The Untold Stories of Valiant VCs: Unveiling the Heroes of the First World War Somme 1916

In the annals of history, certain battles etch themselves indelibly onto the minds and hearts of those who hear their tales. The Battle of Somme in 1916 is one such instalment, forever immortalized in the blood-soaked soil of northern France.

As the dust settled on the trenches, stories of valour and sacrifice emerged, whispered across the battlefields and preserved in the pages of history. Among those tales are the extraordinary acts of bravery that earned soldiers the highest military honour - the Victoria Cross (VC).

Understanding the Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross, established in 1856, is a decoration for exceptional bravery in the face of the enemy. It is the highest military decoration awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. During the harrowing years of the First World War, the Somme witnessed the gallantry of numerous soldiers who selflessly risked their lives for their comrades and country.

VCs of the First World War: Somme 1916

by Gerald Gliddon(Paperback – January 1, 2012)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1582 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	19 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	288 pages
Item Weight	:	11.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.8 x 8 inches

FREE

The Heroes of Somme 1916

The Battle of Somme commenced on the 1st of July, 1916, and lasted until mid-November, resulting in more than a million casualties. Amidst the chaos and carnage, several individuals showed unwavering courage. Their stories continue to inspire generations, veritable pillars of heroism that deserve to be remembered.

The Valiant VC Recipients

Among the recipients of the Victoria Cross during the Battle of Somme, the first name that stands tall is Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. Commanding the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, he led his men in an attack on Wytschaete on the 21st of September, 1916. Despite sustaining severe injuries, he refused to be evacuated and continued to direct operations with exceptional courage.

Another remarkable VC recipient was Sergeant Robert Ormsby. Serving with the 14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, he led his men during an attack on Regina Trench on the 1st of July, 1916. Despite heavy enemy fire and constant threats, he single-handedly captured three German machine guns, displaying immense bravery and resourcefulness.

The Brave Stories of Heroism

Private James Martin, a member of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, was posthumously awarded the VC for his incredible acts of courage during the Battle of Thiepval Ridge on the 1st of July, 1916. Despite being subjected to heavy artillery fire and severe injuries, he crawled for several hours to deliver reports, displaying unwavering determination and selflessness.

A lesser-known hero, Lieutenant Christopher Hewett, demonstrated exceptional bravery during the Battle of Delville Wood between the 15th and 20th of July, 1916. Though critically injured by a shell explosion, he continued commanding his men and setting an example, even as he succumbed to his wounds.

Preserving Our History

These tales of valour are but a fraction of the countless acts of heroism that transpired during the Battle of Somme in 1916. It is imperative that we preserve and honor the memory of these brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the greater good.

By delving into their stories and sharing them with the world, we ensure that their legacy lives on, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary courage displayed by those who fought in the First World War. The Victoria Cross recipients of the Battle of Somme continue to inspire countless individuals, igniting a flame of bravery and sacrifice within each generation.

As we reflect upon the tumultuous events of the First World War Somme in 1916, the stories of these revered Victoria Cross recipients intercept our hearts. Their unwavering courage and selflessness in the face of unimaginable adversity remind us of the true spirit of heroism.

It is our duty to ensure that these stories are shared, commemorated, and cherished for generations to come. By doing so, we not only honor the memory of these extraordinary individuals but also rejuvenate the values of bravery and sacrifice within ourselves.

VCs of the First World War: Somme 1916

by Gerald Gliddon(Paperback – January 1, 2012)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1582 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	19 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	288 pages
Item Weight	:	11.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.8 x 8 inches

FREE

The Battle of the Somme, which lasted from 1 July to 18 November 1916, is remembered as one of the most horrific and tragic battles of World War I. On the first day alone nearly 19,000 British troops were killed—the greatest one-day loss in the history of the British Army. By November the death toll from the armies of Britain, France, and Germany had risen to more than a million. This book tells the stories of 51 soldiers from the Commonwealth and Empire armies whose bravery on the battlefield was rewarded by the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor—men like Private Billy McFadzean, who was blown up by two grenades which he smothered in order to save the lives of his comrades, and Private "Todger" Jones, who single-handedly rounded up 102 German soldiers. Not only do we learn of heroic endeavors of these men at the height of battle, but we also read of their lives before 1914, ranging from the backstreets of Glasgow to a country house in Cheshire, and of what life was like after the war for the 33 survivors.