Wallace Duffield Wright
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Brigadier General Wallace Duffield Wright VC, CB, CMG, DSO (20 September 1875 – 25 March 1953) was a 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.
Wright was 27 years old, and a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, The Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, British Army, employed Northern Nigeria Regiment during the Kano-Sokoto Expedition, Nigeria when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC (currently on display at The Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment Museum.
On 26 February 1903 in Nigeria, Lieutenant Wright, with only one other officer and 44 men sustained the determined charges of 1,000 horse and 2,000 foot for two hours and when the enemy, after heavy losses, fell back in good order, Lieutenant Wright continued to follow them until they were in full retreat. The personal example of this officer, as well as his skilful leadership, contributed largely to the brilliant success of the affair.
In 1928, Wright was elected at a by-election as Conservative Member of Parliament for Tavistock following the death of the sitting MP Philip Kenyon-Slaney. He was re-elected at the 1929 general election, but stood down at the 1931 general election.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
[edit] External links
- Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment: Wallace Duffield Wright
- Location of grave and VC medal (Brookwood Cemetery)
- The Brookwood Cemetery Society (Known Holders of the Victoria Cross Commemorated in Brookwood Cemetery)
Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
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Preceded by Philip Kenyon-Slaney |
Member of Parliament for Tavistock 1928–1931 |
Succeeded by Colin Mark Patrick |
Categories: 1875 births | 1953 deaths | Members of the United Kingdom Parliament from English constituencies | Conservative MPs (UK) | British Army officers | Companions of the Order of the Bath | Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George | Companions of the Distinguished Service Order | British Victoria Cross recipients