Richard Wakeford

Richard Wakeford
Capt. Wakeford receiving his VC from King George VI
Born	23 July 1921 Kensington, London
Died	27 August 1972 Leatherhead, Surrey
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Major
Unit	Royal Hampshire Regiment
Battles/wars	World War II
Awards	Victoria Cross

Major Richard Wakeford VC (23 July 1921–27 August 1972) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross during World War II, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

Wakeford was born in Kensington, London, and educated at Westminster School.

Wakeford was 22 years old, and a temporary captain in the 2/4th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment of the British Army, during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 13 May 1944 near Cassino, Italy, Captain Wakeford, accompanied by his orderly and armed only with a revolver, went forward and killed a number of men from the German 1st Parachute Division and took 20 prisoners. When attacking a hill feature the following day his company came under heavy fire, although wounded in the face and both arms, Captain Wakeford pressed home the attack. He was wounded again, but reached the objective and consolidated the position.^[1]

Further information

He later achieved the rank of major, retiring from the army in 1947.^[2] Wakefield died at Leatherhead, Surrey, in 1972 aged 51 and was cremated at Leatherhead Randalls Park Crematorium.

His VC is held by the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers in London.

References

• British VCs of World War 2 (John Laffin, 1997)
• Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (Surrey)