Personal info
- Name: William Davidson BISSETT
- D.O.B: 7th Jul, 1893
- D.O.A: 25th Oct, 1918
- D.O.D: 12th May, 1971
- Award: Victoria Cross
- Occupation at time of action: Lieutenant, 1st/6th Battalion Princess Louise's (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders), 153rd Brigade, 51st Division
- Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
East of Maing, France 25 October 1918
25 October 1918
The First World War 1918
Towards the end of October 1918 First Army was advancing on Valenciennes. 51st Highland Division was pushing forward South of the River Scheldt. By the end of the 24th it had taken Maing, south-west of Valenciennes. Valenciennes fell to the British at the beginning of November.
Citation
For most conspicuous bravery and leadership East of Maing on the 25th October, 1918, when in command of a platoon, which he led to its objective with great dash. Later, owing to casualties, he took command of the company and handled it with great skill after a determined enemy counter-attack had turned his left flank. Realising the danger, he withdrew to the railway, thus temporarily saving the situation. The enemy, however, continued to advance in force after his men had exhausted their ammunition. Thereupon, under heavy fire, he mounted the railway embankment, and, calling upon his men to charge with the bayonet, drove back the enemy with heavy loss, and later, again charging forward, established his line. By his splendid example and fine leadership Lt. Bissett was the means of saving a critical situation