George Campbell Wheeler

George Campbell Wheeler
VC
Born 7 April 1880
Yokohama, Japan
Died 26 August 1938 (aged 58)
Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire
Buried at St Mary Magdalene Churchyard, New Milton
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Indian Army
Rank Lieutenant Colonel
Unit 9th Gurkha Rifles
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

George Campbell Wheeler VC (7 April 1880[1] – 26 August 1938) was a 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.

Early life

He attended Bedford School from 1893 to 1897.

Details

He was 36 years old, and a Major in the 2nd Battalion, 9th Gurkha Rifles, British Indian Army during World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.[2]

On 23 February 1917 at Shumran on the River Tigris, Mesopotamia, Major Wheeler, together with one Gurkha officer and eight men crossed the river and rushed the enemy's trench in the face of very heavy fire. Having obtained a footing on the far bank, he was almost immediately counter-attacked by the enemy with a party of bombers. Major Wheeler at once led a charge, receiving in the process a severe bayonet wound in the head. In spite of this, however, he managed to disperse the enemy and consolidate his position.[2]

He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.[1]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "National Army Museum". Retrieved March 4, 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30122. p. 5702. 8 June 1917. Retrieved 4 April 2015.

See also

References

    External links