William Anderson (VC)

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William Anderson (1885 - 13 March 1915) was a Scottish 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 about 29 years old, and a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 12 March 1915 at Neuve Chapelle, France, Corporal Anderson led three men with bombs against a large party of the enemy who had entered the Allied trenches, and by his prompt and determined action saved what might have otherwise become a serious situation. Corporal Anderson first threw his own bombs, then those in the possession of the other men (all of whom had been wounded) amongst the Germans, after which he opened rapid fire upon them with great effect notwithstanding that he was at the time quite alone.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Green Howards Museum (Richmond, Yorkshire, England).

VICTORIA CROSS FOR A FORRES SOLDIER, Forres Gazette, July 7, 1915

The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria Cross to No. 8191, Corporal William Anderson, 2nd Battalion, Alexandra Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorks Regiment), which is know as the “Green Howards”, for most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on the 20th of March 1915 when he led three men with bombs against a large party of the enemy who had entered our trenches and who had by this prompt and determined action saved what might otherwise have become a serious situation. Corporal Anderson first threw his own bombs then those in possession of his three men, who had all been wounded among the Germans after which he opened rapid fire upon them with great effect, notwithstanding that he was by this time quite alone. William Anderson, who was born in Dallas, was the son of the late Mr. Anderson, Murdoch Buildings, Forres, a plasterer with Mr. Adam Ross, (now of Regina Sask). He was brought up and educated in Forres and when quite a young man went to Glasgow and was for several years employed as a car conductor with the Corporation Tramways. Subsequently he removed to Newcastle-on-Tyne, where an elder brother of the family was serving with the Alexandra Princess of Wales’ Own (Yorks Regiment) and enlisted in the same battalion, serving in it for a period of seven years in Egypt and India. On the expiry of his service he returned to Glasgow and was employed in the Elder Hospital in Govan. He had been only a year there when he resolved to emigrate to Australia and was on his way to see his friends at Forres before his departure; but on the outbreak of the war he was called to the colours as a reservist and went to the front in France with the Expiditionary Force. After the engagement at Neuve Chapelle he was reported missing but as a result of inquiry it was found that he had been wounded and his relatives are still in hopes that he was captured and is now a prisoner in Germany. In addition to his brother James who is in the same regiment drilling troops at Aldwick, another brother–the youngest of the family, is serving at the front with the Highland Light Infantry. Mrs. Macleod, Caroline Street, Forres, is a daughter of the family. Her friends here congratulate her on the honour gained by her brother and will cherish with her the hopes that he may ere long be traced and return home in safety.