Jack Harvey VC

Name: Jack Harvey

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: November 15, 1918

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Peckham, London/August 24, 1891

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Private (later Corporal)

Date of bravery: September 2, 1918

London Gazette citation:

No. 681139 Pte. Jack Harvey, Lond. R. (Camberwell).

For most conspicuous bravery and disregard of personal danger in attack.

When the advance of his company was held up by intense machine-gun fire Pte. Harvey at once dashed forward through heavy enemy fire and rushed a machine-gun post, shooting two of the team and bayoneting another. He then destroyed the gun and continued to work his way along the enemy trench, and, single-handed, rushed an enemy dug-out which contained thirty-seven of the enemy and compelled them to surrender. By these two acts of great gallantry he saved his company heavy casualties and enabled the whole of the attacking line to advance.

Throughout the entire operation he showed the most magnificent courage and determination, and, by the splendid example which he set to all ranks, materially assisted in the success of the operation.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: Redhill, Surrey/August 15, 1940

Grave/memorials: Redhill Cemetery, Surrey

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft Collection: Purchased privately, 2001

Current location of VC: Displayed on rotation at The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, Imperial War Museum