Personal info

• Name: William GREGG
• D.O.B: 27th Jan, 1890
• D.O.A: 8th May, 1918
• D.O.D: 9th Aug, 1969
• Award: Victoria Cross
• Occupation at time of action: Sergeant, 13th Battalion The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own), 111th Brigade, 37th Division
• Book: The Complete History - Volume 2

Sources & Acknowledgements

Citation

 For most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leadership in action. Two companies of his unit attacked the enemy’s outpost position without artillery preparation. Serjeant Gregg was with the right company, which came under heavy fire from the right flank as it advanced. All the officers with the company were hit. He at once took command of the attack. He rushed an enemy post and personally killed an entire machine-gun team and captured the gun and four men in a dug-out near by. He then rushed another post, killed two men and captured another. In spite of heavy casualties he reached his objective, and started consolidating the position. By this prompt and effective action this gallant N.C.O. saved the situation at a critical time and ensured the success of the attack. Later, Sjt. Gregg’s party were driven back by an enemy counter-attack, but, reinforcements coming up, he led a charge, personally bombed a hostile machine gun, killed the crew, and captured the gun. Once again he was driven back. He led another successful attack, and hung on to the position until ordered by his company commander to withdraw. Although under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire for several hours, Sjt. Gregg displayed throughout the greatest coolness and contempt of danger, walking about encouraging his men and setting a magnificent example.