George Campbell Wheeler VC (7 April 1880[1] – 26 August 1938) was a recipient of 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.
George Campbell Wheeler VC | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 7 April 1880 Yokohama, Japan |
| Died | 26 August 1938 (aged 58) Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire |
| Buried | St Mary Magdalene Churchyard, New Milton |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service |  British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1900- |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 9th Gurkha Rifles |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Early life
editWheeler was born in 1880, and attended Bedford School from 1893 to 1897.[citation needed] He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Indian Staff Corps on 20 January 1900, and served with the 9th (Gurkha Rifle) Bengal Infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant on 20 April 1902.[2]
Details
editHe was 36 years old, and a major in the 2nd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, British Indian Army during World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.[3]
On 23 February 1917 at Shumran on the River Tigris, Mesopotamia, Major Wheeler, together with one Gurkha officer and eight men of Khas battalion crossed the river and rushed the enemy's trench in the face of very heavy fire. Having obtained a footing on the far bank, he was almost immediately counter-attacked by the enemy with a party of bombers. Major Wheeler at once led a charge, receiving in the process a severe bayonet wound in the head. In spite of this, however, he managed to disperse the enemy and consolidate his position.[3]
He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.[citation needed]
The medal
editHis Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.[1]
Notes
edit- ^ a b "National Army Museum". Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ "No. 27469". The London Gazette. 29 August 1902. p. 5608.
- ^ a b "No. 30122". The London Gazette (Supplement). 8 June 1917. p. 5702.
See also
editReferences
edit- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
External links
edit- Location of grave and VC medal (Hampshire)