Michael Heaviside

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Michael Heaviside (20 October 1880- 26 April 1939) 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.

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He was 36 years old, and a Private in the 15th Bn., The Durham Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 6 May 1917 near Fontaine-les-Croiselles, France, a wounded man was seen, at about 2pm, in a shell hole some 40 yards from the enemy line. It was impossible to rescue him during daylight, but Private Heaviside volunteered to take water and food to him. This he succeeded in doing, in spite of heavy gun fire, and found that the man was nearly demented with thirst and had been lying in the shell hole for four days and three nights. The arrival of the water undoubtedly saved his life. Private Heaviside succeeded the same evening, with the help of two comrades, in rescuing the man.