Personal info
- Name: Samuel NEEDHAM
- D.O.B: 16th Aug, 1885
- D.O.A: 11th Sep, 1918
- D.O.D: 4th Nov, 1918
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Private, 1/5th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment (TF)
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
Kefr Kasim, Palestine 10-11 September 1918
10-11 September 1918
The First World War 1918
By the beginning of September 1918, General Allenby was already planning the final offensive of the Allied campaign against the Turks. His line ran inland from a point on the coast near Arsul, north of Jaffa. North of the line and just east of the railway running north from Lydda to Nablus was Kefr Kasim. On 19 September Allied forces were to break through on this front and begin the advance north to Damascus.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when with a strong patrol which was heavily attacked by the enemy and forced back in confusion. At this critical moment Pte. Needham ran back and fired rapidly at a body of the enemy at point-blank range. His action checked the enemy and enabled the patrol commander to reorganise his men. The patrol had many casualties, but successfully got back all their wounded, and it was due to the action of individuals, of which this is the most outstanding, that the entire patrol was not cut off. Pte. Needham’s example was of the greatest value at a critical moment, and the bold and determined stand made by him did more than anything to inspire confidence, and undoubtedly saved a critical situation.