Edward Elers Delaval Henderson VC

Name: Edward Elers Delaval Henderson

Conflict: First World War

Gazetted: June 8, 1917

Service: Army

Place/date of birth: Shimla (now Simla), India/October 2, 1878

Rank when awarded VC (and later highest rank): Temporary Lieutenant Colonel

Date of bravery: January 25, 1917

London Gazette citation:

Maj. (actg. Lt.-Col.) Edward Elers Delaval Henderson, late N. Staffs. R.

For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and personal example when in command of his battalion.

Lt.-Col. Henderson brought his battalion up to our two front-line trenches, which were under intense fire, and his battalion had suffered heavy casualties when the enemy made a heavy counter-attack, and succeeded in penetrating our line in several places, the situation becoming critical.

Although shot through the arm, Lt.-Col. Henderson jumped on to the parapet and advanced alone some distance in front of his battalion, cheering them on under the most intense fire over 500 yards of open ground.

Again wounded, he nevertheless continued to lead his men on in the most gallant, manner, finally capturing the position by a bayonet charge.

He was again twice wounded, and died when he was eventually brought in.

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Other decorations: N/A

Place/date of death: River Hai, near Kut, Mesopotamia (now Iraq)/ January 25, 1917

Grave/memorials: Amara War Cemetery, Maysan, Iraq; Garrison Church, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffordshire

Origin of VC to the Lord Ashcroft collection: Purchased privately, 2009

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