William Arthur McCrae Bruce
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William Arthur McCrae Bruce (15 June 1890-19 December 1914) 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.
[edit] Details
He was 24 years old, and a lieutenant in the 59th Scinde Rifles, Indian Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 19 December 1914 near Givenchy, France, during a night attack, Lieutenant Bruce was in command of a small party which captured one of the enemy trenches. In spite of being wounded in the neck he walked up and down the trench encouraging his men to hold out against several counter-attacks until he was killed. The fire from rifles and bombs was very heavy all day and it was due to his example and encouragement that the men were able to hold out until dusk when the trench was finally captured by the enemy.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
- VCs of the First World War - 1914 (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)
