| William Edgar Holmes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 June 1895 Wood Stanway, Gloucestershire |
| Died | 9 October 1918 Cattenières, France |
| Buried at | Carnieres Communal Cemetery Extension |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1915-1918 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Gloucestershire Regiment Grenadier Guards |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
William Edgar Holmes VC (26 June 1895 – 9 October 1918) 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.
Holmes was 23 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, British Army during the First World War. On 9 October 1918 at Cattenières, France, he performed the deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died in action that day.[1]
No. 16796 Pte. William Edgar Holmes, late 2nd Bn., G. Gds. (Didbrook, nr. Winchmere, Glos.).For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Cattenieres on the 9th October, 1918.
Pte. Holmes carried in two men under the most intense fire, and, while he was attending to a third case, he was severely wounded. In spite of this, he continued to carry wounded, and was shortly afterwards again wounded, with fatal results. By his self-sacrifice and disregard of danger he was the means of saving the lives of several of his comrades.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Grenadier Guards RHQ), Wellington Barracks, London.