Harry Cator
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Harry Cator VC, MM, (January 24, 1894 - April 7, 1966) 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 Drayton in Norfolk.
He was 23 years old, and a sergeant in the 7th Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 9 April 1917 near Arras, France, Sergeant Cator's platoon had suffered heavy casualties from a hostile machine-gun. Under heavy fire the sergeant, with one man, advanced across the open to attack the gun and when his companion was killed, he went on alone. Picking up a Lewis gun and some ammunition drums on his way, he succeeded in reaching the enemy trench and sighting another hostile machine-gun, he killed the entire team and the officer. He held the end of the trench with such effect that the bombing squad were able to capture 100 prisoners and five machine-guns.
He later achieved the rank of Captain. He died in 1966 in Norwich on 7 April and is buried in Sprowston cemetery.
