All The Victoria Crosses of World War Two

John Hurst Edmondson

Rank: Corporal

Unit: 2/17 Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Military Forces

Awarded: 27th September 1941

Nationality: Australian

The citation in the London Gazette of 4th July, 1941, gives the following particulars:

On the night of the 13-14th April, 1941, a party of German infantry broke through the wire defences at Tobruk and established themselves with at least six machine guns, mortars and two small field pieces. It was decided to attack them with bayonets and a party consisting of one officer, Corporal Edmondson and five privates took part in the charge. During the counter-attack Corporal Edmondson was wounded in the neck and stomach but continued to advance under heavy fire and killed one enemy with his bayonet. Later, his officer had his bayonet in one of the enemy and was grasped about the legs by him, when another attacked him from behind. He called for help, and Corporal Edmondson, who was some yards away, immediately came to his assistance and in spite of his wounds, killed both of the enemy. This action undoubtedly saved his officer's life.

Shortly after returning from this successful counter-attack, Corporal Edmondson died of his wounds. His actions throughout the operations were outstanding for resolution, leadership and conspicuous bravery.


Additional Infomation:

This was Australia's first VC of The Second World War.

CWGC :: Certificate




Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya

 

John Daniel Hinton

Rank: Sergeant

Unit: 20th Battalion, 2nd N.Z.E.F. Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Awarded: 11th May 1945

Nationality: New Zealander

The citation in the London Gazette of 14th October, 1941, gives the following particulars:

On the night of 28th-29th April, 1941 during the fighting in Greece, a column of German armoured forces entered Kalamai; this column, which contained several armoured cars, 2" guns and 3" mortars, and two 6" guns, rapidly converged on a large force of British and New Zealand troops awaiting embarkation on the beach.

When the order to retreat to cover was given, Sergeant Hinton, shouting "To Hell with this, who'll come with me", ran to within several yards of the nearest gun; the gun fired, missing him, and he hurled two grenades, which completely wiped out the crew. He then came on with the bayonet followed by a crowd of New Zealanders.

German troops abandoned the first 6" gun and retreated into two houses. Sergeant Hinton smashed the window and then the door of the first house and dealt with the garrison with the bayonet. He repeated the performance in the second house and as a result, until overwhelming German forces arrived, the New Zealanders held the guns. Sergeant Hinton then fell with a bullet wound through the lower abdomen and was taken prisoner.


Additional Infomation:

Shortly after arriving in Egypt Hinton was in charge of some men practising shooting when visited by General Freyberg, who asked him how the men were shooting. 'How would you expect them to bloody well shoot?', replied Hinton, '—not enough bloody rations, stinking heat and sand'. Freyberg asked him to repeat the comment, which he did word for word. Hinton was not disciplined and a ration increase was announced that evening.

Although disobeying a direct order to retreat and launching a counter-attack on the enemy positions himself when asked why he refused to retreat he said, 'I didn't like the way things were going'. He did however meet up with his OC for most of the action who apparently supported his actions after the event.

Apparently Hinton said, 'F**k this...' but for obvious reasons the wording was changed to, 'To hell with this...' in his citation.

While a PoW Hinton escaped twice and made several more attempts. He was told about being awarded a VC whilst he was recovering in hospital from a beating he received for trying to escape.



Ruru War Cemetery, New Zealand

 

Nigel Gray Leakey

Rank: Sergeant

Unit: 1/6th Battalion, King’s Africa Rifles, British Army

Awarded: 9th July 1946

Nationality: Kenyan

The citation in the London Gazette of 15th November, 1945, gives the following particulars:

On the 19th of May, 1941, at Colito, Abyssinia, two companies of the 1st/6th The King's African Rifles successfully crossed the Billate River in the face of strong enemy opposition, and established a precarious bridgehead without hope of immediate reinforcement.

Throughout the operation, Sergeant Leakey had been supporting the crossing with 3 inch mortar fire, and having expended all his ammunition, he went forward to see what he could do.

Suddenly, the enemy launched a surprise counter-attack with medium and light tanks which emerged from the bush threatening to over-run the two companies of the 1st/6th The King's African Rifles.

Advancing from the rear, one of these tanks was bearing down on the troops, who had no anti-tank weapons for their defence. With complete disregard for his own safety, and in the face of withering machine gun and rifle fire from the enemy's ground troops, and from more tanks in front, Sergeant Leakey leaped on top of the tank which was coming in from behind our position and wrenched open the turret.

With his revolver he shot the Commander of this tank and the crew with the exception of the driver whom he forced to drive in to cover.

Having failed to get the cannon of this tank to fire he dismounted, calling out I'll get them on foot, and charged across ground which was being swept by machine gun and shell fire from the other enemy tanks which were advancing and causing casualties to our infantry.

In company with an African C.S.M. and two other Askari, he proceeded to stalk these tanks. The first two tanks passed, but Sergeant Leakey managed to jump on to the third tank and opened the turret and killed one of the crew before the fourth tank opened fire with a machine gun and shot him off the tank.

Sergeant Leakey throughout the action displayed valour of the highest order, his determination and his initiative were entirely responsible for breaking up the Italian tank attack; by his own individual action he saved what would have undoubtedly developed into a most critical situation, for had the Italian tanks succeeded the result would have been the loss of a most valuable bridgehead which would have had most far reaching results on the subsequent operations.

The superb courage and magnificent fighting spirit which Sergeant Leakey displayed, facing almost certain death, was an incentive to the troops who fought on with inspiration after witnessing the gallantry of this N.C.O.'s remarkable feat, and succeeded in retaining their positions in face of considerable odds.


Additional Infomation:

Leakey's VC is kept at Bromsgrove School in Worcester, UK

CWGC :: Certificate



East Africa Memorial, Nairobi, Kenya

 

Alfred Clive Hulme

Rank: Sergeant

Unit: 23rd Battalion, 2nd N.Z.E.F. Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Awarded: 7th October 1941

Nationality: New Zealander

The citation in the London Gazette of 14th October, 1941, gives the following particulars:

Sergeant Hulme exhibited most outstanding and inspiring qualities of leadership, initiative; skill, endurance and most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty from the commencement of the heavy fighting in CRETE, on 20th May, 1941, until he was wounded in action 28th May, 1941.

On ground overlooking MALEME Aerodrome on 20th and 21st May he personally led parties of his men from the area held by the forward position and destroyed enemy organised parties who had established themselves out in front of our position, from which they brought heavy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire to bear on our defensive posts. Numerous snipers in this area were dealt with by Sergeant Hulme personally; 130 dead were counted here.

On 22nd, 23rd and 24th May Sergeant Hulme was continually going out alone or with one or two men and destroying enemy snipers. On 25th May, when Sergeant Hulme had rejoined his Battalion, this unit counter-attacked GALATOS village. The attack was partially held up by a large party of the enemy holding the school, from which they were inflicting heavy casualties on our troops. Sergeant Hulme went forward alone, threw grenades into the school and so disorganised the defence that the counterattack was able to proceed successfully.

On Tuesday, 27th May, when our troops were holding a defensive line at SUDA BAY during the final retirement, five enemy snipers had worked into position on the hillside overlooking the flank of the Battalion line. Sergeant Hulme volunteered to deal with the situation, and stalked and killed the snipers in turn. He continued similar work successfully through the day.

On 28th May at STYLOS, when an enemy heavy mortar was severely bombing a very important ridge held by the Battalion rearguard troops, inflicting severe casualties, Sergeant Hulme, on his own initiative, penetrated the enemy lines, killed the mortar crew of four, put the mortar out of action, and thus very materially assisted the withdrawal of the main body through STYLOS. From the enemy mortar position he then worked to the left flank and killed three snipers who were causing concern to the rearguard. This made his score of enemy snipers 33 stalked and shot. Shortly afterwards Sergeant Hulme was severely wounded in the shoulder whilst stalking another sniper. When ordered to the rear, in spite of his wound, he directed traffic under fire and organised stragglers of various units into section groups.


Additional Infomation:

Hulme is credited with killing 33 German snipers on Crete and at one point dressed up as a German Paratrooper to get close to the enemy and as a result killed several more Germans just outside Galatos.



Dudley Cemetery, Te Puke, New Zealand

 

Charles Hazlitt Upham

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant

Unit: 20th Battalion, 2nd N.Z.E.F. Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

Awarded: 11th May 1945

Nationality: New Zealander


The citation in the London Gazette of 14th October, 1941, gives the following particulars:
During the operations in Crete this officer performed a series of remarkable exploits, showing outstanding leadership, tactical skill and utter indifference to danger.

He commanded a forward platoon in the attack on MALEME on 22nd May and fought his way forward for over 3,000 yards unsupported by any other arms and against a defence strongly organised in depth. During this operation his platoon destroyed numerous enemy posts but on three occasions sections were temporarily held up.

In the first case, under a heavy fire from a machine gun nest he advanced to close quarters with pistol and grenades, so demoralizing the occupants that his section was able to "mop up" with ease.

Another of his sections was then held up by two machine guns in a house. He went in and placed a grenade through a window, destroying the crew of one machine gun and several others, the other machine gun being silenced by the fire of his sections.

In the third case he crawled to within 15 yards of an M.G. post and killed the gunners with a grenade.

When his Company withdrew from MALEME he helped to carry a wounded man out under fire, and together with another officer rallied more men together to carry other wounded men out.

He was then sent to bring in a company which had become isolated. With a Corporal he went through enemy territory over 600 yards, killing two Germans on the way, found the company, and brought it back to the Battalion's new position. But for this action it would have been completely cut off.

During the following two days his platoon occupied an exposed position on forward slopes and was continuously under fire. Second Lieutenant Upham was blown over by one mortar shell, and painfully wounded by a piece of shrapnel behind the left shoulder, by another. He disregarded this wound and remained on duty. He also received a bullet in the foot which he later removed in Egypt.

At GALATOS on 25th May his platoon was heavily engaged and came under severe mortar and machine-gun fire. While his platoon stopped under cover of a ridge Second-Lieutenant Upham went forward, observed the enemy and brought the platoon forward when the Germans advanced. They killed over 40 with fire and grenades and forced the remainder to fall back.

When his platoon was ordered to retire he sent it back under the platoon Serjeant and he went back to warn other troops that they were being cut off. When he came out himself he was fired on by two Germans. He fell and shammed dead, then crawled into a position and having the use of only one arm rested his rifle in the fork of a tree and as the Germans came forward he killed them both. The second to fall actually hit the muzzle of the rifle as he fell.

On 30th May at SPHAKIA his platoon was ordered to deal with a party of the enemy which had advanced down a ravine to near Force Headquarters. Though in an exhausted condition he climbed the steep hill to the west of the ravine, placed his men in positions on the slope overlooking the ravine and himself went to the top with a Bren Gun and two riflemen. By clever tactics he induced the enemy party to expose itself and then at a range of 500 yards shot 22 and caused the remainder to disperse in panic.

During the whole of the operations he suffered from dysentery and was able to eat very little, in addition to being wounded and bruised. He showed superb coolness, great skill and dash and complete disregard of danger. His conduct and leadership inspired his whole platoon to fight magnificently throughout, and in fact was an inspiration to the Battalion.

Additional Infomation:

WW2's only winner of two VC's and only the thrd person to acheive this.

When informed of his first VC, his first words were, 'It's ment for the men'.

He was captured later in the war and sent to Colditz in Oct '44. When Colditz was liberated most of the PoW's made their way back to the UK. He broke into a German armoury and went out 'Hunting Germans'.

When Upham was recommmended for his 2nd VC the King said to Maj. Gen. Kippenburger, 'Very unusual indeed. Does he deserve it?' Kippenburger replied that he had earned it several times over.

Later promoted to Captain


Family Plot, St Paul's Churchyard, Papanui, New Zealand

Cremated at Harewood Crematorium, Christchurch and ashes in family plot above.

 

Malcolm David Wanklyn

Rank: Lieutenant Commander

Unit: HM Submarine Upholder, Royal Navy

Awarded: 3rd March 1943

Nationality: British

The Citation in the London Gazette of 16th December, 1944, gives the following details:

On 24th May, 1941, while off the coast of Sicily, Lieutenant-Commander Wanklyn, in command of H.M. Submarine Upholder, sighted an enemy troop convoy escorted by destroyers.

Observation by periscope could not be relied on, owing to failing light, and a surface attack would have been easily seen. Upholder's listening gear was out of action. Despite these difficulties, Lieutenant-Commander Wanklyn, though aware of the risk of being rammed by the escorting destroyers pressed home his attack and sank a large troopship.

The destroyers at once counter-attacked, and dropped thirty-seven depth charges. With great courage, coolness and skill, and without listening gear, Lieutenant-Commander Wanklyn brought Upholder clear and back to harbour. Before this outstanding attack and since being made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, Lieutenant-Commander Wanklyn had torpedoed a tanker and a merchant vessel.

He continued to show the utmost courage in the face of the enemy, and carried out attacks on enemy vessels with skill and relentless determination, sinking one destroyer, one U-boat, two troop transports, one tanker and three supply ships. He also probably destroyed, by torpedoes, one cruiser and one destroyer, and probably hit another cruiser.

Additional Infomation:

After sinking 140,000 tonnes of shipping Wanklyn along with his crew failed to return from their 25th patrol on the coast of Tripoli, Libya.

He was the Allies most successful Submariner in terms of tonnage sunk.

CWGC :: Certificate




Portsmouth Naval Memorial

 

Arthur Roden Cutler


Rank: Lieutenant


Unit: 5th Field Artillery, Australian Military Forces


Awarded: 11th June 1942

Nationality: Australian


The citation in the London Gazette of 28th November, 1941, gives the following particulars:

For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst the forward troops with whom he worked.

At Merdjayoun on the 19th June, 1941 our infantry attack was checked after suffering heavy casualties from an enemy counter attack with tanks. Enemy machine gun fire swept the ground but Lieutenant Cutler with another artillery officer and a small party pushed on ahead of the infantry and established an outpost in a house. The telephone line was cut and he went out and mended this line under machine gun fire and returned to the house, from which enemy posts and a battery were successfully engaged.

The enemy then attacked this outpost with infantry and tanks, killing the Bren gunner and mortally wounding the other officer. Lieutenant Cutler and another manned the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun and fought back driving the enemy infantry away. The tanks continued the attack, but under constant fire from the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun eventually withdrew. Lieutenant Cutler then personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded members of his party. Undaunted he pressed for a further advance. He had been ordered to establish an outpost from which he could register the only road by which the enemy transport could enter the town. With a small party of volunteers he pressed on until finally with one other he succeeded in establishing an outpost right in the town, which was occupied by the Foreign Legion, despite enemy machine gun fire which, prevented our infantry from advancing.

At this tune Lieutenant Cutler knew the enemy were massing on his left for a counter attack and that he was in danger of being cut off. Nevertheless he carried out his task of registering the battery on the road and engaging enemy posts. The enemy counter attacked with infantry and tanks and he was cut off. He was forced to go to ground, but after dark succeeded in making his way through the enemy lines. His work in registering the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat.

On the night of the 23rd-24th June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward into our forward defended localities to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the recapture of Merdjayoun was completed.

Later at Damour on the 6th July when our forward infantry were pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine gun fire Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wound by this time had become septic necessitating the amputation of his leg.

Throughout the Campaign this officer's courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the recapture of Merdjayoun.


Additional Infomation:

Cutler was medically discharged in 1942 as a result of having a leg amputated.



South Head Cemetery, Sydney, Australia

 

Hughie Idwal Edwards

Rank: Acting Wing Commander

Unit: No.105 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded: 17th February 1942

Nationality: Australian

The Citation in the London Gazette of 22nd July, 1941, gives the following details:

Wing Commander Edwards, although handicapped by a physical disability resulting from a flying accident, has repeatedly displayed gallantry of the highest order in pressing home bombing attacks from very low heights against strongly defended objectives.

On 4th July, 1941 he led an important attack on the Port of Bremen, one of the most heavily defended towns in Germany. This attack had to be made in daylight and there were no clouds to afford concealment.

During the approach to the German coast several enemy ships were sighted and Wing Commander Edwards knew that his aircraft would be reported and that the defences would be in a state of readiness. Undaunted by this misfortune he brought his formation 50 miles overland to the target, flying at a height of little more than 50 feet, passing under high-tension cables, carrying away telegraph wires and finally passing through a formidable balloon barrage. On reaching Bremen he was met with a hail of fire, all his aircraft being hit and four of them being destroyed. Nevertheless he made a most successful attack, and then with the greatest skill and coolness withdrew the surviving aircraft without further loss.

Throughout the execution of this operation which he had planned personally with full knowledge of the risks entailed, Wing Commander Edwards displayed the highest possible standard of gallantry and determination.


Additional Infomation:

Later promoted to Air Commodore

Edwards was the first airman to receive the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Flying Cross in the Second World War.





Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth Australia

 

James Allen Ward

Rank: Sergeant

Unit: No.75 (NZ) Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force

Awarded: 16th October 1942

Nationality: New Zealander


The citation in the London Gazette for 5th August, 1941 gives the following details:

On the night of 7th July, 1941, Sergeant Ward was second pilot of a Wellington returning from an attack on Munster.

When flying over the Zuider Zee at 13,000 feet, the aircraft was attacked from beneath by a Messerschmitt no which secured hits with cannon shell and incendiary bullets. The rear gunner was wounded in the foot but delivered a burst of fire which sent the enemy fighter down, apparently out of control.

Fire then broke out near the starboard engine and, fed by petrol from a split pipe, quickly gained an alarming hold and threatened to spread to the entire wing. The crew forced a hole in the fuselage and made strenuous efforts to reduce the fire with extinguishers and even the coffee in their vacuum flasks, but without success. They were then warned to be ready to abandon the aircraft.

As a last resort, Sergeant Ward volunteered to make an attempt to smother the fire with an engine cover which happened to be in use as a cushion. At first he proposed to discard his parachute, to reduce wind resistance, but was finally persuaded to take it. A rope from the dinghy was tied to him, though this was of little help and might have become a danger had he been blown off the aircraft. With the help of the navigator, he then climbed through the narrow astro-hatch and put on his parachute. The bomber was flying at a reduced speed but the wind pressure must have been sufficient to render the operation one of extreme difficulty.

Breaking the fabric to make hand and foot holds where necessary, and also taking advantage of existing holes in the fabric, Sergeant Ward succeeded in descending three feet to the wing and proceeding another three feet to a position behind the engine, despite the slipstream from the airscrew, which nearly blew him off the wing. Lying in this precarious position, he smothered the fire in the wing fabric and tried to push the cover into the hole in the wing and on to the leaking pipe from which the fire came. As soon as he removed his hand, however, the terrific wind blew the cover out and when he tried again it was lost. Tired as he was, he was able with the navigator's assistance, to make successfully the perilous journey back into the aircraft.

There was now no danger of the fire spreading from the petrol pipe, as there was no fabric left nearby, and in due course it burnt itself out. When the aircraft was nearly home some petrol which had collected in the wing blazed up furiously but died down quite suddenly. A safe landing was then made despite the damage sustained by the aircraft. The flight home had been made possible by the gallant action of Sergeant Ward in extinguishing the fire on the wing, in circumstances of the greatest difficulty and at the risk of his life.


Additional Infomation:

The recommendation for a VC was a matter of discussion at the time. Senior RAF officers questioning whether a VC was appropriate since his actions had some aspect of self-preservation.

He was killed later in the year on a raid over Germany.

CWGC :: Certificate



Ohlsdorfer Freidhof, Hamburg, Germany

 

James Heather Gordon

Rank: Private

Unit: 2/31st Battalion, Australian Military Forces

Awarded: 26th September 1942

Nationality: Australian


The citation in the London Gazette of 28thOctober, 1941, gives the following particulars:

On the night of 10th July, 1941, during an attack on "Greenhill," north of Djezzine, Private Gordon's Company came under intense machine-gun fire and its advance was held up.

Movement even by single individuals became almost impossible, one officer and two men being killed and two men wounded in the effort to advance. The enemy machine gun position, which had brought the two forward platoons to a halt, was fortified and completely covered the area occupied by our forces.

Private Gordon, on his own initiative, crept forward over an area swept by machine gun and grenade fire and succeeded in approaching close to the post; he then charged it from the front and killed the four machine gunners with the bayonet. His action completely demoralised the enemy in this sector and the Company advanced and took the position.

During the remainder of the action that night and on the following day Private Gordon, who has throughout the operations shown a high degree of courage, fought with equal gallantry.


Additional Infomation:

Later Promoted to WOII.




Karrakatta Cemetery, Perth, Australia

 

Alfred Edward Sephton

Rank: Petty Officer

Unit: HMS Coventry, Royal Navy

Awarded: 23rd June 1942

Nationality:British

The citation in the London Gazette of 28th November, 1941, gives the following particulars:

Petty Officer Sephton was Director Layer when H.M.S. Coventry was attacked by aircraft, whose fire grievously wounded him. In mortal pain and faint from loss of blood he stood fast doing his duty without fault until the Enemy was driven off. Thereafter until his death his valiant and cheerful spirit gave heart to the wounded. His high example inspired his shipmates and will live in their memory.


Additional Infomation:

Sephton died trying to defend a hospital ship that was being attacked by dive-bombers.

Alfred Edward Sephton, buried at sea, off Alexandria.

His VC was stolen from Coventry Cathedral in 1990.

CWGC :: Certificate




Portsmouth Naval Memorial

 

Geoffrey Charles Tasker Keyes

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Unit: (2nd Dragoons), Royal Scots Greys, Royal Armoured Corps, British Army

Awarded: 12th December 1942

Nationality: British

The citation in the London Gazette of the 19th June, 1942, gives the following details:

Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes commanded a detachment of a force .which landed some 250 miles behind the enemy lines to attack Headquarters, Base Installations and Communications.

From the outset Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes deliberately selected for himself the command of the detachment detailed to attack what was undoubtedly the most hazardous of these objectives the residence and Headquarters of the General Officer Commanding the German forces in North Africa. This attack, even if initially successful, meant almost certain death for those who took part in it. He led his detachment without guides, in dangerous and precipitous country and in pitch darkness, and maintained by his stolid determination and powers of leadership the morale of the detachment. He then found himself forced to modify his original plans in the light of fresh information elicited from neighbouring Arabs, and was left with only one officer and an N.C.O. with whom to break into General Rommel's residence and deal with the guards and Headquarters Staff.

At zero hour on the night of 17th-18th November, 1941, having despatched the covering party to block the approaches to the house, he himself with the two others crawled forward past the guards, through the surrounding fence and so up to the house itself. Without hesitation, he boldly led his party up to the front door, beat on the door and demanded entrance.

Unfortunately, when the door was opened, it was found impossible to overcome the sentry silently, and it was necessary to shoot him. The noise of the shot naturally aroused the inmates of the house and Lieutenants-Colonel Keyes, appreciating that speed was now of the utmost importance, posted the N.C.O. at the foot of the stairs to prevent interference from the floor above. Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes, who instinctively took the lead, emptied his revolver with great success into the first room and was followed by the other officer who threw a grenade.

Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes with great daring then entered the second room on the ground floor but was shot almost immediately on flinging open the door and fell back into, the passage mortally wounded. On being carried outside by his companions he died within a few minutes.

By his fearless disregard of the great dangers which he ran and of which he was fully aware, and by his magnificent leadership and outstanding gallantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Keyes set an example of supreme self sacrifice and devotion to duty.


Additional Infomation:

Son of Admiral of the Fleet Roger John Brownlow Keyes, G.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.M:G., D.S.O., A.D.C., 1st Baron Keyes, and of Lady Keyes (nee Bowlby), of Buckingham.

Also awarded the Military Cross and Croix de Guerre.

Keyes was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. It was later ascertained that Rommel himself had not even been there, having left the house two weeks earlier.

He was buried with full military honours in a local Catholic cemetery on Rommel's orders.

CWGC :: Certificate



Benghazi War Cemetery, Libya

 

George Ward Gunn

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant

Unit: 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, British Army

Awarded: 20th October 1942

Nationality: British

The following details are given in the London Gazette of April 17th, 1942:

On the 21st November, 1941, at Sidi Rezegh, Second-Lieutenant Gunn was in command of a troop of four anti-tank guns which was part of a battery of twelve guns attached to the Rifle Brigade Column. At 10.00 hours a covering force of enemy tanks was engaged and driven off but an hour later the main attack developed by about sixty enemy tanks. Second-Lieutenant Gunn drove from gun to gun during this period in an un-armoured vehicle encouraging his men and reorganising his dispositions as first one gun and then another were knocked out. Finally only two guns remained in action and were subjected to very heavy fire. Immediately afterwards one of these guns was destroyed and the portee of another was set on fire and all the crew killed or wounded except the Sergeant, though the gun itself remained undamaged. The Battery Commander then arrived and started to fight the flames. When-he saw this, Second-Lieutenant Gunn ran to his aid through intense fire and immediately got the one remaining anti-tank gun into action on the burning portee, himself sighting it while the Sergeant acted as loader. He continued to fight the gun, firing between forty and fifty rounds regardless alike of the enemy fire which was by then concentrated on this one vehicle, and of the flames which might at any moment have reached the ammunition with which the portee was loaded. In spite of this, Second-Lieutenant Gunn's shooting was so accurate at a range of about 800 yards that at least two enemy tanks were hit and set on fire and others were damaged before he fell dead, having been shot through the forehead.

Second-Lieutenant Gunn showed the most conspicuous courage in attacking this large number of enemy tanks with a single un-armoured gun, and his utter disregard for extreme danger was an example which inspired all who saw it. He remained undismayed by intense fire and overwhelming odds, and his gallant resistance only ceased with his death.

But for this very gallant action the enemy tanks would undoubtedly have over run our position.


Additional Infomation:

Also awarded the Military Cross

CWGC :: Certificate





Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Libya

 

John Beeley

Rank: Rifleman

Unit: 1st Battalion, King’s Royal Rifle Corps, British Army

Awarded: 20th October 1942

Nationality: British

The following details are given in the London Gazette of April 17th, 1942:

On the 21st November, 1941, during the attack by a Battalion of The King's Royal Rifle Corps at Sidi Rezegh against a strong enemy position, the Company to which Rifleman Beeley belonged was pinned down by heavy fire at point-blank range from the front and flank on the flat and open ground of .the aerodrome. All the officers but one of the Company and many of the other ranks had been either killed or wounded. On his own initiative, and when there was no sort of cover, Rifleman Beeley got to his feet carrying a Bren Gun and ran forward towards a strong enemy post containing an anti-tank gun, a heavy machine gun and a light machine gun. He ran thirty yards and discharged a complete magazine at the post from a range of twenty yards, killing or wounding the entire crew of the anti-tank gun. The post was silenced and Rifleman Beeley's platoon was enabled to advance, but Rifleman Beeley fell dead across his gun, hit in at least four places.

Rifleman Beeley went to certain death in a gallant and successful attempt to carry the day. His courage and self-sacrifice was a glorious example to his comrades and inspired them to further efforts to reach their objective, which was eventually captured by them, together with 700 prisoners.


Additional Infomation:

CWGC :: Certificate





Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Libya

 

John Charles (Jock) Campbell

Rank: Brigadier

Unit: Royal Horse Artillery, British Army

Awarded: 20th October 1942

Nationality: British

The following particulars are given in The London Gazette of 30th January, 1942:

In recognition of most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Sidi Rezegh, in Libya.

On the 21st November Brigadier Campbell was commanding the troops, including one regiment of tanks, in the area of Sidi Rezegh ridge and the aerodrome His small force holding this important ground was repeatedly attacked by large numbers of tanks and infantry. Wherever the situation was most difficult and the fighting hardest he was to be seen with his forward troops, either on his feet or in his open car In this car he carried out several reconnaissance’s for counter-attacks by his tanks, whose senior officers had all become casualties early in the day. Standing in his car with a blue flag, this officer personally formed up tanks under close and intense fire from all natures of enemy weapons.

On the following day the enemy attacks were intensified and again Brigadier Campbell was always in the forefront of the heaviest fighting, encouraging his troops, staging counter-attacks with his remaining tanks and personally controlling the fire of his guns. On two occasions he himself manned a gun to replace casualties. During the final enemy attack on the 22nd November he was wounded, but continued most actively in the foremost positions, controlling the fire of batteries which inflicted heavy losses on enemy tanks at point blank range, and finally acted as loader to one of the guns himself.

Throughout these two days his magnificent example and his utter disregard of personal danger were an inspiration to his men and to all who saw him. His brilliant leadership was the direct cause of the very heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy In spite of his wound he refused to be evacuated and remained with his command, where his outstanding bravery and consistent determination had a marked effect in maintaining the splendid fighting spirit of those under him.


Additional Infomation:

Also awarded the DSO and MC

Later promoted to Lieutenant General.

After being promoted he was given command of 7th Armoured Division and was killed three weeks later when his jeep overturned on a newly laid road surface.

CWGC :: Certificate



Cairo War Cemetery, Eygpt

 

Philip John Gardner

Rank: Lieutenant Acting Captain

Unit: Royal Tank Regiment, British Army

Awarded: 18th May 1945

Nationality: British

The following particulars are given in The London Gazette, of 6th February 1942:

On the morning of November 23rd, 1941, Captain Gardner was ordered to take two tanks to the assistance of two armoured cars of the King's Dragoon Guards which were out of action and under fire in close proximity to the enemy, southeast of Tobruk. He found the two cars halted two hundred yards apart, being heavily fired on at close range and gradually smashed to pieces. Ordering the other tank to give him covering fire, Captain Gardner manoeuvred his own close up to the foremost car; he then dismounted in the face of intense anti-tank and machine gun fire and secured a tow rope to the car; seeing an officer lying beside it with his legs blown off, he lifted him into the car and gave the order to tow. The tow rope, however, broke, and Captain Gardner returned to the armoured car, being immediately wounded in the arm and leg: despite his wounds he lifted the other officer out of the car and carried him back to the tank, placing him on the back engine louvres and climbing alongside to hold him on. While the tank was being driven back to safety it was subjected to heavy shell fire and the loader killed.

The courage, determination and complete disregard for his own safety displayed by Captain Gardner enabled him, despite his own wounds, and in the face of intense fire at close range, to save the life of his fellow officer, in circumstances fraught with great difficulty and danger.


Additional Infomation:

Born in Sydenham, South East London.

Also awarded the MC




Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton. Location of Ashes unknown.

 

James Joseph Bernard Jackman

Rank: Lieutenant Temporary Captain

Unit: The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, British Army

Awarded: 20th October 1942

Nationality: Irish


The citation in the London Gazette of the 27th March, 1942, gives the following details:

On 25th November, 1941, at Ed Duda, South East of Tobruk, Captain Jackman showed outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty above all praise when he was in command of a Machine Gun Company of The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in the Tank attack on the Ed Duda ridge. His magnificent bearing was contributory in a large measure to the success of a most difficult and hard fought action. As the tanks reached the crest of the rise they were met by extremely intense fire from a large number of guns of all descriptions the fire was so heavy that it was doubtful for a moment whether the Brigade could maintain its hold on the position.

The tanks having slowed to "hull-down" positions, settled to beat down the enemy fire, during which time Captain Jackman rapidly pushed up the ridge leading his Machine Gun trucks and saw at once that Anti-Tank Guns were firing at the flank of the tanks, as well as the rows of batteries which the tanks were engaging on their front. He immediately started to get his guns into action as calmly as though he were on manoeuvres and so secured the right flank. Then, standing up in the front of his truck, with calm determination he led his trucks across the front between the tanks and the guns there was no other road to get them into action on the left flank.

Most of the tank commanders saw him, and his exemplary devotion to duty regardless of danger not only inspired his own men but clinched the determination of the tank crews never to relinquish the position which they had gained.

Throughout he coolly directed the guns to their positions and indicated targets to them and at that time seemed to bear a charmed life but later he was killed while still inspiring everyone with the greatest confidence by his bearing.



Additional Infomation:

CWGC :: Certificate





Tobruk War Cemetery, Libya.

 

Arthur Stewart King Scarf

Rank: Squadron Leader

Unit: No.62 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded: 30th July 1946

Nationality: British


The following details are given in the London Gazette of June 21st 1946:

On 9th December, 1941, all available aircraft from the Royal Air Force Station, Butterworth, Malaya, were ordered to make a daylight attack on the advanced operational base of the Japanese Air Force at Singora, Thailand. From this base, the enemy fighter squadrons were supporting the landing operations.

The aircraft detailed for the sortie were on the point of taking off when the enemy made a combined dive-bombing and low level machine-gun attack on the airfield. All our aircraft were destroyed or damaged with the exception of the Blenheim piloted by Squadron Leader Scarf. This aircraft had become airborne a few seconds before the attack started.

Squadron Leader Scarf circled the airfield and witnessed the disaster. It would have been reasonable had he abandoned the projected operation which was intended to be a formation sortie. He decided, however, to press on to Singora in his single aircraft. Although he knew that this individual action could not inflict much material damage on the enemy, he, nevertheless, appreciated the moral effect which it would have on the remainder of the squadron, who were helplessly watching their aircraft burning on the ground.

Squadron Leader Scarf completed his attack successfully. The opposition over the target was severe and included attacks by a considerable number of enemy fighters. In the course of these encounters, Squadron Leader Scarf was mortally wounded.

The enemy continued to engage him in a running fight, which lasted until he had regained the Malayan border. Squadron Leader Scarf fought a brilliant evasive action in a valiant attempt to return to his base. Although he displayed the utmost gallantry and determination, he was, owing to his wounds, unable to accomplish this. He made a successful forced-landing at Alor Star without causing any injury to his crew.

He was received into hospital as soon as possible, but died shortly after admission. Squadron Leader Scarf displayed supreme heroism in the face of tremendous odds and his splendid example of self-sacrifice will long be remembered.


Additional Infomation:

At the time of his death he was about to become a father for the first time.

His pregnant wife was a nurse based at the Alor Star hospital, but had just been evacuated south.

Because of the chaotic nature of the Malayan campaign, the facts concerning Scarf's actions were not known until after the war.

CWGC :: Certificate



Taiping War Cemetery, Malaya

 

John Robert Osborn

Rank: Warrant Officer II (Company Sergeant Major)

Unit: 1st Battalion, Winnipeg Grenadiers, Canadian Army

Awarded: ?

Nationality: Canadian

The following details are given in the London Gazette of 1st April 1946


At Hong Kong on the morning of the 19th December, 1941, a Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers to which Company-Sergeant-Major Osborn belonged, became divided during an attack on Mount Butler, a hill rising steeply above sea level. A part of the Company led by Company-Sergeant-Major Osborn captured the hill at the point of the bayonet and held it for three hours when, owing to the superior numbers of the enemy and to fire from an unprotected flank, the position became untenable. Company-Sergeant-Major Osborn and a small group covered the withdrawal and when their turn came to fall back Osborn, single-handed, engaged the enemy while the remainder successfully joined the Company. Company-Sergeant-Major Osborn had to run the gauntlet of heavy rifle and machine gun fire. With no consideration for his own safety he assisted and directed stragglers to the new Company position, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to cover their retirement. Wherever danger threatened he was there to encourage his men.

During the afternoon the Company was cut off from the Battalion and completely surrounded by the enemy who were able to approach to within grenade throwing distance of the slight depression which the Company were holding. Several enemy grenades were thrown which Company-Sergeant-Major Osborn picked up and threw back. The enemy threw a grenade which landed in a 'position where it was impossible to pick it up and return it in time. Shouting a warning to his comrades this gallant Warrant Officer threw himself on the grenade which exploded killing him instantly. His self-sacrifice undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.

Company-Sergeant-Major Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight and a half hours, and in his death he displayed the highest qualities of heroism and self-sacrifice.


Additional Infomation:

Although Osborn was born in England his VC was the first Canadian of the war.

Osborn has no known grave.

His was the only Victoria Cross awarded for the Battle of Hong Kong.

In 2005, a plaque remembering Osborn's sacrifice was unveiled on the Sir David Wilson trail parallel to where he fell.

The supposed spot where he died is marked by a pile of rocks nearby the sign, but is relatively inaccessible due to heavy foliage.

CWGC :: Certificate




Sai Wan Bay Memorial, Hong Kong

 

Arthur Edward Cumming

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Unit: 2nd Battalion, 12th Frontier Force, Indian Army

Awarded: 29th July 1947

Nationality: British

The citation in the London Gazette of 20th February 1942, gives the following particulars:

On the 3rd January, 1942, in Malaya, a strong force of the enemy penetrated the position while Brigade Headquarters and a Battalion were being withdrawn. Lieutenant-Colonel Gumming with a small party of men immediately counter-attacked the enemy and prevented any further penetration of the position until his whole party had become casualties, and he himself had received two bayonet wounds in the stomach. By this brave counter-attack Lieutenant-Colonel Gumming enabled the major portion of our men and vehicles to be withdrawn. Later, in spite of pain and weakness from his wounds, this officer drove in a carrier for more than an hour under very heavy fire collecting isolated detachments of our men. He then received two further wounds, after which and while attempting to collect a further isolated detachment, he lost consciousness and the driver of the carrier attempted to evacuate him. Lieutenant-Colonel Gumming, however, recovered consciousness and insisted on remaining where he was until he discovered that he and his driver were the sole survivors in the locality. He then decided to retire.

By his outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty, he was largely instrumental in the safe withdrawal of the Brigade.



Additional Infomation:

Later promoted to Brigadier.

Also awarded the OBE and Military Cross.




Entry in Warriston Crematorium Book of Remembrance.



Warriston Crematorium Garden of Remembrance where Cummings Ashes were scattered.