THE VICTORIA CROSS AWARDED TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM ANDERSON, COMD 12TH BN, THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY, HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE LORD ASHCROFT VC COLLECTION. |
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8 November 2016 |
The Victoria Cross, and two campaign medals, awarded to Lieutenant Colonel William Anderson, comd 12th (S) Bn, Highland Light Infantry, has been acquired by the Michael Ashcroft Trust the holding institution for the Lord Ashcroft VC Collection. The Victoria Cross had previously been on loan to the Imperial War Museum and therefore has already been on permanent display in the museum's Lord Ashcroft Gallery.
For the award of the Victoria Cross. [ London Gazette, 3 May 1918 ], Bois Favieres, France, , 25 March 1918, Temporary Major ( A / Lieutenant Colonel ) William Herbert Anderson, comd 12th (S) Bn, Highland Light Infantry.
For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and gallant leading of his command. ( Bois Favieres near Maricourt, France ) The enemy attacked on the right of the battalion frontage, and succeeded in penetrating the wood held by our men. Owing to successive lines of the enemy following on closely there was the greatest danger that the flank of the whole position would be turned. Anderson's body was found where he had fallen, together with some of his effects, which were sent home to his wife. He was buried in Peronne Road Cemetery, near Albert. The four Anderson brothers were all killed during the First World War, Charles in 1914; Alexander in 1915; Edward in 1918 and William in 1918. |
Iain Stewart, 8 November 2016