15. We relieved half of the Kings line with
died of wounds]
27-9-15. at 5pm we made another gas attack on the enemy as on the 25th but were ordered not to
advance unless the enemy had suffered from it. At 5.30pm we sent out a patrol but they were
immediately fired at by enemy machine guns and in consequence we did not attack. Neither did the
1st Kings. From 25th to 30th our casualties were approximately Captain Smeathman [Lovel Franc
SMEATHMAN, MC] wounded, Lieut. Molony [Brian Charles MOLONY] suffered from gas poisoning,
OR's wounded or suffering from gas poisoning 25. [Comment; Private 3936 George Thomas GINN
died from illness in England and Private 1665 Alfred BURT VC won his Vic
30-9-15. The 6th Brigade was relieved, the B
marched back to billets at the eastern end of BETHUNE.
On the 27th September 1915 the battalion were lined up in their trenches waiting
top' near Cuinchy. Their section of the line came under heavy machine gun fire, forcing even more
men into their already crowded trenches. Just at that time, a German Trench Mortar barrage hit
them and an incredibly powerful 'minenwerfer'
immediately so, without thought, Alfred ran to it, held it firm with one foot, pulled the fuse out and
threw it over the parapet before it could explode in amongst them. It was estimated that his selfless
actions saved the lives of 20 or more of his comrades.
MEDALS
Corporal Burt was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace in March
1916 and continued to serve on the Western Front, rising to the rank of Sergeant, until his batta
were disembodied in 1919.
Victoria Cross: 1914 (Mons) Star: British War Medal (1914
VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953).
His medals were presented to the Hertfordshir
daughter in 1979 and are now on display in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Museum
at Wardown Park in Luton, Bedfordshire.
POST WAR
After the war, Sergeant Burt was one of the Honour Guard during the internment of the Unknown
Warrior on Thursday 11th November 1920. The Guard, which included many VC holders,
Between the wars Burt ran a pub but poor health stopped any thoughts of him se
Second World War. He was also one of the Victoria Cross holders who attended the end of Second
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
We relieved half of the Kings line with one company. [Comment; Private 3330 Bert MILLS
5pm we made another gas attack on the enemy as on the 25th but were ordered not to
ad suffered from it. At 5.30pm we sent out a patrol but they were
immediately fired at by enemy machine guns and in consequence we did not attack. Neither did the
1st Kings. From 25th to 30th our casualties were approximately Captain Smeathman [Lovel Franc
SMEATHMAN, MC] wounded, Lieut. Molony [Brian Charles MOLONY] suffered from gas poisoning,
OR's wounded or suffering from gas poisoning 25. [Comment; Private 3936 George Thomas GINN
died from illness in England and Private 1665 Alfred BURT VC won his Victoria Cross today]
. The 6th Brigade was relieved, the Battalion being relieved by the 9th Cheshire Regiment and
marched back to billets at the eastern end of BETHUNE.”
On the 27th September 1915 the battalion were lined up in their trenches waiting
top' near Cuinchy. Their section of the line came under heavy machine gun fire, forcing even more
men into their already crowded trenches. Just at that time, a German Trench Mortar barrage hit
them and an incredibly powerful 'minenwerfer' shell landed in their midst. It did not explode
immediately so, without thought, Alfred ran to it, held it firm with one foot, pulled the fuse out and
threw it over the parapet before it could explode in amongst them. It was estimated that his selfless
ions saved the lives of 20 or more of his comrades.
Corporal Burt was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace in March
1916 and continued to serve on the Western Front, rising to the rank of Sergeant, until his batta
Victoria Cross: 1914 (Mons) Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914
VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953).
His medals were presented to the Hertfordshire Regiment Museum in Hertford by Burt's
daughter in 1979 and are now on display in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Museum
at Wardown Park in Luton, Bedfordshire.
After the war, Sergeant Burt was one of the Honour Guard during the internment of the Unknown
Warrior on Thursday 11th November 1920. The Guard, which included many VC holders,
Between the wars Burt ran a pub but poor health stopped any thoughts of him se
Second World War. He was also one of the Victoria Cross holders who attended the end of Second
Page 9
company. [Comment; Private 3330 Bert MILLS
5pm we made another gas attack on the enemy as on the 25th but were ordered not to
ad suffered from it. At 5.30pm we sent out a patrol but they were
immediately fired at by enemy machine guns and in consequence we did not attack. Neither did the
1st Kings. From 25th to 30th our casualties were approximately Captain Smeathman [Lovel Francis
SMEATHMAN, MC] wounded, Lieut. Molony [Brian Charles MOLONY] suffered from gas poisoning,
OR's wounded or suffering from gas poisoning 25. [Comment; Private 3936 George Thomas GINN
toria Cross today]
being relieved by the 9th Cheshire Regiment and
On the 27th September 1915 the battalion were lined up in their trenches waiting to go 'over the
top' near Cuinchy. Their section of the line came under heavy machine gun fire, forcing even more
men into their already crowded trenches. Just at that time, a German Trench Mortar barrage hit
shell landed in their midst. It did not explode
immediately so, without thought, Alfred ran to it, held it firm with one foot, pulled the fuse out and
threw it over the parapet before it could explode in amongst them. It was estimated that his selfless
Corporal Burt was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace in March
1916 and continued to serve on the Western Front, rising to the rank of Sergeant, until his battalion
20): Victory Medal (1914-19): King George
e Regiment Museum in Hertford by Burt's
daughter in 1979 and are now on display in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Museum
After the war, Sergeant Burt was one of the Honour Guard during the internment of the Unknown
Warrior on Thursday 11th November 1920. The Guard, which included many VC holders,
Between the wars Burt ran a pub but poor health stopped any thoughts of him serving during the
Second World War. He was also one of the Victoria Cross holders who attended the end of Second
World War Victory Day Celebration Reception held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on the 8th
June 1946
CITATION
The citation for the medal
"For most conspicuous bravery at Cuinchy on 27th September, 1915. His company had lined the front
trench preparatory to an attack when a large
who well knew the destructive power of this class o
a traverse, but he immediately went forward, put his foot on the fuse, wrenched it out of the bomb
and threw it over the parapet, thus rendering the bomb innocuous. His presence of mind and great
pluck saved the lives of others in the traverse
.COMMEMORATION
Alfred Burt died on the 9
exposure to a gas attack during the war
To commemorate him a
was done to mark the bravery of th
where he managed the New Inn pub in Waterside.
West Herts Crematorium Watford
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
World War Victory Day Celebration Reception held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on the 8th
The citation for the medal reads:
For most conspicuous bravery at Cuinchy on 27th September, 1915. His company had lined the front
trench preparatory to an attack when a large “minenwerfer bomb fell into the trench. Corporal Burt,
who well knew the destructive power of this class of bomb, might easily have got under cover behind
a traverse, but he immediately went forward, put his foot on the fuse, wrenched it out of the bomb
and threw it over the parapet, thus rendering the bomb innocuous. His presence of mind and great
the lives of others in the traverse”
Alfred Burt died on the 9th
June 1962 aged 67 as a result of complications caused by his
exposure to a gas attack during the war
street was named after him in a new development in
was done to mark the bravery of this Hertfordshire-born soldier who moved to Chesham in 1925,
where he managed the New Inn pub in Waterside. 1931 TO 1939
Watford Hertfordshire, England where he was cremated
Page 10
World War Victory Day Celebration Reception held at the Dorchester Hotel in London on the 8th
For most conspicuous bravery at Cuinchy on 27th September, 1915. His company had lined the front
bomb fell into the trench. Corporal Burt,
f bomb, might easily have got under cover behind
a traverse, but he immediately went forward, put his foot on the fuse, wrenched it out of the bomb
and threw it over the parapet, thus rendering the bomb innocuous. His presence of mind and great
1962 aged 67 as a result of complications caused by his
was named after him in a new development in Chesham. It
born soldier who moved to Chesham in 1925,
where he was cremated
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 11
COLLINGS-WELLS, John Stanhope VC
He was born on 19th July 1880 and the General Register Office Index shows that he was
born in Chorlton [Lancashire]. The 1881 census has him living at 3 Albert Place, Rusholme Lancashire
with his father, 23 year old Arthur, originally from Chelmsford [Essex] and described as an
engineering speciality inventor and agent and his mother, 25 year old Caroline, from Colchester
Essex. John was seventeen when the family moved from Mill Hill [Middlesex] to Caddington Hall, in
Bedfordshire in June 1898. He was also churchwarden at All
Saints’ Church in Caddington
His connection with Hertfordshire was his enlistment in the
Hertfordshire Militia, and was commissioned into the
Bedfordshire Regiment on 14 March 1904. He was made
lieutenant in September 1904 and captain in January 1907. In July
1881the Militia became part of the Bedfordshire Regiment as 4th
Battalion (Hertfordshire Militia). Hertfordshire had no regular
infantry regiment hence the attachment to the Bedfordshire
Regiment which was the 16th Regiment of Foot.
OUT BREAK OF WAR
On the outbreak of World War One in August 1914 the battalion was embodied for service
as a garrison unit which also provided drafts to replace casualties in the 1st and 2nd Battalions, both
serving on the Western Front. However Collings-Wells actually went to France on 6th November
1914 when he joined 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment as a captain. He did not serve long, being
wounded on 15th January 1915 in front line trenches near Fleurbaix.
The first to go into action in Belgium became immortalised as the “Old Contemptibles” after
the issue of the following “ORDER OF THE DAY” given by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 19th August 1914
“It is my Royal & Imperial command that you concentrate your energies, for the immediate present
upon one single purpose, and that is that you address all your skill and all the valour of my soldiers
to exterminate the treacherous English; walk over General French’s contemptible little army.”
He returned to the front lines. In July 1916, with the rank of Major, in command of a
company. He was promoted to acting Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1916.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 12
The first action the battalion took part in was during the dying days of the Battle of the
Somme which had begun on 1st July 1916. On 13th November the 63rd Division attacked German
positions in waterlogged ground around Beaucourt, one of the objectives for the very first day of the
battle – 136 days before. The state of the ground must have caused many wry comments from the
soldiers about the need to send in the navy! Major Collings-Wells was now in command of the
battalion.
The war diary simply says: “The Battalion advanced with the remainder of the Brigade at
6.45 am and sustained heavy casualties among Officers and NCOs in and near the enemy front line
from a strongpoint established between enemy front line and second line which had been passed
over by the leading Brigades. Battalion advanced to enemy second line and from there parties
pushed forward to Station Road and beyond”. This action cost 4th Bedfords 9 officers killed, 5
wounded, 57 other ranks killed, 108 wounded and 16 missing – a total of 195 out of a probable total
of around a thousand men. Collings-Wells escaped injury; he was promoted to acting lieutenant-
colonel with effect from 26th October.
In June 1917 Captain (Acting Lieutenant-Colonel) Collings-Wells was awarded the
Distinguished Service Order. In September he assumed temporary command of 190th Brigade for a
week. On 30th October 1917 the battalion made an attack which was part of the Third Battle of
Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele. The attack took place not far from that village. The
war diary is typically terse: “Battalion attacked at 5.50 a.m. 7th R.F. on left, Artists Rifles on right.
Canadian Corps on Right of Artists. Canadian attack was successful, but our attack was held up by
very heavy and boggy ground surrounding the Paddebeek and a total advance of about 150-200
yards only was made. Casualties - Officers killed. Capt. L. C. T. Gate. 2nd Lt. A. E. Tee - Wounded.
Capt. J. Scott Lt. C. H. Wareing, Lt. K. V. R. Gold. 2nd Lt. S. A. Glossop. 2nd Lt. V. Bornet. 2nd Lt. Ivey,
2nd Lt. Radwell, Other Ranks killed 52. Wounded 150. Missing 23”. Collings-Wells was subsequently
mentioned in dispatches.
On 21st March 1918 the Germans launched a surprise attack on the over-extended British
5th Army, trying to make use of their extra manpower now that Russia had been knocked out of the
war and before the Americans could arrive in large numbers. Their attack was very successful forcing
a headlong retreat of about fifty miles. 4th Bedfords were then at a village called Ribecourt-la-Tour –
all the war diary says is: “Enemy attacked and captured front line posts. Brigade was withdrawn to
2nd line defence.” Over the next few days they retreated via Neuville, Ypres, Bazentin-le-Petit and
Coucelette to High Wood and Thiepval on the old Somme battlefield; the latter village had been
captured by 7th Bedfords in September 1916. The town of Albert, hub of the 1916 battles and held
since 1914 fell to the Germans and 4th Bedfords took up positions at Bouzincourt Ridge on 26th
March. The next day they attacked – the war diary says: “Battalion was moved south to a position
west of Albert where they attacked the Railway at 7.30 a. m. Lt. Col. J. S. Collings-Wells, D. S. O.
Major G. P. Nunneley, 2/Lt. D. H. Macklin, 2.Lt. O. J. Soames killed, Lieutenants. C. Keith-Johnston M.
C., J. B. Primrose-Wells, 2. Lieutenants. L. Hambling & W. Broughton wounded. Capt. L. G. Plumbly
M.C. took over command of the Battalion temporarily from this date”.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 13
MEDALS
John's parents at Buckingham Palace June 1918
Victoria Cross: Distinguished Service Order: 1914 Star: British War
Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19) with MiD Oakleaf.
COMMEMORATION
John's remains were known to be buried in one of the
graves from those who were killed in the dugout on 27th March
1918, but the Commonwealth War Graves Commission could not
say for certain which one. However, a peculiar sequence of
circumstances changed things, as described in an undated letter to "The Times".
"Dear Sir,
When serving as a junior commissioned officer in the 4th Battalion of the Bedfordshire
Regiment (then attached to the 63rd Division) in France during 1916 I was invalided from the
trenches and sent to the nearest base, where I underwent medical treatment until fit again for active
service. Before leaving my battalion in 1916, and at the special request of one of our then Captains, I
gave him my map case, bearing my own name stamped thereon, having no further need for it. I
thought no more of the matter until about a couple of years ago, when I received a communication
from the Imperial War Graves Commission, returning the same map case, battered and mud-stained
almost beyond all recognition. They informed me that it had been found with the remains of an
officer in the Bedfordshire Regiment, identified as such by
the tunic buttons, who, it was thought, had fallen early in
1918. I immediately identified the map case as the one I
had formerly given to Captain Collings-Wells, of my own
battalion, when I left them in 1916, and informed the
Imperial War Graves Commission to that effect. This
officers relatives were inclined to accept this evidence, after
consultation with the authorities at the Imperial War
Graves Commission, and a memorial cross is now being
erected at Bouzincourt Ridge Cemetery, near Albert, to
Lieutenant-Colonel J.S. Collings-Wells V.C D.S.O., etc. Yours
faithfully, G. Martin"
John Collings-Wells memorial in
inside St John the Baptist Church, Markyate
His body was brought home and buried in
District, Hertfordshire. John Collings
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Wells memorial in the chancel June 2012 Memorial to John Stanhope Collings
inside St John the Baptist Church, Markyate
His body was brought home and buried in St Etheldreda Churchyard, Hatfield, Welwyn Hatfield
John Collings-Wells memorial is in the chancel June 2012.
Page 14
Memorial to John Stanhope Collings-Wells
St Etheldreda Churchyard, Hatfield, Welwyn Hatfield
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 15
CLOUTMAN, Sir BRETT Mackay VC, QC
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Brett Mackay Cloutman VC MC KC (7 November 1891 – 15 August 1971) was a
British Army officer who was 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.
Brett Cloutman was educated at Berkhamsted Preparatory School and
his secondary education was at Bishop's Stortford College and London
University where he was a member of the Royal Engineers contingent
of the university's Officers' Training Corps.
At the outbreak of World War I Cloutman enlisted as a Rifleman in the
Rangers (12th Battalion, London Regiment), reached the rank of
Lance-Corporal, and in 1915 was commissioned as a second lieutenant
in the Kent (Fortress) Engineers, a Territorial Force unit
CITATION
A few weeks later the action took place for which Cloutman won his VC. The official citation read:
“For most conspicuous bravery on the 6th November, 1918, at Pont-sur-Sambre. Major
Cloutman, after reconnoitring the river crossings, found the Quartes Bridge almost intact but
prepared for demolition. Leaving his party under cover he went forward alone, swam across the river,
and, having cut the "leads" from the charges, returned the same way, despite the fact that the bridge
and all approaches thereto were swept by enemy shells and machine-gun fire at close range.
Although the bridge was blown up later in the day by other means, the abutments remained intact.”
The bridge had been prepared for demolition by the Germans, and was well defended. By
cutting the wires, Cloutman prevented the enemy from blowing it up at the time. He was seen at the
bridge, however, and escaped under an intense fire from its guards. The fact that the abutments
were not destroyed later meant that the bridge could be more quickly replaced by the Allies.
This was the last act to win a VC in the First World War.
POST WAR
After the war Cloutman became a lawyer and was cal
Inn in 1926. In World War II he served again in the Royal Engineers and
received a mention in despatches. He became a King's Counsel in 1946 and
in 1947 he was appointed Senior Chairman of the War Pensions Tribunal.
He was Senior O
Senior Courts of England and Wales) 1954
Queen's Birthday Honours of 1957. He was Master of the Worshipful
Company of Glass Sellers 1939
(N London) YMCA; Chairman of the Metropolitan Union of YMCA. He was
also Governor, Eltham College.
Published: (joint) The Law Relating to Authors and Publishers; The Law Relating to Printers
MEDALS
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engi
Victoria Cross: Military Cross: British War Medal (1914
Africa Star: Italy Star: Defence Medal
VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronat
COMMEMORATED
He died on the 15.08.1971 at Highgate, North London
He is commemorated at Berkhamsted
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
After the war Cloutman became a lawyer and was called to the Bar at Gray's
Inn in 1926. In World War II he served again in the Royal Engineers and
received a mention in despatches. He became a King's Counsel in 1946 and
in 1947 he was appointed Senior Chairman of the War Pensions Tribunal.
He was Senior Official Referee of the Supreme Court of Judicature (now the
Senior Courts of England and Wales) 1954-63. He was knighted in the
Queen's Birthday Honours of 1957. He was Master of the Worshipful
Company of Glass Sellers 1939–40 and 1965–66. President of the
(N London) YMCA; Chairman of the Metropolitan Union of YMCA. He was
also Governor, Eltham College.
Published: (joint) The Law Relating to Authors and Publishers; The Law Relating to Printers
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham, Kent.
British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-
Defence Medal (1939-45): War Medal (1939-45) + MiD Oak
VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)
He died on the 15.08.1971 at Highgate, North London
e is commemorated at Berkhamsted School
Page 16
led to the Bar at Gray's
Inn in 1926. In World War II he served again in the Royal Engineers and
received a mention in despatches. He became a King's Counsel in 1946 and
in 1947 he was appointed Senior Chairman of the War Pensions Tribunal.
fficial Referee of the Supreme Court of Judicature (now the
63. He was knighted in the
Queen's Birthday Honours of 1957. He was Master of the Worshipful
President of theHornsey
(N London) YMCA; Chairman of the Metropolitan Union of YMCA. He was
Published: (joint) The Law Relating to Authors and Publishers; The Law Relating to Printers
-19): 1939 - 45 Star:
) + MiD Oak leaf: King George
He was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium and his ashes buried beside his brother
Lieutenant Wolfred Cloutman, who died on 28 August 1915 and who lies in the Norfolk Cemetery,
Somme, France
A ceremony to unveil a plaque to honour the 14 MEN awarded the Victoria Cross who were
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Memorial Hall at Bishop Stortford School
He was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium and his ashes buried beside his brother
, who died on 28 August 1915 and who lies in the Norfolk Cemetery,
A ceremony to unveil a plaque to honour the 14 MEN awarded the Victoria Cross who were
cremated at Golders Green
Crematorium, was held on Sunday 7th
April 2014
The Parade comprised Chelsea
Pensioners and 21 Royal British Legion
Standard Bearers, members o
local cadet forces and their officers.
Page 17
Memorial Hall at Bishop Stortford School
He was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium and his ashes buried beside his brother -
, who died on 28 August 1915 and who lies in the Norfolk Cemetery,
A ceremony to unveil a plaque to honour the 14 MEN awarded the Victoria Cross who were
cremated at Golders Green
was held on Sunday 7th
The Parade comprised Chelsea
Pensioners and 21 Royal British Legion
Standard Bearers, members of all of the
local cadet forces and their officers.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 18
COX, Christopher Augustus VC
Christopher Augustus Cox was born Christmas Day 1889 in Kings Langley. In 1912 he married Maud
Swan with whom he eventually had eight children. Christopher Cox after leaving school, worked as a
farm hand.
WORLD WAR 1
Private Christopher Augustus Cox VC (25 Dec 1889-24 Aug 1959). 'B'
Company, 7th (Service) Battalion, The Bedfordshire Regiment. Enlisting
in the Bedfordshire Regiment, he went to France on 26 July 1915.
Christopher served as a Private and Stretcher Bearer in the 7th battalion
of the Bedfordshire Regiment. He was wounded in the leg on the 1st July
1916 when the 7th battalion stormed not only the first two German
trench lines but also took the Pommiers redoubt. Christopher was back
with the battalion in time for the storming of Thiepval and the Schwaben
Redoubt in September 1916 and served through the winter of 1916 /
1917.
He survived the assault on the Miraumont trench system in February 1917 during the Ancre
operations and won his Victoria Cross in March 1917 when his battalion was one of those who
pursued the Germans as they fell back onto the formidable Hindenburg Line defences. The 54th
brigade moved into the Loupart Line on the 13th March with Christopher and the 7th Bedfords being
south of Achiet-le-Grand. Although the Germans were withdrawing to the Hindenburg Line they
fought a controlled rearguard action and held Achiet-le-Grand and Bihucourt villages strongly. The
54th Brigade had to advance 2 miles over open ground which took five days and cost many
casualties.
The 13th March saw him carrying several wounded Bedfords back to the dressing stations
through a horrendous barrage and sustained machine gun fire. On arrival at the station each time he
did not hesitate to turn around and return to the battlefield in search of more wounded men.
On the 14th, his company were in the rear but the stretcher bearers were called on for
assistance. Having advanced straight through the barrage across open ground to the line of shell
holes the advance had dug in around, he set about moving blatantly from hole to hole dressing all
the wounds he could find. After he had covered all he could find he started carrying the most badly
hurt men back on his back as there were no stretchers available. The first 200 yards were covered
under intensive, aimed machine gun fire but he dashed across the open, completely ignoring the fire
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 19
as he went. Onlookers were amazed to see him return unhurt some time later, when he went back
with a second man. This continued all day and into the night.
From his actions on the 15th Second Lieutenant Chapman is quoted as saying 'I saw him
wandering about in front of hill 130 in the front wave attending to the wounded. He showed
absolutely contempt of the volume of machine gun fire and heavy bombardment, although M.G.
opened on single targets. I previously saw him carry back a man on his back on three different
occasions, and on withdrawing my Company I found he had similarly treated six others, two of
whom were wounded a second time while he was carrying them.'
The village of Achiet-le-Grand finally fell to them after four days heavy fighting on 17 March.
When the 7th Bedfords' attack was halted by ferocious German fire, the whole line took cover in
shell-holes. Cox, acting as a stretcher-bearer in ' B' Company, went out on his own and rescued four
men. He then went out again to bring in wounded from adjoining units, some of whom he carried to
safety on his back. Over the course of four days Cox was constantly in the front line, tending the
wounded, salvaging drums of machine-gun ammunition and marking out gaps in the barbed wire
with tape
He also ferried machine gun supplies to where they were needed the most when he
returned to the battlefield having dropped a wounded man off. Whilst carrying one man on his back,
the wounded man was hit again but Christopher carried on despite knowing he was being targeted
by the efficient German gunners. At one point in the day Second Lieutenant Dealler saw him moving
through a hail of machine gun fire being aimed at him, completely ignoring it as he did so. He arrived
back with the Officer and, having listed what work he had been busy doing, asked for any direction
as to the next location of any wounded men. With no immediate reply being forthcoming,
Christopher advanced back into the fire on his own initiative and disappeared over the brow of a hill,
completely disregarding the attention of the German gunners who had so few targets to fire at.
Once he had found all the wounded Bedfords he could, Christopher turned his attention to the
Middlesex men who were next to them in the advance. Second Lieutenant Dealler added "He did not
rejoin the Company till about 12 hours after and although a very powerful man, whom I have never
seen tired before, he was thoroughly exhausted."
The 16th saw him ferrying the wounded back from the most advanced point through a hail
of machine gun and artillery fire, transferring ammunition across the battlefield and marking out
gaps in the enemy wire with tape in full view of the enemy gunners. When the advance was finished
and the battalion was hurriedly digging in beneath an intense barrage, Christopher was one of the
few men who could be seen above ground where he was busily carrying on moving the wounded
back to the aid stations to the rear.
The 17th saw him advance to help the company in front of his own as all their stretched
bearers had fallen. On passing through the gaps in the enemy wire whilst looking for wounded men
he paused to mark the passages that allowed following waves to move quickly through them later
on.
All told Private Cox must have moved around 20 men from where they fell wounded back to
the dressing stations despite intense fire and barrages. With so little movement taking place above
ground he was constantly a target for any German observer with a gun yet ignored the obvious
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 20
danger and repeated the action time and time again. In addition, the number of men he must have
dressed as they lay wounded in shell holes is another matter entirely and must surely measure
somewhere between 40 and 60.
Six weeks later the 18th Division assaulted German positions around Cherisy during the
Battle of Arras and the battalion were attacking south of the village. They advanced on the heels of
the British bombardment only to find the wire uncut, after which the front waves had no option, but
to dig in and shelter from the crossfire and artillery barrage that rained down on them that day. he
During the advance he received two wounds to his foot and had to be invalided back to Blackburn in
Lancashire.
Private Cox was unable to return to the front again after receiving his third wound as he did
not regain full fitness afterwards. Instead he helped to train the new recruits rather than being idle
and of no use to his country and comrades.
Both of Chris’s brothers also served in the War. Harry Cox served in the Navy and survived
the war, but James Cox was killed in action in Belgium. He was wounded on the 1st October 1916
and died 2 days later at the No 3 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station near Poperinghe. He is buried
with over 10,000 others in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium
Christopher Cox was demobilised in 1919.
CITATION
London Gazette 11 May 1917: Private Christopher Augustus Cox No. 13908
`”During the attack of his battalion (the 7th Bedfordshire Regiment) the front wave was
checked by the severity of the enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, and the whole line had to take
cover in shell holes to avoid annihilation.
Private Cox, utterly regardless of personal safety, went out into the open over fire-swept ground and
single-handed rescued four men. Having collected the wounded of his own battalion, he then assisted
to bring in the wounded of an adjoining battalion.
On the two subsequent days he carried out similar rescue work with the same disregard of his own
safety. He has on all occasions displayed the same high example of unselfishness and valour.”
MEDALS
Christopher Cox was presented with the VC by the King on 21st July 1917 at Buckingham Palace. His
was one of 32 VCs presented that day. The photograph below shows him with Maud on returning to
Kings Langley after the presentation ceremony.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 21
Christopher and Maud Cox, Taken after receiving his Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross: 1914-15 Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19): Italy
Star: Defence Medal (1939-45): King George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II
Coronation Medal (1953). In addition to Cox's Victoria the IWM also holds his service medals
POST WORLD WAR 1
After the war he returned to live in Kings Langley and loved to spend time in his garden. He
worked for a few years for a builder, and then worked for another 32 years as a Maintenance
Labourer at the Ovaltine Factory.
WORLD WAR 2
During the Second World War he served in the Home Guard and again showed his courage by
entering the bombed-out Griffin Pub to search for the publican in the ruins. Unfortunately Ted
Carter was already dead, the only civilian killed in Kings Langley during the war.
POST WORLD WAR 2
After the war he was back at work in the factory when, in 1954 aged 64, he fell off the factory roof.
This unavoidable fall put him in hospital on and off for the rest of his life.
Christopher Cox, V.C. died 28th April 1959 aged 69, the father of eight children.
COMMEMORATION
Special memorial panel in the church at Kings Langley
Kings Langley village was twinned with Achiet
Christopher Cox
On the 17th March 2007 the unveiling of a plaque of remembrance to Christopher's V.C. and those who fell at
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Special memorial panel in the church at Kings Langley
Kings Langley village was twinned with Achiet-le-Grand in France in November 2009, in honour of
On the 17th March 2007 the unveiling of a plaque of remembrance to Christopher's V.C. and those who fell at Achiet le Grand
Page 22
Grand in France in November 2009, in honour of
On the 17th March 2007 the unveiling of a plaque of remembrance to Christopher's V.C. and those who fell at
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 23
MARTIN-LEAKE, Arthur VC L.R.C.P., F.R.C.S.
He was born at Standon; near Ware on the 4th
April
1874.He was the fifth son of Stephen Martin-Leake of Thor Hall,
Essex.
Arthur was educated at Westminster School, and at the
University College Hospital, qualifying in 1893. He saw active
service in the South African War, leaving his appointment at the
district hospital in Hemel Hempstead and joined the
Hertfordshire Company of the Imperial Yeomanry as a trooper.
BOER WAR
He first encountered action at Princeloo's Surrender and
then at the relief of Hoar's Laager. He then joined the South
African Constabulary as a Surgeon-Captain under General
Baden-Powell.
On 8th February 1902,
he was awarded the Victoria Cross "For great devotion to duty and
self-sacrifice at Vlakfontein, 8 Feb 1902, when he went out into the
firing-line to dress a wounded man under very heavy fire from about
forty Boers only 100 yards off. When he had done all he could for
him, he went over to a badly wounded officer, and while trying to
place him in a more comfortable position he was shot about three
times. He only gave up when thoroughly exhausted, and then he
refused water until other wounded men had been served." Whilst
recovering from his wounds
CITATION FIRST VC
The London Gazette: no. 27433. p. 3176. 13 May 1902.
“During the action at Vlakfontein, on the 8th February, 1902, Surgeon-Captain Martin-Leake
went up to a wounded man and attended to him under a heavy fire from about 40 Boers at 100 yards
range. He then went to the assistance of a wounded Officer, and, whilst trying to place him in a
comfortable position, was shot three times, but would not give in till he rolled over thoroughly
exhausted. All the eight men at this point were wounded, and while they were lying on the Veldt,
Surgeon-Captain Martin-Leake refused water till everyone else had been served”
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 24
Arthur studied and then passed the F.R.C.S. in 1903. He then took up the appointment of
Chief Medical Officer of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway. Arthur also saw active service in 1912, when the
Balkan War began. He sailed to Europe and served with the British Red Cross with the Montenegrin
Army. He was present at the fighting at Scutari and Tarabosh Mountain, and for his work there was
awarded the Order of the Montenegrin Red Cross. He then returned to his work in India.
WORLD WAR 1
At the outbreak of the Great War, Arthur again left for Europe and was posted, in the rank of
Lieutenant, to the 5th Field Ambulance, serving with 'C' Section.
In March 1915, he was promoted to Captain, and then Major in the November the same
year. He was also awarded a Gold Medal by the British Medical Association.
On 3rd April 1917 he was appointed Commanding Officer of a Field Ambulance serving at
the rank of acting Lieutenant Colonel (46th Field Ambulance), he also served as Commanding Officer
to a Casualty Clearing Station, when he was Mentioned in Despatches.
CITATION FOR BAR TO THE VC
The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29074. page 1700. 16 February 1916
He was awarded a Bar to his Victoria Cross during the First Battle of Ypres - "For most
conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty throughout the campaign, especially during the period 29
Oct to 3 Nov 1914, near Zonnebeke, in rescuing, whilst exposed to constant fire, a large number of
the wounded who were lying close to the enemy's trenches." –
Arthur was the first person to ever win a Bar to the Victoria Cross.
BETWEEN THE WARS
At the end of the war he returned to his work at the Bengal-Nagpur Railway. In 1937 he
retired to his estate at Marshalls near Ware, Hertfordshire.
He saw service again during World War Two when he commanded an ARP Unit.
MEDALS
Victoria Cross & Bar: Queen's South Africa Medal (1899
Colony" - "Transvaal" - "Wittebergen": King's South Africa Medal ( 1901
Africa 1901" - "South Africa 1902": 1914 Star
(1914-20): Victory Medal ( 1914-
George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953): Indian
Forces Officers' Decoration: Order of the Red Cross (Montenegro): British Red Cross Society Balkan
War Medal (1912-13) with clasp "Montenegro"
COMMEMORATED
Arthur died at Ware; Hertfordshire on the 22 June 1953 (aged 79)
St John the Evangelist Churchyard, High Cross, East Hertfordshire District, Hertfordshire.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Victoria Cross & Bar: Queen's South Africa Medal (1899-1902) with 3 clasps for "Cape
"Wittebergen": King's South Africa Medal ( 1901-02 ) with 2 clasps: "South
1902": 1914 Star - clasp "5th Aug-22nd Nov 1914": British War Medal
-19 ) + MiD Oakleaf : King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ( 1935 ):King
George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953): Indian
Forces Officers' Decoration: Order of the Red Cross (Montenegro): British Red Cross Society Balkan
13) with clasp "Montenegro"
Hertfordshire on the 22 June 1953 (aged 79)
st Churchyard, High Cross, East Hertfordshire District, Hertfordshire.
Plot: Leake Family Plot
Page 25
1902) with 3 clasps for "Cape
02 ) with 2 clasps: "South
22nd Nov 1914": British War Medal
19 ) + MiD Oakleaf : King George V Silver Jubilee Medal ( 1935 ):King
George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953): Indian Volunteer
Forces Officers' Decoration: Order of the Red Cross (Montenegro): British Red Cross Society Balkan
st Churchyard, High Cross, East Hertfordshire District, Hertfordshire.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 26
McKEAN, George Burdon VC MC MM
PREWAR
He was born 4 July 1888 at 102 High Street, Willington, County Durham, England. His father
is listed on the birth certificate as a furniture broker, James McKean. However James is shown as a
coal miner (hewer) in the 1901 census aged 27 and Jane Ann Henderson his mother aged 33.
Orphaned when young, he lived with a sister in Bishop Auckland before migrating in 1902 to join two
brothers in Canada at age 14.
After several years working on his brother's farm, he enrolled at Robertson College,
Edmonton, working as a student missionary during his summer breaks. In 1913 he became involved
with the Scout movement, and founded his church's first troop. He married his first wife Isabel Hall
in 1915
WORLD WAR 1
January 1915 he finally
enlisted in the Canadian
Expeditionary Force, having
three times been turned down.
He enlisted as a private in the
51st Infantry Battalion, Canadian
Expeditionary Force. In 1916 he
transferred to the 14th Battalion
(The Royal Montreal Regiment).
He came to England at the end
of March 1916. By early July he
was in France as a corporal in the
14th Battalion and part of the
1st Canadian Division. He as slight of build, just 5ft 6ins tall and barely nine stones in weight. He
fought in the battle of the Somme and was awarded the Military Medal at Bully-Grenay, near Lens.
He was awarded a commission in 1917. He was frequently given scouting duties, and would
later write "It was the pure love of adventure that attracted me to scouting".
In 1918 he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in capturing a German trench block
near Vimy Ridge. He leaped over the blockade and killed two German soldiers. His men followed him
and the barricade was overcome, and the trench occupied.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 27
He was later awarded the Military Cross for leading a battalion in capturing over a hundred
enemy soldiers at Cagnicourt. He was seriously injured in this action and invalided to England, where
he remained for the remainder of the war.
Following a period in England where he gained a commission and the rank of Lieutenant, he
returned to his battalion in France. On the 28th April 1918, on the Gavrelle Sector, he was awarded
the Victoria Cross.
In the action his party was on the right flank and held up at a block in the communication
trench by very heavy fire. The block was too close to call on the allies’ heavy artillery, was well-
protected by wire and covered by a machine gun thirty yards behind. The whole operation was
threatened so Lieut. McKean ran out into the open with utter disregard of danger, jumped over the
block headfirst on top of the enemy. While lying there another solder rushed at him with fixed
bayonet. McKean shot the attacker and then the man on whom he was lying. He then single-
handedly engaged the enemy by fearlessly attacking a second block, killing two, capturing four
others and driving the remaining garrison into a dug-out where they were all destroyed.
CITATION
The citation for the V.C. stated “for the most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty
during a raid on the enemy’s trenches” and “for had he not captured this position the whole of the
raiding party would have been exposed to dangerous enfilading fire during the withdrawal. His
leadership at all times has been beyond praise.”
He was sent home but on 18th August he returned to the front line. On 2nd September, at
Cagnicourt, he was wounded in the leg but later that morning; with two of his men he captured the
town and several hundred Germans. As a result the main Canadian force was able to pass safely
through and capture their main objective.
He was recommended for a bar to the V.C., but received an M.C. for this action.
MEDALS
Medal entitlement of Captain George Burdon MCKEAN: 14th Battalion, Quebec Regiment, CEF
Victoria Cross: Military Cross: Military Medal: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19)
POST WAR
He left hospital in 1919.At the end of the war he transferred to the British Army about 1924
the Corps of Military and commanded the Bureau of Information at the Khaki University of Canada in
London, an institution which prepared soldiers for civilian life
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 28
He married his second wife, Constance and they had a daughter. At some stage he and his
wife came to Potters Bar and settled at No 8 (now 16) Dove Lane in 1926. He had already gone into
business with Mr Janes, of the Duke of York Hotel, Ganwick Corner in late 1925, setting up sawmills
at The Ridgeway, Cuffley.
On the 26th November 1926 Captain McKean was in the act of cutting a log when the saw
shattered and a piece fractured his skull. The injuries were so severe that he died five hours later in
Potters Bar Hospital.
COMMEMORATION
His medals and portrait can be seen at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Mount McKean
in the Canadian Rockies are named in his honour
He was buried with full military honours at Brighton. The local branch of the Potters Bar British
Legion was represented at Woodvale Cemetery and Crematorium Brighton.
In September 2003 Captain McKean’s daughter, grand-daughter and great grand-daughter
along with many French locals attended a ceremony in Church Square, Cagnicourt, when it was
renamed ‘Plas de George Burdon McKean’. In front of the nearby church a plaque was unveiled
which commemorated his gallantry eighty-five years earlier. On the left and wearing the medals is
McKean's daughter: Pat Stanley: David Mitsui of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, (Grandson of Masumi
Mitsui MM); On the right are Sophie and Mark Harri
Harris: a granddaughter. REFERENCE WEBMATTERS website
He wrote a book about his war experiences, "Scouting Thrills" (1919) and later published
"Making Good, a Story of North-West Canada" (1921), a book for chi
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
McKean's daughter: Pat Stanley: David Mitsui of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, (Grandson of Masumi
the right are Sophie and Mark Harris who are McKean's great grandchildren and
REFERENCE WEBMATTERS website
He wrote a book about his war experiences, "Scouting Thrills" (1919) and later published
West Canada" (1921), a book for children about ranching in Alberta.
Page 29
McKean's daughter: Pat Stanley: David Mitsui of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, (Grandson of Masumi
grandchildren and Sue
He wrote a book about his war experiences, "Scouting Thrills" (1919) and later published
ldren about ranching in Alberta.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 30
McREADY-DIARMID, Allastair Malcolm Cluny VC
He was born on March 2, 1888 at New Southgate, Middlesex. He was the son of Herbert
Leslie Drew and Fanny A. Drew (nee McReady), of 71 Goldsmith Avenue, Acton. He was the third of
four sons of the Drew family and they all entered school under the name of Drew Their mother came
from Jersey in the Channel Islands.
As a boy Allastair went to Queen Elizabeth Boys' Grammar School, Barnet, and Victoria
College in Jersey. At that time Barnet belonged to the County of Hertfordshire this lasted until 1965,
when it became part of Greater London under the London
Government Act 1963
He spent most of his life in Tottenham before the war.
WORLD WAR 1
He was commissioned via the University of London OTC,
into the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in March 1915. Soon
after his arrival at the Front he was wounded and it is believed that
he was sent on convalescence to the Gloucestershire town of
Dursley. Here he met Hilda his wife-to-be and he was married in
the Parish Church in September 1915. It was about this time he changed his name by deed poll. He
returned to the Front in October 1915 and it appears that he was wounded again, which meant that
he missed the Somme campaign.
After a period with a training battalion in Kent, he returned to France in late 1916 and joined
the 17th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment in April 1917, when it took part in the Battle of Arras.
On 1 July 1917 he was promoted to Lieutenant and about this time came home to Dursley
on leave, to see his daughter, born in May of that year, for the one and only time.
On 26 October 1917 he was promoted to Temporary Captain. He was killed by a bomb on
December 1, 1917 and was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously on March 15, 1918.
CAMBRAI
The Battle of Cambrai opened on 20 November 1917 and after an initial significant advance,
thanks to the deployment of tanks in numbers for the first time, the Germans counter-attacked
strongly. 2 Division was rushed to Cambrai and into the line near the village of Moeuvres. On 30
November Allastair led his men in a successful counter-attack to stem a significant German attack
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 31
across the Canal du Nord, then under construction. There was no let up the next day and the
Divisional History records: "It was at this period that what was probably the finest bombing exploit
of the whole war took place. Captain A M C McReady - Diarmid of D Company, 17th Middlesex
Regiment, seeing the position, called for volunteers from his company. Arming himself with a
plentiful supply of bombs, he rushed forward and attacked the enemy. With extraordinary gallantry,
and with such splendid bomb throwing as was seldom seen, he gradually drove the enemy back up
the trench down which his troops had forced their way. “By throwing all the bombs himself,” said
the Official Report, “this officer killed and otherwise disposed of 94 of the enemy – 67 dead and 27
wounded were actually counted after the recapture of the trench, a feat which can hardly, if ever,
have been equalled in the past.” Every foot of the 300 yards of lost trench was regained, and by his
deliberate disregard of danger, his cheerfulness and coolness, Captain McReady - Diarmid inspired
all who saw him. It was a marvellous performance but alas! the gallant officer, having won back for
his battalion the lost ground, was himself killed by an enemy bomb almost at the moment of his final
triumph. He had, however, by his brave action, and by the same spirit of devotion displayed on the
previous day, won for the 2nd Division the second Victoria Cross awarded to it during the Cambrai
operations of 1917.
CITATION
"The London Gazette," dated 12th March, 1918, records the following: - "For most
conspicuous bravery and brilliant leadership. When the enemy penetrated some distance into our
position and the situation was extremely critical, Capt. McReady-Diarmid at once led his company
forward through a heavy barrage. He immediately engaged the enemy, with such success that he
drove them back at least 300 yards, causing numerous casualties and capturing 27 prisoners. The
following day the enemy again attacked and drove back another company which had lost all its
officers. This gallant officer at once called for volunteers and attacked. He drove them back again for
300 yards, with heavy casualties. Throughout this attack Capt. McReady-Diarmid led the way himself,
and it was absolutely and entirely due to his marvellous throwing of bombs that the ground was
regained. His absolute disregard for danger, his cheerfulness and coolness at a most trying time,
inspired all who saw him. This most gallant officer was eventually killed by a bomb when the enemy
had been driven right back to their original starting point."
MEDALS
Victoria Cross: 1914-15 Star: British War Medal:
Victory Medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National
Army Museum, Chelsea, England.
COMMEMORATION
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
At Victoria College in
Jersey he is
remembered:
“1914
hundred and twenty
seven Old Victorians
(staff and boys) laid
down their lives in the
First World War. Their
names are engraved on
the plinth beneath Sir
Galahad in the College
Quad and in the First
Book of Remembrance.
1918
Cambrai Memorial, Louverva
l
Page 32
At Victoria College in
Jersey he is
remembered:-
“1914 - 1918 One
hundred and twenty
seven Old Victorians
(staff and boys) laid
down their lives in the
First World War. Their
names are engraved on
the plinth beneath Sir
Galahad in the College
Quad and in the First
Book of Remembrance.”
Cambrai Memorial, Louverva
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 33
Reverend MELLISH, Edward Noel VC
He served as a private in the Boer War in the Artist’s Rifles attached to Baden-Powell's police He
gained the rank of Temporary Chaplain in 1915 in the service of the Army Chaplain's Department.
Captain Mellish was the first member of the army chaplaincy to win the VC.
Edward Noel Mellish was born on Christmas Eve 1880 at Oakleigh Park, Barnet, North
London, the son of Edward and Mary Mellish. He was educated at Saffron Walden Grammar School
and on completing his studies was to become a member of the Artists Rifles which stood him in good
stead for the future .
BOER WAR
In 1900 aged 20 he went to South Africa and served with Baden-Powell's police against the
Boers.
One who served with him at this time described him as the bravest man he knew; "On one
occasion his unit being surrounded by Boers there seemed little hope for them. Edward Mellish was
given the task of summoning help. Somehow he got through but then with his duty done he returned
to his comrades to tell them help was on the way and to assist with the defence until reinforcements
arrived".
PREWAR
After the war he returned to England for a while only to return to South Africa to take up a
post in the diamond mines at Jagersfontein.
During his time there he assisted at a local church and native mission where he would read
the lessons and also minister to the sick and needy. He made a great impression on the local
populace, one of whom was to remark; "It is such men as Mr Mellish who restore one's faith in
mankind."
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 34
Feeling that his work in Africa was over Edward Mellish returned to England to study at Kings
College London taking holy orders in 1912 to become curate at St Pauls Church in Deptford. Here he
did great work with the Church Lads Brigade taking over an old public house behind the Empire
Music Hall and turning it into a boys club. The youngsters insisted on naming it after their curate and
it became known as the Noel Club
WORLD WAR 1
When the war broke out Edward Mellish had no hesitation in offering his services to the
chaplaincy and was to serve from May 1915 until February 1919.
Tragedy was to befall him however when on September 25th of 1915 his brother 2nd
Lieutenant Richard Coppin Mellish was killed in action whilst serving with the 1st Middlesex
Regiment at the Battle of Loos.
Early 1916 found the Reverend Mellish attached to the 4th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers
who at that time were serving in the notorious Ypres Salient.
The "Action of the St Eloi Craters" went on from late March until mid April 1916 but it was to
be the first three days of this action that were to bring the award of the Victoria Cross to Edward
Mellish.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 35
The object of the operation was to cut away a German salient that encroached on the British
lines over a front of about six hundred yards. Tunnelling companies had prepared six mines which
were blown in the early hours of March 27th. Following this at 4-15am was the 4th Royal Fusiliers
with the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers and some Canadian units went over the top to come up
against withering rifle, machine gun and artillery fire from the Jaeger regiment manning the enemy
trenches. Despite the opposition the attackers did manage to take the German first line trench but
then had to consolidate, so weakened were they by the ferocity of the opposition.
Artillery duels then commenced which went on for several days. Eventually the beleaguered
British units were relieved, yet local attacks went on in the area until the middle of May."
It was however the three day period of 27th - 29th March which would see the Reverend
Mellish move into the annals of the Victoria Cross.
A quote from a letter by an officer of the Northumberland Fusiliers who had witnessed these
actions:
"Nothing could be finer than the way Captain Mellish did his duty and more than his duty
during the time he was near us. Immediately the troops captured the trenches and while the
wounded were picking their way painfully back, the enemy's guns were turned on full blast and the
intervening ground was deluged with shell and machine gun fire. Into this tempest of fire the brave
Parson walked with a prayer book under his arm as though on church parade in peace time.
He reached the first of the wounded and knelt down to do what he could for them. The first
few he brought in himself without any aid and it made us think a bit more of parsons to see how he
walked quietly under fire assisting the slow moving wounded and thinking more of saving them from
discomfort than of his own safety.
It was only during a lull in the fighting when the ambulance parties could get out that he
finally took a rest.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 36
Next day he was out again unconcerned as ever. Some of the men would not have survived
the ordeal had it not been for the prompt assistance rendered to them by Mr Mellish."
On the 27th March, Mellish went out in the battleground and brought back ten badly
wounded men from an area that was potentially lethal as it was covered by the arc of fire from many
machine guns.
On the 28th March, the Royal Fusiliers had been relieved but undeterred Mellish once more
went out into the killing ground to bring in twelve more men and as dusk came on the 29th, Mellish
led a party of volunteers to recover any wounded who remained.
For those who question why men serve as Chaplains in a military setting - perhaps the
words of a (Cockney) wounded soldier from the 1914-18 conflict, who he had brought to safety and
previously been notoriously anti-church, will sum it up: Safe in hospital talking to his mates he was
asked "What religion is 'e".? When told he replied,"Well I'm the same as 'im now and the bloke as
sez a word agen our church will 'ave 'is ****** 'ead bashed in.
POST WAR
He was vicar of St. Marys Church Great Dunmow in Essex from 1928 to 1948
WORLD WAR 2
During the Second World War, Mellish served as an Air Raid Warden.
MEDALS
Victoria Cross: 1914-15 Star: Military Cross: Queen’s Medal SA: King’s Medal SA: 1914-1915 Star:
British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19): King George VI Coronation Medal
(1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953).
The medals are kept at the Royal Fusiliers Museum at the Tower of London
CITATION
London Gazetted, April 20th 1916 His citation for the VC reads:- "On three consecutive days, the 27
to 29 March 1916, during the heavy fighting at St. Eloi, Belgium, he went to-and fro continuously
between the original trenches and the captured enemy trenches, attending to and rescuing wounded
men. The first day, from an area swept by machine-gun fire, he rescued 10 severely wounded men.
Although his battalion was relieved on the second day, he returned and rescued 12 more of the
wounded. Taking charge of a group of volunteers, on the third day, he again returned to the trenches
in order to rescue the remaining wounded. This excellent work was done voluntarily and was far
outside the sphere of his normal duties"
The Revd Mellish was awarded the Victoria Cross which he received from the King at Buckingham
Palace on June 12th 1916
COMMEMORATED
He was vicar of St. Marys Church Great Dunmow in Essex from 1928 to 1948 and this memorial
plaque in the church commemorates his valiant deed during the Great War
He died on 8 July 1962 at South Petherton, Somerset, England
He was cremated at Weymouth Crematorium in Dorset and his ashes scattered
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
order to rescue the remaining wounded. This excellent work was done voluntarily and was far
outside the sphere of his normal duties"
he Revd Mellish was awarded the Victoria Cross which he received from the King at Buckingham
He was vicar of St. Marys Church Great Dunmow in Essex from 1928 to 1948 and this memorial
plaque in the church commemorates his valiant deed during the Great War
South Petherton, Somerset, England
Weymouth Crematorium in Dorset and his ashes scattered
Page 37
order to rescue the remaining wounded. This excellent work was done voluntarily and was far
he Revd Mellish was awarded the Victoria Cross which he received from the King at Buckingham
He was vicar of St. Marys Church Great Dunmow in Essex from 1928 to 1948 and this memorial
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 38
PEARKES, George Randolph VC DSO MC
He was born in Watford, Hertfordshire 26th Feb 1888. In 1896, at the age of eight, George R. Pearkes
was sent to Berkhamsted School, located about 15 miles from Watford, and remained there until
1906. He later said that his school days shaped his attitudes
toward life more than anything else, and instilled in him a
sense of duty which he demonstrated many times throughout
his life.
He is quoted as saying "And I'm certain that my public
school days influenced my whole life more than anything else
that I can think of. I am sure that the idea of playing for a
team, for the school, influenced all my life and I see it, the
further I look back, why the sense of duty in the war to your
battalion, to your men and even when one goes through to
Parliament, why you have your Constituency, and so forth.
The sense of doing your duty was inculcated to you in those
very impressionable days."
At Berkhamsted, Pearkes trained in the school cadet
corps and hoped to enter the Royal Military Sandhurst
Academy to prepare for a career in the military, but these hopes were dashed when his father
suffered financial reverses. His father also could not afford to support a university education for his
son. Pearkes, therefore, decided to emigrate to Canada.
In May 1906, George Pearkes went to Canada and began working
on a farm near Red Deer, Alberta, which was run by the Berkhamsted
Headmaster, Dr. Thomas C. Fry, as a school farm for Berkhamsted boys.
Pearkes remained there for two years, then took a job at a nearby farm to
gain more experience. In 1909, he set up his own homestead site on a
quarter-section near Dovercourt, Alberta. In 1910, his brother Edward,
who had also been at the Berkhamsted Farm, joined him on the
homestead. Later that year, their mother and sister also moved to Canada
settling with George and "Ted" on the farm.
He is seen here in 1913 in his Mountie uniform at Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory. He is in scarlet serge and blue breeches but has dark blue
stockings instead of the Strathcona boots. His brown fur cap has earflaps
tied up.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 39
WW1
Pearkes went to the West Coast, visiting his mother and sister before joining the 2nd
Canadian Mounted Rifles in Victoria. Initially Corporal G.R. Pearkes was involved in training horses
for the Second Canadian Mounted Rifles at Willows, Victoria, B.C. In June 1915, the 2nd C.M.R. was
shipped overseas, and Pearkes returned to England for the first time in nine years. After training in
Shorncliffe, the regiment sailed for France in September 1915.
Pearkes distinguished himself on active service. He won the Military Cross in 1916. He was
wounded five times, took part in the Battle of the Somme, and received the Victoria Cross for heroic
action at Passchendaele in 1917. In a ceremony presided over by King George VI, George Pearkes
was the first called upon to be decorated. At the end of the war, Pearkes was awarded the
Distinguished Service Order.
In 1915, he enlisted in the 2nd Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles; transferring in
September 1916 to the 5th Battalion Canadian Mounted Rifles. He joined the 5th Canadian Mounted
Rifles By 1917 he was a major. He was awarded the Military Cross, Distinguished Service Order, and
French Croix de Guerre during the war.
During the Battle of Passchendaele his gallantry as detailed in the following citation won him
the Victoria Cross.
MEDALS
Victoria Cross : Companion, Order of Canada ( CC ) : Companion, Order of the Bath ( CB ):
Distinguished Service Order ( DSO ): Military Cross ( MC ): Knight of Grace, Order of St John of
Jerusalem ( KStJ ).
1914 - 15 Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19) + MiD Oakleaf: Defence Medal
(1939-45): Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (1939-45): "Maple Leaf" clasp: War Medal (1939-45):
King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935).
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 40
King George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953): Queen
Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977):
CITATION
(London Gazette, no.30471, 11 January 1918) On 30/31 Oct 1917 near Passchendaele, Belgium,
Major Pearkes
"For most conspicuous bravery and skilful handling of the troops under his command during
the capture and consolidation of considerably more than the objectives allotted to him, in an attack.
Just prior to the advance Major Pearkes was wounded in the
thigh. Regardless of his wound, he continued to lead his men
with the utmost gallantry, despite many obstacles. At a
particular stage of the attack his further advance was
threatened by a strong point which was an objective of the
battalion on his left, but which they had not succeeded in
capturing. Quickly appreciating the situation, he captured and
held this point, thus enabling his further advance to be
successfully pushed forward. It was entirely due to his
determination and fearless personality that he was able to
maintain his objective with the small number of men at his
command against repeated enemy counter-attacks, both his
flanks being unprotected for a considerable depth meanwhile.
His appreciation of the situation throughout and the reports rendered by him were invaluable to his
Commanding Officer in making dispositions of troops to hold the position captured. He showed
throughout a supreme contempt of danger and wonderful powers of control and leading”
POST WAR
In the summer of 1924, while on furlough in Victoria visiting his mother and sister, Pearkes
met and fell in love with Constance Blytha Copeman. They became engaged and were married in
August 1925. A daughter, Priscilla Edith ("Pep"), was born in 1928, followed by a son, John Andre,
born in 1931. Sadly, Pep, while still in the hospital after her birth, suffered an infection which led to
a succession of illnesses, and she died while still a young child.
WORLD WAR 2
His later career included the following positions: He rose to the rank of Major General after the war,
and was made commander of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division in Britain at the start of World War
II in 1940
He returned to Canada to take over as
He was made a Commander of the Order of the Bath and received the United States Order of Merit.
Pearkes was elected to Parliament and became Minister
1957-60
He was appointed Lieutenant-Governor British Columbia 1960
Overseas Vice-Chairman VC & GC Association 1956
BURIAL
He is buried at Holy Trinity Anglican
Canada
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
He returned to Canada to take over as GOC-in-C Pacific Command, Canada 1942-
He was made a Commander of the Order of the Bath and received the United States Order of Merit.
Pearkes was elected to Parliament and became Minister of National Defence, Canad
Governor British Columbia 1960-68
Chairman VC & GC Association 1956-6
He is buried at Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery, Sidney, Capital Regional District, British
BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL MEMORIAL
Page 41
-45
He was made a Commander of the Order of the Bath and received the United States Order of Merit.
of National Defence, Canadian Government
, British Columbia,
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 42
SMITH, Alfred Victor Smith VC
Alfred Smith was born in Guildford, Surrey, in 1891. His parents were William Henry and
Louisa Smith. His father was a police officer moved with his family several times in his youth, and
was at one time a boy chorister at St Albans Cathedral.
When he was 14 his father was appointed Chief Constable of Burnley, Lancashire, and the
family moved to the town, where Alfred completed his education at Burnley Grammar School.
After leaving school aged 18 he was an Inspector of Blackpool
Police and Fire-Brigade until the outbreak of war when he was commissioned as a 2nd/Lieutenant on
the 10th October 1914 in the 2/5th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, landing in Gallipoli on the
13th May 1915 where he was attached to the Royal Munster Fusiliers and then the King's own
Scottish Borderers, fighting in the battles of May to June 1915.
He rejoined the 42nd Division and then fell ill with dysentery sailing to Alexandria and returned as a
bombing instructor, he was killed by lying on a grenade to save others
On 23 December 1915 he was instructing men in grenade-throwing. What happened next is best
described in the words of the citation to his posthumous VC, gazetted on 3 March 1916:
When World War I broke out he immediately enlisted and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in
the 1st/5th Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment, on 10 October 1914
CITATION
“For most conspicuous bravery. He was in the
his hand and fell into the bottom of the trench, close to several of our officers and men. He
immediately shouted out a warning, and himself jumped clear and into safety; but seeing that the
officers and men were unable to get into cover, and knowing well that the grenade was due to
explode, he returned without any hesitation and flung himself down on it. He was killed instantly by
the explosion. His magnificent act of self sacrifice undoubtedly saved many liv
He is buried in 12 Tree Copse Cemetery on Gallipoli, although the precise location of his grave is not
known
MEDALS
His Victoria Cross, and other medals and memorabilia, are on display in Towneley Hall Museum,
Burnley.
Victoria Cross: 1914 - 15 Star: British War Medal (1914
(France).
Lieut. Alfred Victor Smith VC - 'D' Coy. 1st/5th Bn. East Lancashire Regt. Posthumous VC awarded For
most conspicuous bravery at Helles, Gallipoli 22.12.1915.
undoubtedly saved many lives'. C
although the precise location of his grave is not known. Special Memorial C. 358.
He is named on commemorative plaques withi
Church, Burnley, St Albans Cathedral and the current Blackpool Police headquarters.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
When World War I broke out he immediately enlisted and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in
the 1st/5th Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment, on 10 October 1914
For most conspicuous bravery. He was in the act of throwing a grenade when it slipped from
his hand and fell into the bottom of the trench, close to several of our officers and men. He
immediately shouted out a warning, and himself jumped clear and into safety; but seeing that the
were unable to get into cover, and knowing well that the grenade was due to
explode, he returned without any hesitation and flung himself down on it. He was killed instantly by
the explosion. His magnificent act of self sacrifice undoubtedly saved many lives.”
He is buried in 12 Tree Copse Cemetery on Gallipoli, although the precise location of his grave is not
His Victoria Cross, and other medals and memorabilia, are on display in Towneley Hall Museum,
British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-
'D' Coy. 1st/5th Bn. East Lancashire Regt. Posthumous VC awarded For
most conspicuous bravery at Helles, Gallipoli 22.12.1915. 'His magnificent act of self
undoubtedly saved many lives'. C-LG 3.3.1916. KIA aged 24. Buried Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery
although the precise location of his grave is not known. Special Memorial C. 358.
He is named on commemorative plaques within the former Burnley Grammar School, St Matthew's
Church, Burnley, St Albans Cathedral and the current Blackpool Police headquarters.
Page 43
When World War I broke out he immediately enlisted and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in
act of throwing a grenade when it slipped from
his hand and fell into the bottom of the trench, close to several of our officers and men. He
immediately shouted out a warning, and himself jumped clear and into safety; but seeing that the
were unable to get into cover, and knowing well that the grenade was due to
explode, he returned without any hesitation and flung himself down on it. He was killed instantly by
es.”
He is buried in 12 Tree Copse Cemetery on Gallipoli, although the precise location of his grave is not
His Victoria Cross, and other medals and memorabilia, are on display in Towneley Hall Museum,
-19): Croix de Guerre
Sec-
'D' Coy. 1st/5th Bn. East Lancashire Regt. Posthumous VC awarded For
'His magnificent act of self-sacrifice
LG 3.3.1916. KIA aged 24. Buried Twelve Tree Copse Cemetery
n the former Burnley Grammar School, St Matthew's
Church, Burnley, St Albans Cathedral and the current Blackpool Police headquarters.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 44
VEALE, Theodore William Henry VC
He was born in Clarence Street Dartmouth on the 11th
November 1893. He was the eldest son of
Henry Veale a builder and Ada Veale a professional pianist. He
was educated at Dartmouth Council Schools.
WORLD WAR 1
He joined up on the 4th
December in the 8th
Battalion of the
Devonshire Regiment. This was a Service Battalion which was
formed at Exeter on 19 August 1914 as part of Kitchener’s
Volunteer Army K1.
The Battalion was attached as Divisional Troops to 14th (Light)
Division. In May 1915 the battalion left the Division and landed
at Le Havre 26 July 1915.
4 August 1915 the battalion came under orders of 20th Brigade,
7th Division.
. The battalion became involved in the slaughter of the Battle of the Somme which started
on the 1st
of July 1916 when the Kitchener Volunteers were committed to battle. On July 20th
1916,
Private Veale learned that an officer lay wounded out at the front, and without thought for his own
life set out to save him, venturing repeatedly into no man’s land to try to bring him to safety. Private
Veale found the casualty lying amidst growing corn within 50 yards of the enemy. He dragged the
officer to a shell hole, returned for water and took it out to him. Finding that single-handed he could
not carry the officer, he returned for assistance and took out two volunteers. One of the men was
killed when carrying the injured man, and under heavy fire the other two men hid him in a shell hole
and took cover. At dusk Private Veale went out again with volunteers to bring in the officer from
under the noses of an enemy patrol. Private Veale procured a Lewis gun, and with the fire of the gun
he covered the party, and the officer was finally carried to safety.
Post the action on the Somme in 1916 the battalion moved with the Division to Italy in November
1917.
In 1968 he was working as a commissionaire for the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition but fell on hard
times and was forced to sell his medals. His regiment stepped in and raised the £2100 asking price
and donated them to the Regimental Museum at Dorchester.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 45
Subsequently he moved to Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire to spend his final time with his daughter.
CITATION
London Gazette, 9 September 1916. The Somme, France, 20 July 1916, Private Theodore
William Henry
Veale, 8th Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment.
For most conspicuous bravery (East of Highwood, France).
“Hearing that a wounded officer was lying out in front, Private Veale went out in search, and found
him lying amidst growing corn within fifty yards of the enemy. He dragged the officer to a shell hole,
returned for water and took it out. Finding he could not single-handed carry in the officer, he
returned for assistance, and took out two volunteers. One of the party was killed when carrying the
officer and heavy fire necessitated leaving the officer in a shell hole.
At dusk Private Veale went out again with volunteers to bring in the officer. Whilst doing this an
enemy patrol was observed approaching. Private Veale at once went back and procured a Lewis gun,
and with the fire of the gun he covered
the party, and the officer was finally
carried to safety. The courage and
determination displayed was of the
highest order.”
MEDALS
Theodore Veale was invested with his Victoria
Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace
on the 5th February 1917 Medal entitlement of
Corporal Theodore Veale VC - 8th Battalion,
The Devonshire Regiment
Victoria Cross: 1914-15 Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19) + MiD Oakleaf:
1939-45 Star: Defence Medal (1939-45): War Medal (1939-45): King George VI Coronation Medal
(1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953): Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977)
COMMEMORATION
Theodore Veale died on 6th November 1980, aged 89, at his daughter's home in Hoddesdon,
Hertfordshire. He was cremated at Enfield Crematorium, Middlesex, and his ashes scattered in the
area.
A memorial plaque to Veale was unveiled in the town by his daughter, Theodora Grindell, on 10th
November 2002
MEMORIAL PLAQUE ERECTED IN DARTMOUTH
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Veale was unveiled in the town by his daughter, Theodora Grindell, on 10th
MEMORIAL PLAQUE ERECTED IN DARTMOUTH
Page 46
Veale was unveiled in the town by his daughter, Theodora Grindell, on 10th
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 47
WARNER, Edward VC
Edward was born on the 18 November 1883, at 36 Cannon Street, St Albans in Hertfordshire.
Edward was the only son of Mark and Charlotte Warner. Mark was a Platelayer Foreman on the
Railways, who was born in Wheathampstead around 1832 and his mother Charlotte (nee Barber)
was from London, being born circa 1841.
On leaving school he took a job in 1901 making straw boaters when he was 17. Late in 1903
he enlisted into the Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 7602. He served overseas in India until 1908.
Edward returned to England when the battalion finished its tour of foreign service that year. His
term in the regulars completed
he became a Reservist and
spent time employed by the
Deep Well Boring Works, for
the St. Albans council and the
Post Office Telephones Dept.
WORLD WAR 1
Private Warner joined
the 1st Battalion in Ireland as it
organised itself ready for war
service, and landed in France
with the battalion who were amongst the first wave of British troops to arrive on the Western Front
on the 16th August 1914. He fought with them at the Battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne, the
Aisne, at Givenchy and Ypres before winter set in. After their first winter in the shallow, temporary
trenches the battalion were stationed at the tactically critical mound of mining slag called Hill 60 in
April when it was wrestled from the Germans' grasp. From this height there was a commanding view
of the surrounding area hence German's made determined efforts to re-take the position that
commanded a view onto Ypres itself and, within days of history's first ever gas attack.
Edward and his comrades had taken over the firing trenches on the 25th April 1915, to the
left of Hill 60. On the 6th day of them being there they were extremely tired, having held the
position for almost a week with very little sleep or rest. Early on the morning of the 1st May, the
Germans suddenly attacked with gas shells and a concentrated artillery bombardment. The battalion
were adept to sheltering from the German shells by then but could do nothing about the Gas and
were forced back. Although some of the German soldiers attacked, most of them could not as the
gas blew back onto their own positions, stopping them from leaving their trenches.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 48
A trench remaining at Hill 60 between the wars. The view towards Ypres from Hill 60.
The Bedfords in Trench 46 were driven out, leaving the position completely undefended.
However, it would appear that Edward was not happy about events and jumped into the empty
trench by himself, keeping the Germans that were attacking from entering and taking control of the
trench. Despite the psychological effects of the gas, exhaustion and repeated attempts by the enemy
to gain a footing in his small section of the battlefield, the completely isolated Private Warner simply
kept on fighting. When he had the chance, he ran back to the Battalion and gathered some men to
go back with him to carry on defending the trench. He was eventually overcome by the effects of the
gas that he had inhaled and he had to be carried back to the First Aid post for treatment.
RESULTS OF GERMAN GAS ATTACK
Unfortunately Edward died the following day, suffering from the dreadful effects of the gas
Edward's final resting place was lost in the fighting that raged across the ground for a further
three years and he has no known grave. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres,
Belgium and is also listed on the St. Albans War memorial in Hertfordshire.
CITATION
The London Gazette (edition dated 29 June 1915) Issue No. 29210, dated 29th June, 1915. It reads:
"For most conspicuous bravery near ' Hill 60 ' on 1st May, 1915. After Trench 46 had been vacated by
our troops, consequent on a gas attack, Private Warner entered it single-handed in order to prevent
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 49
the enemy taking possession. Reinforcements were sent to Private Warner, but could not reach him
owing to the gas. He then came back and brought up more men, by which time he was completely
exhausted, but the trench was held until the enemy's attack ceased. This very gallant soldier died
shortly afterwards from the effects of gas poisoning."
MEDALS
Edward's Victoria Cross is displayed at the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regimental
museum, Wardown Park, Luton, along with his 1914 Star, Victory and British War Medals.
His Victoria Cross was gazetted on 29June 1915 and was presented to his mother by King
George V at Buckingham Palaceon16 November 1916
COMMEMORATION
Even though Edward had no known grave he is commemorated at the Menin Gate. He is not
forgotten
Marching through the Menin Gate is the Oxfordshire (Rifles) Battalion ACF Tour of France & Belgium
2012 supported by the Robin Hood Rifles, Corp of Drums, of the Nottinghamshire ACF
Edward Warner on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial to the missing
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Edward Warner on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial to the missing
Saint Alban’s War Memorial
Page 50
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 51
YOUNG, Frank Edward VC
Frank Young was born on the 2nd October 1895, at Cherat in the North West Province, India.
As his father, also called Frank Young, was a regular soldier, it is likely he was serving in the 1st
Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment who were stationed there at the time.
When Frank's schooling in England finished, he joined the part time Territorial Force's
Hertfordshire Regiment as a Boy Bugler on the 15th November 1909, aged 14. He served in the
Hitchin Company which would later become D Company or No.4 Company once they adopted the
Guards' Company structure.
WORLD WAR 1
His father attested into the Hertfordshire Regiment when war broke out and was Company
Sergeant Major 3292 Frank Young of the Hertfordshire Regiment by the time the battalion were
mobilised to the Western Front in November 1914.
The 19 year old Private Frank Young volunteered for
service abroad but a physical disability stopped him
from going to France in the autumn of 1914.
However, his determination led to him going through
an operation to overcome the problem and was
appointed to the recently raised 2nd/1st Battalion of
the Regiment to re-train and get fit enough for active
service again. Frank went to France in a
reinforcement draft, landing on French shores on the
21st January 1915 and soon became a Regimental
Scout. Within months he was a Sergeant and had
gained a reputation as a solid leader, a reliable scout
and a good bomber.
The Royston Crowe (dated 26th March 1915)
mentioned how effective at patrolling his father RSM Young was, describing how the party he was in
got to within yards of the German lines and managed to gleam a lot of information from listening in
on their chatting. In the 27th August 1915 edition his father, Regimental Sergeant Major Young, was
mentioned during an interview with Distinguished Conduct Medal winner Sergeant Major George
Raven, who could not praise him enough and said "it is a pleasure for anyone to serve under such a
fine soldier as he is". Comments made make it clear that RSM Young was a man to lead from the
front and he frequently got 'in the thick of things'.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 52
Father and son were both involved in the Battle of Festubert in May as well as the Battle of
Loos in September, with Frank Young senior earned a mention in despatches for bravery at Loos.
Frank received a month's leave early in 1916, as was the custom once a soldier completed his
contractual term of military service.
Having earned a reputation as a bomber, he was sent to serve as a Bombing Instructor at the
Rouen Central Bombing School but an accident returned him home early in the summer of 1916.
After three months in the Cardiff Military Hospital, he was posted to the 3rd/1st Battalion to re-
train, who were stationed at Halton Camp near Tring at the time. Some months later he was
commissioned as an officer, which was gazetted on the 26th April 1917.
In the spring of 1918 Second Lieutenant Young was posted into the 3rd/5th Battalion of the
Bedfordshire Regiment, who were stationed at Crowborough in Sussex. It appears he was fascinated
by the Royal Flying Corps to such a degree that he took six weeks ground training at Reading and
moved to Sleaford for practical training. However, a flying accident left him badly shaken and as a
result he returned to the Bedfords.
He paid a last visit to his mother in Hitchin in September 1918 before going to the front
again, having been posted back to the 1st/1st Hertfordshires as a replacement for the losses during
the Battles of Albert and Bapaume in August and September. He rejoined the Hertfordshires on the
12th September, just as they were engaged in the Battle of Havrincourt during the Battles of the
Hindenburg Line.
Frank was put in command of No.4 Company (his old Hitchin Company) who were in the line
south east of Havrincourt village, near a copse called Triangle Wood. His last communication home
was on a standard field postcard dated 17th September, the day before an unexpected German
counter attack hit their lines.
CITATION
The London Gazette" No. 31067, dated 13th December 1918):
"For most conspicuous bravery, determination and exceptional devotion to duty on 18th September,
1918, south-east of Havrincourt, when during an enemy counter-attack and throughout an extremely
intense enemy barrage he visited all posts, warned the garrisons and encouraged the men. In the
early stages of the attack he rescued two of his men who had been captured and bombed and
silenced an enemy machine gun. Although surrounded by the enemy, 2nd Lt. Young fought his way
back to the main barricade and drove out a party of the enemy who were assembling there. By his
further exertions the battalion was able to maintain a line of great tactical value, the loss of which
would have meant serious delay to future operations. Throughout four hours of intense hand-to-hand
fighting 2nd Lt. Young displayed the utmost valour and devotion to duty, and set an example to
which the company gallantly responded. He was last seen fighting hand to hand against a
considerable number of the enemy."
HIS DEATH
Second Lieutenant Young was not seen again and he was listed as missing in action.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 53
However, on the 27th September a section from the 1st/5th Manchester's found his body on
the edge of Havrincourt Wood. Given how heavily he had been engaged in the fighting, with much of
it being hand to hand, it seems ironic that he had been killed by a shrapnel wound to his head. The
men buried the body where they found it and marked it with a rough cross, as was the custom with
battlefield burials. Some months later his grave was seen by Second Lieutenant Males from
Stevenage who arranged to move the body to a more fitting resting place, amongst one of the
growing official British Cemeteries.
MEDALS
Victoria Cross: 1914-15 Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19):
Frank was the son of Frank and Sarah Ellen Young, of 46, Wood Avenue, Folkestone in Kent, which
would have been their temporary address whilst his father was at No.3 Rest Camp in Folkestone
early in 1919. In 1919 His father's medals were sent to Pirton Cottage, Pirton, near Hitchin,
Hertfordshire and Frank's were sent to his mother at Verulam Rd, Hitchin, which was where they
appear to have moved to after Folkestone.
According to the British Legion, "his Victoria Cross remained with the family until 1959 when
it was bequeathed to the Hertfordshire Regiment, at which time it was presented to the successors
to the Regiment at Colchester and held with the Regiment Battle Honours. Later the Regiment
lodged it for safekeeping with Luton Museum, which holds many exhibits relating to the
Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Regiments."
COMMEMORATION
Frank lies in the Hermies Hill British Cemetery, France 4 km south of the N30 road between
Bapaume and Cambrai. He is also remembered on the Hitchin War Memorial in St Mary's
Churchyard, Hitchin in Hertfordshire
Hermies Hill British Cemetery Departement du Pas
Departement du Pas-de-Calais Nord
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Departement du Pas-de-Calais Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France
Calais Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France Plot: III.B.5.
Page 54
Calais, France
Calais, France Plot: III.B.5.Plot: III.B.5.
THE HAILEYBURY
The War Memorial Cross was unveiled by General Sir Alexander Godley, KCB,
KCMG and dedicated by the Bishop of Southwell on 7th July 1923
Just names on the cloister wall,
Young men from long ago.
These pages are dedicated
To those 740 Old Boys, who died i
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
THE HAILEYBURY MEMORIALS
The War Memorial Cross was unveiled by General Sir Alexander Godley, KCB,
KCMG and dedicated by the Bishop of Southwell on 7th July 1923
Just names on the cloister wall,
Young men from long ago.
These pages are dedicated
To those 740 Old Boys, who died in that Great War to end all
Page 55
The War Memorial Cross was unveiled by General Sir Alexander Godley, KCB,
KCMG and dedicated by the Bishop of Southwell on 7th July 1923
n that Great War to end all war.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 56
COFFIN, Clifford VC, CB, DSO & Bar
He was born on 10 February 1870 at Blackheath,
the son of Lieutenant General Sir Isaac Campbell Coffin
KCSI. He was educated at Haileybury College and was in
Lawrence House between 1884.1 -1886.2. He then
attended the Royal Military College at Woolwich.
In 1894 he married Helen Douglas Jackson (1869 -
about 1949) and they had 1 son Godfrey (1898 - )
He joined the Royal Engineers in 1888.
BOER WAR
Served in South Africa 1899 -1902, Mentioned in
Dispatches. Queen's Medal with 4 clasps, King's Medal
with 2 clasps.
WORLD WAR 1
He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel in 1915. Subsequently promoted Brigadier General with the
36th (Ulster) Division; VC, CB, DSO & bar, Mentioned in Dispatches. Major General Clifford Coffin,
Corps of Royal Engineers, earned his Victoria Cross whilst commanding the 25th Infantry Brigade at
Westhoek, Belgium, whilst holding the rank of Temporary Brigadier General in July 1917.
CITATIONS
For the award of the Victoria Cross:-
Major General Clifford Coffin, Corps of Royal Engineers, earned his Victoria Cross whilst commanding
the 25th Infantry Brigade at Westhoek, Belgium, whilst holding the rank of Temporary Brigadier
General in July 1917.
London Gazette, 14 September 1917
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty (Westhoek, Flanders).
“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
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 57
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.”
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
London Gazette, 1 January 1917
Created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Lieutenant-Colonel Clifford Coffin,
Corps of Royal Engineers. “For distinguished service in the field.”
London Gazette, 26 July 1918
For the award of a Bar to the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order ( DSO ), Lieutenant-
Colonel and Brevet Colonel (Temporary Brigadier-General ) Clifford Coffin VC DSO, Corps of Royal
Engineers
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a long period of active operations, when he
handled his brigade with great skill, especially when covering the withdrawal of the remainder of the
Division. On one occasion he commanded for a time the infantry of the Division with marked success,
and his personal courage and example at all times inspired all ranks.”
MEDALS
Medal entitlement of Major General Clifford Coffin, Corps of Royal Engineers
Victoria Cross : Companion, Order of the Bath ( CB ): Distinguished Service Order (DSO) & Bar::
Queens South Africa Medal (1899-1902) with 4 clasps for the "Relief of Kimberley" - "Paardeberg" -
"Dreifontein" - "Transvaal": Kings South Africa Medal (1901-1902) with 2 clasps for "South Africa
1901" - "South Africa 1902": 1914-15 Star: British War Medal ( 914-20): Victory Medal ( 1914-19 ) +
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 58
MiD Oakleaf: King George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953):
Knight, Legion of Honour (France): Croix de Guerre ( France): Order of the Crown of Belgium: Order
of St. Stanislaus
Clifford Coffin was
invested with his Victoria Cross by
King George V at Buckingham
Palace on the 2nd January 1918.
POST WAR
.ADC to HM King George V from
1920 -24. Died 4th February 1959
THE GRAVE OF MAJOR GENERAL CLIFFORD COFFIN, CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS IN HOLY TRINITY
CHURCHYARD, COLEMAN'S HATCH, EAST SUSSEX.
COMMEMORATIVE MURAL AT
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
recipients of the George Cross.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
COMMEMORATIVE MURAL AT LEWISHAM SHOPPING CENTRE
Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
Page 59
LEWISHAM SHOPPING CENTRE
Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 60
FRISBY, Cyril Hubert VC
Cyril was born 17th September 1885. He was the son of H Frisby, Sussex. He attended Haileybury
College and was a member of Hailey House between 1899.2 and 1903.2. He was in the 1st
XV at
rugby in 1902, the cricket X1 in 1903 and the Fives V[. He played rugby for Surrey in 1906.
He enlisted
Hampshire
Regiment,
Commissioned
Coldstream
Guards 1917.
France 1917 - 18,
Mentioned in
Dispatches.
Captain 1918 VC
at Canal du Nord.
Died 10th
September 1918
CITATION
Cyril Hubert Frisby, Lieutenant (Acting Captain), Coldstream Guards (Special Reserve), attached 1st
Battalion. “For conspicuous bravery, leadership and devotion to duty in action on 27th September
1918, across the Canal du Nord, near Grancourt when in command of a company detailed to capture
the canal crossing on the Demicourt-Grancourt Road. On reaching the canal, the leading platoon
came under annihilating machine-gun fire from a strong machine gun post under the old iron bridge
on the far side of the canal, and was unable to advance, despite reinforcing waves. Captain Frisby
realised at once that unless this post was captured the whole advance in this area would fail. Calling
for volunteers to follow him, he dashed forward, and with three other ranks he climbed down into the
canal under an intense point-blank machine gun fire, and succeeded in capturing the post with two
machine guns and twelve men. By his personal valour and initiative he restored the situation and
enabled the attacking companies to continue the advance. Having reached and consolidated his
objective, he gave timely support to the company on his right, which had lost all of its officers and
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 61
sergeants, organised its defence and beat off a heavy hostile counter-attack. He was wounded in the
leg by a
bayonet in
the attack
on the
machine
gun post,
but
remained
on duty
throughout,
thereby
setting a
splendid
example to
all ranks. “
Picture of Canal du Nord taken on the 27th
September 1918. (C) IWM
MEDALS
Victoria Cross: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal (1914-19) + MiD Oakleaf: Defence Medal
(1939-45): King George VI Coronation Medal (1937): Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)
His medals are held at The Guards Regimental Headquarters, Coldstream Guards, Wellington
Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ
POST WAR
After the war he spent much of his time tuna fishing. He has been described as Britain's most famous
tuna fisherman. He was a partner in Frisby Brothers on the Stock Exchange.
COMMEMORATED
He died 10th
September 1961 at Guilford in Surrey
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
recipients of the George Cross.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
His grave is at Brookwood Cemetery
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
Page 62
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 63
HALLOWES, Rupert Price VC, MC
2nd Lieutenant Rupert Price Hallowes VC MC was the son of Frederick and Mary Hallowes, of
Dan-y-Ffynnon, Port Talbot, South Wales. He was born there on the 6th May 1881 He attended
Haileybury College and was a boarder in Le Bas House
between 1894.2 -1897.2. Pre-war he later worked for
Harold Flower of Gracechurch Street in the City of
London. In 1900 Hallowes joined the 20th Middlesex
(Artists) Volunteer Rifle Corps. He was commissioned in
this unit, re-named the 28th (County of London)
Battalion “The London Regiment (Artists Rifles)” in 1908,
on 26 October 1909.
Hallowes resigned his commission in April the
following year when he moved to Wales to work for Robert Byass and Co. He was appointed
assistant manager of the Mansel Tinplate Works in Aberavon, Port Talbot, where his elder brother
William Brabazon Hallowes was the manager. A freemason and assistant secretary of the Boy Scouts
Association in Port Talbot, Hallowes lived with his mother in the Dan-y-Ffynnon area of the town.
WORLD WAR 1
He re-joined the Artists Rifles in August 1914, quickly being promoted to corporal, lance
sergeant and sergeant by the end of September. Hallowes arrived in France on 29 December 1914,
and in February 1915 he reverted to the rank of private at his own request. This was probably so that
he could be commissioned as the Army was then selecting suitable candidates from the Artists Rifles
to replace officer losses in other units.
Meanwhile the 4th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment landed 14 August 1914 at Boulogne
as part of the 3rd
Division.
14 November 1915 : transferred to 63rd Brigade in 21st Division.
Second Lieutenant Rupert Price Hallowes MC, showed conspicuous bravery at Hooge (25th
Sept until 1st Oct 1915) dragging boxes of Mills grenades to his trench, under murderous shell fire,
to prevent his men from being overrun and killed. Though mortally wounded by shrapnel, he
continued to supply and encourage his men, inspiring them to defend their trench to prevent the
enemy launching a bayonet charge
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 64
CERTIFICATE FOR MENTION IN DESPATCHES
CITATION for Military Cross 'The London Gazette' of 6 September 1915 described how:-
'During an enemy attack down a communications trench there was a shortage of bombs. He
climbed out of the trench exposing himself to fire at the enemy and hitting several of them. He also
assisted in constructing a block, dug out a communications trench under heavy shell fire and rebuilt a
parapet that had been blown in. Throughout the night he assisted in keeping touch and supplying
bombs'.
CITATION for Victoria Cross “The London Gazette No. 29371, 16 November 1915:-
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions between 25 and 30 September 1915 at
Hooge, Belgium - “for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the fighting at Hooge
between 25th September and 1st October, 1915. Second Lieutenant Hallowes displayed throughout
these days the greatest bravery and
untiring energy, and set a
magnificent example to his men
during four heavy and prolonged
bombardments. On more than one
occasion he climbed up on the
parapet, utterly regardless of danger,
in order to put fresh heart into his
men. He made daring reconnaissance
of the German positions in our lines.
When the supply of bombs was
running short he went back under
very heavy shell fire and brought up a
fresh supply. Even after he was
mortally wounded he continued to
cheer those around him and to
inspire them with fresh courage. —",
MEDALS Victoria Cross: Military Cross:1914
Victoria Cross: Military Cross:1914
COMMEMORATION
Talbot. He is the only person from Port Talbot to be awarded the VC. In honour of his memory two
Clayton and Bell stained glass windows were commis
District Secretary. On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans
panels in the library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the
two recipients of the George Cross.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
Victoria Cross: Military Cross:1914-1915 Star: British War Medal (1914
Medal ( 1914-19):
Victoria Cross: Military Cross:1914-1915 Star: British War Medal (1914-20): Victory Medal ( 914
Rupert Hallowes is
also commemorated
on the family grave
in plot 84 at
Brookwood
Cemetery.
Rupert Hallowes was
a sidesman,
Secretary of the
Parish's Men's
Society and
Scoutmaster in Port
Talbot. He is the only person from Port Talbot to be awarded the VC. In honour of his memory two
Clayton and Bell stained glass windows were commissioned depicting the Archangels Michael and
Gabriel and situated in the Lady Chapel of St
Theodore's Church, Port Talbot.
BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY
WW.I. Memorials taken from the old Port
Talbot General Hospital, now displayed in the
atrium of the new Port Talbot Hospital on
Baglan Moors. The X-Ray machine was
donated by the local Boy Scout Association as
a Memorial to 2nd Lt, Rupert Price Hallowes,
VC, MC. of Port Talbot, who had been their
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative
panels in the library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the
two recipients of the George Cross.
Page 65
Medal (1914-20): Victory
20): Victory Medal ( 914-19):
Rupert Hallowes is
also commemorated
on the family grave
in plot 84 at
Brookwood
Cemetery.
Rupert Hallowes was
a sidesman,
Secretary of the
Parish's Men's
Society and
Scoutmaster in Port
Talbot. He is the only person from Port Talbot to be awarded the VC. In honour of his memory two
sioned depicting the Archangels Michael and
Gabriel and situated in the Lady Chapel of St
Theodore's Church, Port Talbot.
BEDFORD HOUSE CEMETERY
WW.I. Memorials taken from the old Port
Talbot General Hospital, now displayed in the
Talbot Hospital on
Ray machine was
donated by the local Boy Scout Association as
a Memorial to 2nd Lt, Rupert Price Hallowes,
VC, MC. of Port Talbot, who had been their
dedicated commemorative
panels in the library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 66
ROBERTSON, Clement VC
Captain Clement Robertson VC was born at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa on the 15th November
1889. He was the son of Major John A. Robertson and Mrs Frances O C Robertson from Delgany in
County Wicklow, Ireland. His father was in the Royal Artillery. At the time of his birth his family were
on overseas
posting
Following his
time at
Haileybury
College in Colvin
House between
1904.2 -1906.1
he went on to
Trinity College
Dublin
Engineering BA
1909.
Picture on left displayed with the kind permission of the family
Captain Queen's Royal Regiment attached Tank Corps VC 1917. He was killed in action on 4th
October 1917 at Zonnebeke, Belgium. Captain Robertson was 28 years old when he died.
On 4th October 1917 he was involved in
the British attack by 21st Division
between Polygon Wood and the Menin
Road. Four tanks were allotted to the 21st
Division. Fire from German pillboxes
caused heavy casualties to the British
infantrymen as they advanced through the
terrible muddy conditions of what had
been the stream of the Polygonbeek. With
the support of one of the tanks the
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 67
German pillboxes were captured and the higher ground overlooking the Reutel valley was
reached by the supporting British infantry battalions
CITATION
Captain Clement Robertson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour in leading his
tanks into the attack whilst under heavy fire from the enemy. The citation for his Victoria
Cross reads: “For most conspicuous bravery in leading his Tanks in attack under heavy shell,
machine-gun and rifle fire. Capt. Robertson, knowing the risk of the Tanks missing the way,
continued to lead them on foot, guiding them carefully and patiently towards their objective
although he must have known that his action would almost inevitably cost him his life.
This gallant officer was killed after his objective had been reached, but his skilful leading had
already ensured successful action.
His utter disregard of danger and devotion to duty afford an example of outstanding valour.”
MEDALS Captain Clement ROBERTSON Queen's Royal Regiment ( West Surrey ) attached 'A'
Battalion, Tank Corps
Victoria Cross: British War Medal (1914-20):Victory Medal ( 1914-19 )
COMMEMORATION
His mother received the Victoria Cross from Brigadier General C Williams CB, Commanding
Dublin District at the Royal Barracks, Dublin, on 27th March 1918
The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient Oxford Road Cemetery
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Vict
recipients of the George Cross.
Editors note:= His date of birth is from references (1) (2) elsewhere on the internet a different date is
given. The date of 15th
December 1990 is probably the Christening date
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
library at Haileybury to the sixteen former pupils who earned the Victoria Cross and the two
Editors note:= His date of birth is from references (1) (2) elsewhere on the internet a different date is
December 1990 is probably the Christening date
.
Page 68
On Speech Day 1957 the Bishop of Saint Albans dedicated commemorative panels in the
oria Cross and the two
Editors note:= His date of birth is from references (1) (2) elsewhere on the internet a different date is
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 69
WILLIS, Richard Raymond VC
Richard Raymond Willis, Captain, 1st Battalion, The Lancashire
Fusiliers, British Army Campaign First World War.
He was born in Woking in 1876. He was educated at Harrow and
the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned in
1897, joined the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers in
India and was posted with them to the Sudan for the Mahdist
War.
Battle of Omdurman - Kitchener's Victory:
Concerned about Kitchener's advance, the leader of the
Mahdist army, Abdullah al-Taashi sent 14,000 men to attack the
British near Atara. On April 7, 1898, they were badly defeated
and suffered 3,000 dead. As Kitchener prepared for the push to
Khartoum, Abdullah raised a force of 52,000 to block the Anglo-
Egyptian advance. Armed with a mix of spears and antique
firearms they mustered near the Mahdist capital of Omdurman. On September 1, British gunboats
appeared in the river off
Omdurman and shelled the
city. This was followed by the
arrival of Kitchener's army in
the nearby village of Egeiga.
Forming a perimeter
around the village, with the
river at their back, Kitchener's
men waited for the arrival of
the Mahdist army. Around
dawn on September 2,
Abdullah attacked the Anglo-
Egyptian position with 15,000
men while a second Mahdist force continued moving north. Equipped with the latest European
rifles, Maxim machine guns, and artillery, Kitchener's men mowed down the attacking Mahdist
dervishes (infantry). With the attack defeated, the 21st Lancers were ordered to reconnoitre in force
towards Omdurman. Moving out, they met a group of 700 Hadenoa tribesmen.
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 70
Switching to the attack, they were soon confronted by 2,500 dervishes who had been hiding in a dry
streambed. Charging through the enemy, they fought a bitter battle before
rejoining the main army. Around 9:15, believing the battle won, Kitchener ordered his men to begin
advancing on Omdurman. This movement exposed his right flank to a Mahdist force that was lurking
to west. Shortly after beginning their march, three Sudanese and one Egyptian battalion came under
fire from this force. Compounding the situation was the arrival of 20,000 men under Osman Shiekh
El Din which had moved north earlier in the battle. Shiekh El Din's men soon began attacking the
Sudanese brigade of Colonel Hector MacDonald.
While the threatened units made a stand and poured disciplined fire into the approaching
enemy, Kitchener began wheeling the rest of the army around to join the fight. As at Egeiga, modern
weaponry triumphed and the dervishes were shot down in alarming numbers. By 11:30, Abdullah
gave up the battle as lost and fled the field. With the Mahdist army destroyed, the march to
Omdurman and Khartoum was resumed.
WORLD WAR 1
August 1914: in Karachi. Returned to England, landing 2 January 1915 and moved to
Nuneaton where the battalion joined the 29th
Division, 86th
Brigade.
The 29th Division embarked at Avonmouth on 16-22 March 1915 and went via Malta to
Alexandria. On 7 April the first units to have arrived at Egypt began to re-embark for the move to
Mudros, the deep water harbour at the island of Imbros that was going to be used as a forward base
for operations at Gallipoli. The Division landed at Cape Helles on Gallipoli on 25 April 1915
GALLIPOLI 1915
On 25 April 1915 west of Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, three companies and the Headquarters of
the 1st
Battalion,
Lancashire
Fusiliers, when
landing on W
Beach, were
met by a very
deadly fire
from hidden
machine-guns
which caused a
large number
of casualties.
The survivors,
however,
rushed up and
cut the wire
entanglements
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 71
notwithstanding the terrific fire from the enemy and after overcoming supreme difficulties, the cliffs
were gained and the position maintained.
Captain Richard Willis, who led C Company during the attack, was one of several survivors to record
the events of the day: “Not a sign of life was to be seen on the peninsula in front of us. It might have
been a deserted land we were nearing in our little boats. Then crack!… The signal for the massacre
had been given; rapid fire, machine-guns and deadly accurate sniping opened from the cliffs above,
and soon the casualties included the rest of the crew and many men.
“The timing of the ambush was perfect; we were completely exposed and helpless in our slow-
moving boats, just target practice for the concealed Turks, and within a few minutes only half of the
30 men in my boat were left alive. We were now 100 yards from the shore, and I gave the order
‘overboard’. We scrambled out into some four feet of water and some of the boats with their cargo
of dead and wounded floated away on the currents still under fire from the snipers. With this
unpromising start the advance began. Many were hit in the sea, and no response was possible, for
the enemy was in trenches well above our heads.
“We toiled through the water towards the sandy beach, but here another trap was awaiting us, for
the Turks had cunningly concealed a trip wire just below the surface of the water and on the beach
itself were a number of land mines, and a deep belt of rusty wire extended across the landing place.
Machine-guns, hidden in caves at the end of the amphitheatre of cliffs, enfiladed this.
“Our wretched men were ordered to wait behind this wire for the wire-cutters to cut a pathway
through. They were shot in helpless batches while they waited, and could not even use their rifles in
retaliation since the sand and the sea had clogged their action. One Turkish sniper in particular took
a heavy toll at very close range until I forced open the bolt of a rifle with the heel of my boot and
closed his career with the first shot, but the heap of empty cartridges round him testified to the
damage he had done. Safety lay in movement, and isolated parties scrambled through the wire to
cover. Among them was Sergeant Richards with a leg horribly twisted, but he managed somehow to
get through.”
On the nights 7-8 January 1916, the Division was evacuated from Gallipoli and all units
returned to Egypt. Orders were received there on 25 February for a move to France. Embarking in
March it arrived at Marseilles and moved to concentrate in the area east of Pont Remy between 15
and 29 March. The Division remained on the Western Front for the remainder of the war.
CITATION
For the award of the Victoria Cross
[ London Gazette, 24 August 1915 ], W Beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, 25 April 1915, Captain (
later Major ) Richard Raymond Willis, Sergeant Alfred Joseph Richards, Private William Keneally, 1st
Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers.
On the 25th April 1915, three Companies and the Headquarters of the 1st Battalion, Lancashire
Fusiliers, in effecting a landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula to the West of Cape Helles, were met by a
very deadly fire from hidden machine guns which caused a great number of casualties. The survivors,
however, rushed up to and cut the wire entanglements, notwithstanding the terrific fire from the
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 72
enemy, and, after overcoming extreme difficulties, the cliffs were gained and the position
maintained.
Amongst the many very gallant Officers and men engaged in this most hazardous undertaking,
Captain Willis, Serjeant Richards and Private Keneally have been selected by their comrades as
having performed the most signal acts of bravery and devotion to duty.
MEDALS
Richard Willis was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the
22nd September 1915
Victoria Cross, Queen's Sudan Medal (1896-98), 14-15 Star, BWM, VM + MID(missing in the photo),
Delhi Dunbar Medal (1911), KG VI 1937 Coronation Medal, QE II 1953 Coronation Medal, Khedives
Sudan Medal (1896-1908) + clasp: "Khartoum"
His VC was purchased privately in 2010 for the Lord Ashcroft collection. Current location of VC is on
Display in rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War
Museum
POST WAR
He served on the Staff at Haileybury College during the year 1921. Subsequently he taught Military
History at a school specializing in preparing students for the Army Entrance examinations – Carlisle
and Gregson.
COMMEMORATED
Richard Willis died on the 9th February 1966 at the Faithful House Nursing Home, Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire and was cremated at the Cheltenham Crematorium and his ashes scattered in the
Garden of Remembrance. Cheltenham Borough Cemetery Crematorium Chapel Commemorative
plaques in the chapel cloisters
He was commemorated on a cigarette card and a postage stamp
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire
He was commemorated on a cigarette card and a postage stamp
Page 73
He was commemorated on a cigarette card and a postage stamp
The Valiant Men of Hertfordshire Page 74
SOURCES
1. “THE V.C. AND D.S.O. BOOK: THE VICTORIA CROSS 1856 -1920” Naval & Military Press
2. Haileybury College Register and Archives
3. Haileybury 1806 – 1987 by Imogen Thomas
4. The London Gazette
5. Imperial War Museum collection of pictures
6. Commonwealth War Graves Data Bank.
7. 1911 Census, 1901 census
8. The War Graves Photographic Project
9. The Victoria Cross Organization
10. Find a grave memorials
11. The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War Website.
12. “ For Most Conspicuous Bravery: A Biography of Major-General George R. Pearkes,
V.C., Through Two World Wars” by Dr. Roy for the Social Sciences Research Centre
13. Battle of Omdurman - Kitchener's Victory by Kennedy Hickman
14. The Scouting Pages web site
15. Local Newspapers
16. The “HELL FIRE CORNER” website
17. The “Long Long Trail” website
18. The 13 volumes entitled the “Great War” publisher/ authors not given but believed
possibly issued by the Daily Mail in the 1920s
19. ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE website
20. Library and Archives Canada under the reproduction reference number PA-002364
21. CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER BRANCH THE WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION news letter
Number 15 December 2007
22. In a number of cases the pictures of medals are not the recipients but of replicas.
PLEASE NOTE that we obtained special dispensation from a number of agencies
including the CWGC 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.