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Victoria Crosses of the First World War: Gallipoli

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VCs of the First World War: Gallipoli

by Stephen Snelling

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5593 KB
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Print length	:	406 pages

The Gallipoli campaign was one of the most disastrous in British military history. Thousands of lives were lost, and the campaign ended in defeat. However, amidst the carnage, there were also moments of great heroism. Twenty-six Victoria Crosses were awarded to British and Dominion soldiers during the campaign. These awards recognized acts of exceptional bravery and self-sacrifice.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of these Victoria Cross recipients.

John Simpson Kirkpatrick

John Simpson Kirkpatrick was a stretcher bearer with the 1st Australian Field Ambulance. On 25 April 1915, he was part of a team that was sent to rescue wounded soldiers from the front line. Kirkpatrick made repeated trips under heavy fire to carry wounded men to safety. On one of these trips, he was hit by a shell and severely wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to carry wounded men to safety until he was ordered to evacuate.

John Simpson Kirkpatrick VCs Of The First World War: Gallipoli

Frederick George Topham

Frederick George Topham was a corporal with the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. On 25 April 1915, he was part of a group of soldiers that was ordered to capture a Turkish trench. Topham was one of the first men to enter the trench, and he immediately began to clear it of enemy soldiers. He killed several Turkish soldiers and captured two others. He then helped to consolidate the British position in the trench.

Frederick George Topham VCs Of The First World War: Gallipoli

William Curry

William Curry was a private with the 1st Battalion, Royal Hampshire Regiment. On 25 April 1915, he was part of a group of soldiers that was ordered to attack a Turkish trench. Curry was one of the first men to reach the trench, and he immediately began to clear it of enemy soldiers. He killed several Turkish soldiers and captured two others. He then helped to consolidate the British position in the trench.

William Curry VCs Of The First World War: Gallipoli

Cyril Bassett

Cyril Bassett was a lieutenant with the 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment. On 25 April 1915, he was part of a group of soldiers that was ordered to attack a Turkish trench. Bassett was one of the first men to reach the trench, and he immediately began to clear it of enemy soldiers. He killed several Turkish soldiers and captured two others. He then helped to consolidate the British position in the trench.

Cyril Bassett VCs Of The First World War: Gallipoli

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth servicemen. The twenty-six Victoria Crosses that were awarded during the Gallipoli campaign are a testament to the courage and self-sacrifice of the men who fought in that bloody conflict.

VCs of the First World War: Gallipoli

by Stephen Snelling

5 out of 5