George Stuart Henderson

George Stuart Henderson
Born 5 December 1893
East Gordon, Scottish Borders
Died 24 July 1920 (aged 26)
Hillah, Mesopotamia
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service 1914 - 1920
Rank Captain
Unit The Manchester Regiment
Battles/wars World War I
1920 Iraqi Revolt
Awards Victoria Cross
Distinguished Service Order & Bar
Military Cross

Captain George Stuart Henderson VC DSO & Bar MC (5 December 1893 – 24 July 1920) was a Scottish 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.

Details

Henderson was 26 years old, and a captain in the 2nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, British Army during the 1920 Iraqi revolt, than called Mesopotamia when the following deed took place on 24 July 1920 near Hillah, Mesopotamia for which he was awarded the VC.

The late Captain George Stuart Henderson, D.S.O., M.C:, 2nd Bn., Manchester Regt. For most conspicuous bravery and self sacrifice.

On the evening of the 24th July, 1920, when about fifteen miles from Hillah (Mesopotamia), the Company under his command was ordered to retire. After proceeding about 500 yards a large party of Arabs suddenly opened fire from the flank, causing the Company to split up and waver. Regardless of all danger, Capt. Henderson at once reorganised the Company, led them gallantly to the attack and drove off the enemy. On two further occasions this officer led his men to charge the Arabs with the bayonet and forced them to retire. At one time, wnen the situation was extremely critical and tihe troops and transport were getting out of hand, Capt. Henderson, by sheer pluck and coolness,, steadied his command prevented the Company from being cut up and saved the situation. During the second charge he fell wounded, but refused to leave his command, and just as the Company reached the trench they were making for he was again wounded. Realising that he could do no more, he asked one of his N.C.O.'s to hold him up on the embankment, saying, "I'm, done now, don't let them beat you." He died fighting.

[1]

He is commemorated on Jedburgh War Memorial and the Basra memorial.[2]

The Manchester Regiment amalgamated with the King's Regiment (Liverpool) in 1958 to become the King's Regiment. In 2006 the King's Regiment, the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and the Queen's Lancashire Regiment amalgamated to become today's Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in Ashton-under-Lyne, England.

References

  1. ↑ London Gazette
  2. ↑ CWGC entry

External links