Personal info
- Name: Tom DRESSER
- D.O.B: 21st Jul, 1892
- D.O.A: 12th May, 1917
- D.O.D: 9th Apr, 1982
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Private, 7th Battalion Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own (Yorkshire Regiment), 50th Brigade, 17th Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Near Roeux, France 12 May 1917
12 May 1917
The First World War 1917
After seizing its outer defences on 11 May 1917, the following day the British attacked the German position at Roeux, on the north bank of the River Scarpe, east of Arras. 7th Battalion The Green Howards succeeded in capturing a section of the first line of German trenches, just north of the Arras-Douai railway which ran to the north of the village. Though wounded, Private T Dresser was sent by Captain Groom back to Battalion HQ with a request for more Mills bombs. With two other men he then brought the bombs back to the front line, despite being wounded again.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Pte. Dresser, in spite of being twice wounded on the way, and suffering great pain, succeeded in conveying an important message from Battalion Headquarters to the front line of trenches, which he eventually reached in an exhausted condition. His fearlessness and determination to deliver this message at any cost, proved of the greatest value to his Battalion at a critical period.