William Job Maillard
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William Job Maillard VC (10 March 1863-10 September 1903) 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.
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He was 35 years old, and a surgeon in the Royal Navy during the occupation of Crete 1897-1898 when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 6 September 1898 at Candia, Crete, Greece, two parties of men from HMS Hazard went to the assistance of the Customs House Garrison which was being besieged. Later, when medical help was called for, Surgeon Maillard, who had disembarked and reached a place of safety, went back through a deluge of bullets in an attempt to rescue one of the seamen who was wounded and had fallen back into the boat. He was, however, almost dead and it was impossible for the surgeon to lift him, as the boat was drifting. He returned to his post unhurt, but his clothes were riddled with bullets.
First and only naval medical officer to win VC. He later achieved the rank of staff Surgeon.
The medal is in private ownership. A replica is on display at the Institute of Naval Medicine, Alverstoke, Gosport, PO12 2DL.
