Archie Cecil Thomas White facts for kids
Quick facts for kids  |
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| Born | 5 October 1890 Boroughbridge, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
|---|---|
| Died | 20 May 1971 Camberley, Surrey, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914-1947 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Green Howards Royal Army Education Corps |
| Commands held | Chief Education Officer, 21st Army Group |
| Battles/wars | World War I Russian Civil War World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossMilitary Cross |
Colonel Archibald Cecil Thomas White was a very brave English soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest and most important award for courage. It is given to soldiers who show amazing bravery against the enemy. Colonel White earned this award during World War I. He was born on October 5, 1890, and passed away on May 20, 1971.
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What is the Victoria Cross?
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the top military award. It is given for extreme bravery. Soldiers receive it for acts of courage. These acts must happen while facing the enemy. It is the highest honor for British and Commonwealth forces.
Bravery in World War I
Archibald White was a captain in the British Army. He was part of the 6th Battalion of the Green Howards regiment. This was during the First World War. He was 25 years old when he showed incredible bravery.
Holding the Line
From September 21 to October 1, 1916, Captain White was in France. He was in charge of soldiers at a place called Stuff Redoubt. His troops held the southern and western parts of this strong position. For four days and nights, he skillfully kept the position. They were under heavy enemy fire.
Facing Counterattacks
The enemy launched several attacks. Captain White's troops were running low on supplies. They also had little ammunition. But his determination never weakened. He kept his soldiers fighting.
Leading a Counter-Attack
At one point, the enemy attacked with many more soldiers. They almost pushed Captain White's troops out. But he personally led a counter-attack. This brave action pushed the enemy back. It finally cleared them from the southern and western parts of the redoubt. For this amazing courage, he received the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
After World War I, Archibald White continued his military career. He joined the Royal Army Educational Corps. This part of the army focuses on education for soldiers. He rose to the rank of colonel. In 1963, he wrote a book. It was a history of the Army Education Corps.
Remembering a Hero
Colonel White's Victoria Cross is on display today. You can see it at the Green Howards Museum. This museum is in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England.
A book was written about his life. It also tells the story of his school friend, Donald Simpson Bell. Donald Bell also received the Victoria Cross. The book is called 'A Breed Apart'. It was published in 2008 by Richard Leake. It is very rare for two school friends to earn the VC on the same battlefield.
