John Norwood

John Norwood

Memorial in St Michael's Church, East Peckham
Born 8 September 1876
Beckenham, Kent
Died 8 September 1914 (aged 38)
Sablonnieres, France
Buried at Sablonnieres New Communal Cemetery
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service 1899-1914 †
Rank Captain
Unit 5th Dragoon Guards
Battles/wars
Awards Victoria Cross

Captain John Norwood VC (8 September 1876 – 8 September 1914) 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.

Details

Norwood was 23 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 5th Dragoon Guards (Princess Charlotte of Wales's), British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place at Ladysmith for which he was awarded the VC:

On the 30th October, 1899, this Officer went out from Ladysmith in charge of a small patrol of the 5th Dragoon Guards. They came under a heavy fire from the enemy, who were posted on a ridge in great force. The patrol, which had arrived within about 600 yards of the ridge, then retired at full speed. One man dropped, and Second Lieutenant Norwood galloped back about 300 yards through heavy fire, dismounted, and picking up the fallen trooper, carried him out of fire on his back, at the same time leading his horse with one hand. The enemy kept up an incessant fire during the whole time that Second Lieutenant Norwood was carrying the man until he was quite out of range.[1]

He later achieved the rank of captain. Norwood served in the First World War and was killed in action during the First Battle of the Marne at Sablonnieres, France, on 8 September 1914. A brass memorial to him can be seen in St Michael's Church, East Peckham, Kent[2]

His VC is on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum, London.

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 27212. p. 4509. 20 July 1900. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
  2. ↑ CWGC entry

External links