William Edgar Holmes

William Edgar Holmes
Born 26 June 1895
Wood Stanway, Gloucestershire
Died 9 October 1918
Cattenières, France
Buried at Carnieres Communal Cemetery Extension
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service 1915-1918
Rank Private
Unit Gloucestershire Regiment
Grenadier Guards
Battles/wars World War I
Awards Victoria Cross

William Edgar Holmes VC (26 June 1895 – 9 October 1918) 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.

Holmes was 23 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, British Army during the First World War. On 9 October 1918 at Cattenières, France, he performed the deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died in action that day.[1]

No. 16796 Pte. William Edgar Holmes, late 2nd Bn., G. Gds. (Didbrook, nr. Winchcombe, Glos.).

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Cattenieres on the 9th October, 1918.

Pte. Holmes carried in two men under the most intense fire, and, while he was attending to a third case, he was severely wounded. In spite of this, he continued to carry wounded, and was shortly afterwards again wounded, with fatal results. By his self-sacrifice and disregard of danger he was the means of saving the lives of several of his comrades.

— London Gazette[2]

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Guards Regimental Headquarters (Grenadier Guards RHQ), Wellington Barracks, London.

References

  1. ↑ "Casualty Details: Holmes, William Edgar". Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
  2. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31082. pp. 15118–15119. 24 December 1918. Retrieved 3 March 2009.
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