George Thomas Dorrell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Picture submitted by Franklyncards

George Thomas Dorrell (VC, MBE) (July 7, 1880–7 January 1971) 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 34 years old, and a Battery Sergeant Major in the 'L' Bty., Royal Artillery (RHA), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 1 September 1914 at Nery, France, during a fierce attack by the enemy, all the officers of 'L' Battery were either killed or wounded, including the officer (Edward Kinder Bradbury) in command, who, although having had one leg taken off by a shell, continued to direct the firing until he died. Battery Sergeant-Major Dorrell then took over command with the support of a sergeant (David Nelson) and continued to fire one of the guns until all the ammunition was expended.

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

[edit] References

Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
VCs of the First World War - 1914 (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)

There is a suggestion that Dorrel died on 7 January 1971 - confirmation needed.

A date of death in 1923 was previously given in this entry. However, the date 7 January 1971 is given on his grave (See Monuments to Courage) and in the exhibit of the gun used in this action in the Imperial War Museum