23 August, 2 & 3 September 1914

[AlienFTM]

(Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Charles Ernest Garforth VC (23 October 1891 - 1 July 1973) 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.

He was 22 years old, and a corporal in the 15th The King's Hussars, British Army during the First World War when the following deeds took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 23 August 1914 at Harmingnies, France, Corporal Garforth volunteered to cut wire under fire, which enabled his squadron to escape. On 2 September when under constant fire, he extricated a sergeant who was lying under his dead horse, and carried him to safety. The next day, when another sergeant had lost his horse in a similar way, Corporal Garforth drew off the enemy fire and enabled the sergeant to get away.

He later achieved the rank of sergeant.

His Victoria Cross and other medals are displayed at the Imperial War Museum (London, England).

Upon his death, Garforth was cremated, and no monument or headstone was laid, as he technically had no grave. This was rectified on 30 August 2008, when a headstone was dedicated to him at Wilford Hill Cemetery in Nottingham, where his ashes were originally scattered.

 

I visited the IWM last year and, stumbling upon the Victoria Cross Room, was drawn to look for Garforth's medals. Cue big lump in throat when I found them. I think I got some dust in my contact lens too.

 

I believe I read whilst at the Light Dragoons Association Weekend in July (15H being forebears of LD), that this was the last VC awarded to a cavalryman for deeds performed in a cavalry role, i.e. whilst serving on horseback.