Harry Wells VC (19 September 1888 – 25 September 1915) was an English 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.
Harry Wells | |
|---|---|
 Harry Wells VC Headstone at Dud Corner Cemetery | |
| Born | 19 September 1888 Herne Bay, Kent |
| Died | 25 September 1915 (aged 27) Near Le Rutoire, Loos, France |
| Buried | Dud Corner Cemetery |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service |  British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Royal Sussex Regiment |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Police officer |
Details
editWells was 27 years old, and a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
For most conspicuous bravery near Le Retoire on 25th September, 1915. When his Platoon Officer had been killed he took command and led his men forward to within fifteen yards of the German wire. Nearly half the Platoon were killed or wounded, and the remainder were much shaken, but with the utmost coolness and bravery Serjeant Wells rallied them and led them forward. Finally, when very few were left, he stood up and urged them forward once more, but while doing this he was killed. He gave a magnificent example of courage and determination.[1]
Further information
editWells is buried in Dud Corner Cemetery, Le Rutoire, near Loos. 2 miles NW of Lens. Plot V, Row E, Grave 2.[2]
The medal
editHis VC is displayed at the Eastbourne Redoubt Museum, Eastbourne, Sussex, England.
References
edit- ^ "No. 29371". The London Gazette (Supplement). 16 November 1915. pp. 11448–11449.
- ^ CWGC entry
Bibliography
edit- Batchelor, Peter; Matson, Christopher (2011). The Western Front 1915. VCs of the First World War. Stroud, Gloucestershire: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-6057-4.
- Ingleton, Roy (2011). Kent VCs. Pen and Sword Books. ISBN 978-1848844094.
- Oldfield, Paul (2015). Victoria Crosses on the Western Front, April 1915–June 1916. Pen and Sword Books. ISBN 978-1783030439.
External links
edit- Redoubt Fortress Museum Archived 18 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- Eastbourne Redoubt
- Profile