Henry John Andrews

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Henry John Andrews VC MBE (1873 - 22 October 1919) 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.

[edit] Details

The Victoria Cross

He was about 48 years old, and a Temporary Captain in the Indian Medical Service, British Indian Army during the Waziristan Campaign, India when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. The citation was published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 7 September 1920 (dated 9 September 1920):^[1]

“

His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers: —

The late Temporary Captain Henry John Andrews, M.B.E., Indian Medical 'Service.

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on, the 22nd October, 1919, when as Senior Medical Officer in charge of Khajuri Post (Waziristan) he heard that a convoy had been attacked in the vicinity of the post, and that men had been wounded. He at once took out an Aid Post to the scene of action and, approaching under heavy fire, established an Aid Post under conditions which afforded some protection to the wounded but not to himself.

Subsequently he was compelled to move his Aid Post to another position, and continued most devotedly to attend to the wounded.

Finally, when a Ford van was available to remove, the wounded, he showed the utmost disregard of danger in collecting the wounded under fire and in placing them in the van, and was eventually killed whilst himself stepping into the van on the completion of his task.

”

He was buried in Bannu Cemetery, and is commemorated on the Delhi Memorial (India Gate).^[2]

The medal is still in private ownership.