Anketell Moutray Read facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anketell Moutray Read
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| Born | 27 October 1884 Cheltenham, England |
| Died | 25 September 1915 (aged 30) Hulluch, France |
| Buried |
Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1901–1915 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Flying Corps Northamptonshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Captain Anketell Moutray Read was a brave British Army officer. He lived from 1884 to 1915. He earned the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. It is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Anketell Moutray Read was born in October 1884 in Cheltenham, England. He went to school there and later attended the United Services College. In 1901, he joined the Sandhurst military college.
After Sandhurst, he joined the Gloucester Regiment. He served with them in India for three years. Later, he moved to the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1911. In 1912, he joined the Royal Flying Corps.
When World War I began in August 1914, he went to France with the first group of British soldiers. He fought in important battles like the Battle of Mons. He was badly wounded during fighting near the Aisne River in September 1914.
A Champion Boxer
Captain Moutray Read was also a very talented athlete. He was especially good at boxing. He won the heavyweight boxing championship of India eight times! He also won the middle-weight championship twice.
He also won the Army and Navy heavyweight championship three times. This was a record that no one else had achieved. Because of his powerful punches, he was even nicknamed "Widowmaker."
His Victoria Cross Act of Bravery
Captain Anketell Moutray Read was 30 years old during World War I. He was a captain in the 1st Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment. He earned his Victoria Cross for an incredibly brave act.
On September 25, 1915, near Hulluch, France, Captain Moutray Read showed amazing courage. Even though he was partly affected by gas, he went out many times to help other soldiers. These soldiers were from different units and were confused or retreating.
He bravely led them back to the front lines. He ignored the dangerous enemy fire all around him. He kept moving, encouraging his men. Sadly, he was mortally wounded while doing this heroic work.
He had shown great bravery before this day too. For example, on the night of July 29-30, he carried a badly wounded officer out of danger. This was done under heavy rifle and grenade fire.
Where He is Remembered
Captain Moutray Read is buried in the Dud Corner Cemetery in France. This cemetery is near Loos-en-Gohelle.
His Victoria Cross medal is very important. It is currently on display at the Abington Park Museum in Northampton, England.
