Edward Felix Baxter

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Edward Felix Baxter (18 September 1885—18 April 1916) 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.

He was born in Oldswinford near Stourbidge in Worcestershire, son of Charles & Beatrice (nee Sparrow.)

He was 30 years old, and a Second Lieutenant in the 1/8th Battalion, The King's (Liverpool) Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 17/18 April 1916 near Blairville, France, prior to a raid, Second Lieutenant Baxter was engaged on cutting wire close to the enemy's trenches. While doing this, he held a bomb with the pin withdrawn and once the bomb slipped and fell. He picked it up, unscrewed the base plug and dug out the detonator which he smothered in the ground, preventing the alarm being given and saving many casualties. Later, leading a storming party, he was first into the trench. After assisting in bombing dugouts, he finally climbed out, helping the last man over the parapet. He was not seen again.

Grave/memorial at Grave at Fillievres British Cemetery, France. 8 miles S.W. of Hesdin. Row A. Grave 10. Headstone.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum (London, England).