Wilfrith Elstob

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wilfrith Elstob (VC, DSO, MC) (1889 - March 21, 1918) was an English posthumous 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.

[edit] Details

Elstob was 29 years old, and a temporary lieutenant colonel in the 16th Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, British Army, Commander during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 21 March 1918 at the Manchester Redoubt, near St. Quentin, France, Lieutenant Colonel Elstob encouraged his men during the preliminary bombardment, giving personal support with revolver, rifle and bombs. Single-handed, he repulsed one bombing assault and later when ammunition was required, made several journeys under heavy fire to replenish the supply. By means of a buried cable he sent a message to his brigade commander that the Manchesters would hold the position to the last, and although he was wounded twice he inspired his men to do this until he was killed, in the final assault.

[edit] The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment, at the Town Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne, England.

[edit] References

Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)
Wilfrith Elstob, VC, DSO, MC: Manchester Regiment - "Here We Fight, Here We Die" (Robert Bonner, 1998)