Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson

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Colyer-Fergusson's grave

Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson VC (February 18, 1896 - July 31, 1917), 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 21 years old, and an acting captain in the 2nd Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 31 July 1917 at Bellewaarde, Belgium, Captain Colyer-Fergusson unexpectedly found himself with a sergeant and five men only. He carried out the planned attack nevertheless and succeeded in capturing the enemy trench. During an enemy counter-attack, assisted only by his orderly, he attacked and captured an enemy machine-gun, turning it on the assailants. Later, assisted only by his sergeant, he again attacked and captured a second enemy machine-gun, but shortly afterwards he was killed by a sniper.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of The Northamptonshire Regiment (48th & 58th Foot), Northampton, England and he is buried in Menin Road South Military Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.