Billy Congreve
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William "Billy" La Touche Congreve VC, DSO, MC (March 12, 1891-July 20, 1916) 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 25 years old, and a Major in The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
During the period 6 July to 20 July 1916 at Longueval, France, Major Congreve constantly inspired those round him by numerous acts of gallantry. As Brigade Major he not only conducted battalions up to their positions but when the Brigade headquarters was heavily shelled he went out with the medical officer to remove the wounded to places of safety, although he himself was suffering from gas and other shell effects. He went out again on a subsequent occasion tending the wounded under heavy shell fire. Finally, on returning to the front line to ascertain the position after an unsuccessful attack, he was shot and died instantly.
Son of Captain Walter Norris Congreve, VC - they are one of only three father and son pairings to win a VC. Grave/memorial at Buried at Corbie Communal Cemetery Extension, France. 9m E. of Amiens. Plot I. Row F. Grave 35. Headstone. The is also a memorial to him in the form of a plaque in Corbie church, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Green Jackets Museum (Winchester, England).
He graduated from Eton in 1904.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Somme (Gerald Gliddon, 1994)
- No Time to Spare? A History of Summer Fields War Dead(Chris Sparrow, 2006)http://www.summerfields.oxon.sch.uk/user_pages/no_time_to_spare/NTTS.php
