Personal info
- Name: Frederick Jeremiah EDWARDS
- D.O.B: 3rd Oct, 1894
- D.O.A: 26th Nov, 1916
- D.O.D: 9th Mar, 1964
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Private, 12th Battalion The Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment), 54th Brigade, 18th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Thiepval, France 26-28 September 1916
26-28 September 1916
The First World War 1916
On 26 September 1916 General Gough attacked the German line running west from Courcelette towards Thiepval in what has become known as the Battle of Thiepval Ridge. By 2.30pm Lieutenant Colonel F A Maxwell had established his HQ at Thiepval Chateau but when night fell the north-west of Thiepval village was still in enemy hands. At 5.45 next morning 7th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment, together with the 1/5th West Yorks, attacked and captured the village. The ultimate goal of the British was the Schwaben Redoubt which was also eventually captured.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and resource. His part of the line was held up by machine-gun fire, and all officers had become casualties. There was confusion and indication of retirement. Private Edwards, grasping the situation, on his own initiative dashed out alone towards the gun, which he knocked out with bombs. This very gallant act, coupled with great presence of mind and a total disregard of personal danger, made further advance possible and cleared up a dangerous situation.
Extra Information
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