Edward Dwyer

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Photo submitted by Paul Hinckley

Photo by Terry Macdonald

Edward Dwyer VC (25 November 1895-3 September 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 19 years old, and a Private in the 1st Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 20 April 1915 at Hill 60, Belgium, when his trench was heavily attacked by German grenade-throwers, Private Dwyer climbed on to the parapet and although subjected to a hail of bombs at close quarters, succeeded in dispersing the enemy by the effective use of hand-grenades. Earlier in the day he had left his trench under heavy shellfire to bandage his wounded comrades.

He was killed in action, Guillemont, France, on 3 September 1916.

He later achieved the rank of Corporal. Grave/memorial at Grave at Flatiron Copse Military Cemetery, France. 4 miles E. of Albert. Plot III, Row J, Grave 3, Headstone.

Sergeant Dwyer can be heard speaking about his service in The Great War on the CD 'For Valour :The Victoria Cross 1914-1945'. An excerpt from his recording is used and credited in the close of the song 'Trenches' recorded by John Mayall on his CD Blues for the Lost Days.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment (Queens and Royal Hampshires) (Dover Castle, England).