Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey
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Frederick Maurice Watson Harvey VC MC (September 1, 1888 – August 24, 1980), born Athboy, County Meath, Ireland was an Irish born naturalised Canadian 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.
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[edit] Details
He was 28 years old, and a lieutenant in Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), Canadian Army, during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 27 March 1917 at Guyencourt, France, during an attack by the regiment, the leading troop, commanded by Lieutenant Harvey, had suffered heavy casualties from rapid fire at close range. He was riding in front of his men when he came upon a wired trench containing a machine-gun and a strong garrison. He at once swung from his saddle and ran straight for the trench, jumped the wire, shot the gunner and captured the gun.
[edit] Further information
Also considered Irish. He later achieved the rank of brigadier. Buried at Union Cemetery, Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada. (Submitted by Corporal L.J. Ramsden, CD, 22 December 2000)
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Regiments (Calgary, Alberta, Canada). It is the only Victoria Cross currently on display in the world that shows both sides of the medal.
[edit] References
- Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Irelands VCs ISBN 1-899243-00-3 Dept of Economic Development The Cultural Traditions Group 1995
- Corporal L.J. Ramsden, CD
