'THE GREAT WAR', 'THE WAR TO END WAR', 'WORLD WAR 1'
'What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
- Only the monstrous anger of the guns.'
from 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'
by Wilfred Owen
1914 - 1918
THE VICTORIA CROSS
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Oldham and its surrounding district can lay claim to no less than 3 soldiers who were awarded the highest decoration possible, 'The Victoria Cross', One of these was Walter Mills
Private Walter Mills, 2154 |
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His entry on the 'Manchesters' website reads: LG [London Gazette]13-Feb-1918 Citation reads, A strong enemy patrol endeavoured to rush our posts after a gas attack, which had caused the garrison to be overcome. In spite of being badly gassed himself, he met the attack single-handed, continuously throwing bombs until reinforcements arrived, remaining at his post until the enemy attack had been driven off. It was entirely due to his exertions that the enemy was defeated and the line was completely retained. It was whilst he was being carried to a Medical Station that he died. Born 22-June-1894 Oldham Lancashire He was 23 years old, and a private in C Company, the 1/10th Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, British Army, manning a position at Red Dragon Crater near Givenchy, France, was awarded the VC According to a wikipedia entry. His VC Medal was buried with his Daughter Ellen, who died in the 1920s.
'Oldham Terriers - Their Part in the War' by Sgt. Maurice Bradbury, M.M. |
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