Ernest Sykes (VC)
| Ernest Sykes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
4 April 1885 Mossley, West Riding of Yorkshire |
| Died |
3 August 1949 (aged 64) Lockwood, West Yorkshire |
| Buried at | Woodfield Cemetery, Lockwood |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1915 - 1918 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit |
The Sherwood Foresters Northumberland Fusiliers Home Guard |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Ernest Sykes VC (4 April 1885 – 3 August 1949) 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 32 years old, and a private in the 27th (Service) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 19 April 1917, near Arras, France, the battalion in attack was held up by intense fire from front and flank, and suffered heavy casualties. Private Sykes, despite this heavy fire, went forward and brought back four wounded. He then made a fifth journey and remained out under conditions which appeared to be certain death, until he had bandaged all those too badly injured to be moved.
During the Second World War Sykes returned to serve with the 25th Battalion West Riding Home Guard.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Fusiliers Museum of Northumberland, Alnwick, Northumberland, England.
References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- Scotland's Forgotten Valour (Graham Ross, 1995)
External links
- Location of grave and VC medal (West Yorkshire)
- Manchester Heroes