World War I centenary: Paving stones to honour heroes

Discussion in 'Prewar' started by dbf, Aug 4, 2013.

  1. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Bernard Cassidy,Victoria Cross,Central Park,East Ham.

    CITATION

    An extract from the "London Gazette," dated 30th April, 1918, records the following

    "For most conspicuous bravery, self-sacrifice, and exceptional devotion to duty during an hostile attack. At a time when the flank of the division was in danger, Lt. Cassidy was in command of the left company of his battalion, which was in close support. He was given orders prior to the attack that he must hold on to his position to the last. He most nobly carried this out to the letter. The enemy came on in overwhelming numbers and endeavoured to turn the flank. He, however, continually rallied his men under a terrific bombardment. The enemy were several times cleared out of the trench by his personal leadership. His company was eventually surrounded, but Lt. Cassidy still fought on, encouraging and exhorting his men until he was eventually killed. By his most gallant conduct the whole attack was held up at this point and the left flank was undoubtedly saved from what might have been a disaster."
    Second Lieutenant CASSIDY, BERNARD MATTHEW
    Died 28/03/1918

    Aged 26

    2nd Bn.
    Lancashire Fusiliers

    V C

    Son of Bernard and Julia Cassidy, of 29, Watford Rd., Victoria Docks, London.
    Casualty

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  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Brett Cloutman.Victoria Cross,Hornsey War Memorial,Hornsey


    For most conspicuous bravery on the 6th November, 1918, at Pont-sur-Sambre.

    Maj. 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.[3]

    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.


    Brett Cloutman - Wikipedia


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  3. Deacs

    Deacs Well i am from Cumbria.

    Lt (QM) Edward.Benn. Smith, VC, DCM, 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers

    He is unusual in having gained both the DCM and VC, and in quick succession, during the Hundred Days Offensive.

    Distinguished Conduct Medal
    On 10 August 1918, then a Corporal with the 1/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, he was leading a daylight patrol near Hébuterne in the Somme Area of France to examine points in the German lines where information was required. As the patrol was about to retire, Ned Smith saw a party of about 40 Germans about to take up outpost duty. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the German soldiers, Corporal Smith led his small party of men and engaged the enemy, breaking up the German party and causing severe casualties. As well as receiving the Distinguished Conduct Medal for this action, Ned Smith was promoted to the rank of Lance Sergeant.

    Victoria Cross
    Only 11 days later, during the period 21/23 August 1918, east of Serre, France, Lance-Sergeant Smith while in command of a platoon, personally took a machine-gun post at The Lozenge (Hill 140), rushing the garrison with his rifle and bayonet. The enemy on seeing him coming, scattered to throw hand grenades at him, but heedless of all danger and almost without halting in his rush, this NCO shot at least six of them. Later, seeing another platoon needing assistance, he led his men to them, took command and captured the objective. During an enemy counter-attack the following day he led a section forward and restored a portion of the line. According to the London Gazette Supplement of 18 October 1918:

    "His personal bravery, skill and initiative were outstanding, and his conduct throughout an inspiring example to all
    Edward Smith (VC) - Wikipedia

    Member Ristonvaljos thread on his remembrance day.
    http://ww2talk.com/index.php?posts/442144/

    Edward B "Ned" Smith VC - victoriacross
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    Ned's family headstone in Maryport Cemetery.
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  4. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    As it was a nice day I went a walk to Carluke to see Thomas Caldwell VC’s Stone, this is at the base of the memorial along with William Angus, the town has now added 3 VC’s to the sign for Caldwell, Angus and Cameron. In the same area as the memorial is another for the 3 VC’s and most decorated soldier plus one for the Lanarkshire Yeomanry
     

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  5. Deacs

    Deacs Well i am from Cumbria.

    Private Robert Matthew Beatham VC. Penrith castle Cumbria.

    On 9 August 1918 at Rosières, east of Amiens, on the second day of the Battle of Amiens, Beatham's battalion was attacking high ground when it was held up by heavy machine gun fire after supporting armour was knocked out of action. Beatham, accompanied by Lance Corporal W. G. Nottingham, made four charges to knock out a series of German machine gun posts holding back the advance of the Australians. Wounded in the leg during the first charge, he was killed taking out a final machine gun post on 11 August.[4] For his gallantry he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). Gazetted on 14 December 1918, the citation for his VC read as follows:

    For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the attack north of Rosieres, east of Amiens, on 9th Aug., 1918. When the advance was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Pte. Beatham dashed forward, and, assisted by one man, bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing ten of them and capturing ten others, thus facilitating the advance and saving many casualties. When the final objective was reached, although previously wounded, he again dashed forward and bombed a machine gun, being riddled with bullets and killed in doing so. The valour displayed by this gallant soldier inspired all ranks in a wonderful manner.

    — The London Gazette, 14 December 1918

    Robert Beatham - Wikipedia

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  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    UK, Victoria Cross Medals, 1857-2007
    Name: Robert Matthew Beatham
    Birth Date: 16 Jun 1894
    Birth Place: Glassonby, Kirkswald, Penrith, Cumberland
    Birth Place Modern: Cumbria
    Death Date: 11 Aug 1918
    Death Place: Rosiere, East of Amiens, France
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    UK, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960
    Name: Mr R Beatham
    Gender: Male
    Age: 19
    Birth Date: abt 1895
    Departure Date: 18 Jun 1914
    Port of Departure: London, England
    Destination Port: Melbourne, Australia
    Ship Name: Hawkes Bay
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    It would seem that he and his brother emigrated together
    Name: Mr W Beatham
    Gender: Male
    Age: 23
    Birth Date: abt 1891
    Departure Date: 18 Jun 1914
    Port of Departure: London, England
    Destination Port: Melbourne, Australia
    Ship Name: Hawkes Bay


    TD
     
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  7. Deacs

    Deacs Well i am from Cumbria.

    Yes TD his younger brother Walter emigrated with him.

    2 of his brothers were killed and another spent 2 years as a POW.
     
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  8. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross: William Williams,Stanton Lacey,Shropshire

    • On 7 June 1917, HMS Pargust (a Q ship) was out in the Atlantic Ocean when her engine room was damaged by a torpedofired from the U-boat SM UC-29. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling and betraying the ship to the enemy.
    The Pargust's 'panic party', the decoy crew carried on every Q ship for the purpose of leaving it apparently abandoned when attacked, took to the lifeboats and the U-boat then surfaced, believing the Pargust to be a crewless and defenceless merchant vessel. When the U-boat was about 50 yards (46 m) away, the captain of HMS Pargust gave the order to fire and the submarine was blown up and sank.

    In the case of a gallant and daring act in which all men are deemed equally brave and deserving of the Victoria Cross a secret ballot is drawn. The crew of HMS Pargust selected William Williams to be the recipient of the award due to a rating in the action.
    William Williams (VC) - Wikipedia

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  9. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:George Cates

    Wimbledon War Memorial,London

    For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice. When engaged with some other men in deepening a captured trench this officer struck with his spade a buried bomb, which immediately started to burn. 2nd Lt. Gates, in order to save the lives of his comrades, placed his foot on the bomb, which immediately exploded. He showed the most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in performing the act which cost him his life, but saved the lives of others

    — London Gazette, dated 11 May 1917[2]
    George Edward Cates - Wikipedia

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  10. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:Edward Bamford
    Hornsey War Memorial London


    Captain Edward Bamford's Victoria Cross citation was published in the London Gazette, 23 July 1918:

    For conspicuous gallantry at Zeebrugge. April 1918. This officer landed on the Mole from "Vindictive" with Nos. 5, 7 & 8 platoons of the Marine Storming Force in the face of great difficulties. When on the Mole under heavy fire, he displayed the greatest initiative in the command of his company, and by his total disregard of danger, showed a magnificent example to his men. He first established a strong point on the right of the disembarkation, and when that was safe, led an assault on a battery to the left with the utmost coolness and valour. Captain Bamford was selected by the officers of the R.M.A & R.M.L.I detachments to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant, dated 26 January 1856


    Edward Bamford - Wikipedia

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  11. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:Brett Cloutman
    Hornsey War Memorial London

    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.

    Maj. 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



    Brett Cloutman - Wikipedia

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  12. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:William White
    Mitcham War Memorial,Lower Green, Mitcham,London


    T. /2nd Lt. William Allison White, M.G. Corps.

    For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in attack.

    When the advance of the infantry was being delayed by an enemy machine gun, he rushed the gun position single-handed, shot the three gunners, and captured the gun. Later, in similar circumstances, he attacked a gun accompanied by two men, but both of the latter were immediately shot down. He went on alone to the gun position and bayoneted or shot the team of five men and captured the gun. On a third occasion, when the advance was held up by hostile fire from an enemy position, he collected a small party and rushed the position, inflicting heavy losses on the garrison.

    Subsequently, in consolidating the position by the skilful use of captured enemy and his own machine guns, he inflicted severe casualties on the enemy. His example of fearless and unhesitating devotion to duty under circumstances of great personal danger greatly inspired the neighbouring troops, and his action had a marked effect on the operations.


    William Allison White - Wikipedia
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  13. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:Edward Warner
    St Albans War Memorial,St Albans,Hertfordshire

    PRIVATE EDWARD WARNER
    Service Number: 7602
    Regiment & Unit/Ship
    Bedfordshire Regiment

    1st Bn.

    Date of Death
    Died 02 May 1915

    Age 32 years old

    Buried or commemorated at
    YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

    Panel 31 and 33.

    Belgium
    • Country of ServiceUnited Kingdom
    • AwardsVictoria Cross
    • Additional InfoSon of the late Mark and Charlotte M. Warner.
    Additional Citation note

    An extract from the London Gazette, No. 29210, dated 29th June, 1915, records the following:- "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 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."


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  14. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    A stone has been laid at the Ministry of Defence to honour the first serviceman to be awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in the air.

    On Sunday, special events were held in Beaminster, Dorset, where 2nd Lt William Rhodes-Moorhouse is buried.

    During World War One, he was wounded in the air during the second battle of Ypres, on 26 April 1915. He died the following day.

    The stone was unveiled at Whitehall to mark the centenary of his death.


    A paving stone, which will form part of the war memorial in Beaminster, was also dedicated during a service at St Mary's Church in the town.

    2nd Lt Rhodes-Moorhouse flew 35 miles (56km) back to base following his solo mission, despite having been hit in the thigh and losing three fingers on his right hand.



    [​IMG]

    World War One Ypres Victoria Cross airman honoured



    William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse
     
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  15. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Last edited: May 15, 2022
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  16. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross Richard Sandford ,Exmouth Devon

    Richard Sandford attended Clifton College whence he joined the Royal Navy. At 26 years old, he was a Lieutenant commanding a submarine, HMS C3 in the Royal Navy during the First World War when he took part in the Zeebrugge Raid and won the Victoria Cross. The citation read:

    On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Lieutenant Sandford commanding HM Submarine C.3, skilfully placed the vessel between the piles of the viaduct which connected the Mole with the shore, before laying his fuse and abandoning her. He disdained to use the gyro steering which would have enabled him and his crew to abandon the submarine at a safe distance, but preferred to make sure that his mission would be successful.[1]


    Richard Sandford - Wikipedia
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  17. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:Frank Edward Young ,Hitchin,Hertfordshire


    Frank Edward Young (VC) - Wikipedia
    Victoria Cross[edit]
    The action for which Second Lieutenant Young was to be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross occurred in the aftermath of Allied success at the Battle of Havrincourt. Soon after he rejoined 1/1st battalion, it was moved into the front-lines south east of Havrincourt, near a copse named Triangle Wood. In the late afternoon of 18 September 1918, after an intense artillery barrage, German troops launched an assault against this position. Although the enemy gained an initial foothold, ultimately the battalion's line held and they were forced to withdraw.[3] Young's actions and leadership in the successful defence resulted in his award of the medal, the full citation for which was published in the London Gazette on 14 December 1918 and read:

    "2nd Lt. Frank Edward Young, late 1st Bn., Herts. R. (T.F.).

    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 machinegun. 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."[4]

    Initially Young was listed as missing, however his body was found by a British patrol on 27 September at the edge of Havrincourt Wood.[5] He was subsequently reburied nearby in Hermies Hill British Cemetery, Hermies. The grave stone is located at 3B5

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    Last edited: Jul 9, 2022
  18. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:Bernard Freyberg,,Pavement outside Richmond Station
    The citation for the award, published in the London Gazette in December 1916,[17] describes the events concluding with:

    The personality, valour and utter contempt of danger on the part of this single Officer enabled the lodgment in the most advanced objective of the Corps to be permanently held, and on this point d'appui the line was eventually formed.[17]

    Bernard Freyberg, 1st Baron Freyberg - Wikipedia

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    Last edited: Jul 9, 2022
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  19. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Victoria Cross:Christopher Cox

    On 13 March 1917 at Achiet-le-Grand, France, during an attack by the battalion, the front wave was checked by very heavy artillery and machine gun fire and the whole line had to take cover in shell holes. Cox, a stretcher-bearer, went out over fire-swept ground and single-handedly rescued four men. Having collected the wounded of his own battalion he then helped to bring in the wounded of the adjoining battalion. On two subsequent days he carried out similar work with complete disregard for his own safety.[3][2]

    Christopher Augustus Cox - Wikipedia
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