Basil Horsfall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Basil Arthur Horsfall
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Lt. Basil Arthur Horsfall VC
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| Born | 4 October 1887 Colombo, Ceylon |
| Died | 21 March 1918 (aged 30) Between Moyenneville and Ablainzevelle, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1917 - 1918 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | Ceylon Engineer Volunteers East Lancashire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I † |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Second Lieutenant Basil Arthur Horsfall was a very brave soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries. Basil Arthur Horsfall was born on October 4, 1887, in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He sadly died in France on March 27, 1918, when he was 30 years old.
Early Life and Joining the War
Basil Arthur Horsfall was born in Colombo, Ceylon (which is now Sri Lanka). He went to school in Ceylon and also in England. After finishing school, he worked at a bank in London. Later, he returned to Ceylon to work as a rubber planter. He also worked for the government's Public Works Department. He was a volunteer with the Sri Lanka Engineers.
When World War I started, Basil wanted to help. In July 1916, he went back to Britain to join the British Army. By December, he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Lancashire Regiment. He was injured in May 1917 during a battle. After he got better, he joined another group of soldiers called the "Accrington Pals" in late 1917.
His Victoria Cross Story
On March 21, 1918, a big battle happened in France. German soldiers attacked the area where Second Lieutenant Horsfall and his troops were. His front sections of soldiers were forced to retreat. During this, he was shot in the head.
Even though he was badly hurt, he didn't give up. He quickly gathered his remaining soldiers. Then, he led them in a counterattack to win back their original position. He refused to leave for medical help, even with his serious head wound. This was because the other three officers in his company had been killed.
Later, he led another counterattack. But this time, he was ordered to pull back. He was the very last soldier to leave his position. Sadly, he was shot and killed soon after. His incredible bravery and leadership, even while wounded, earned him the Victoria Cross.
Honors and Tributes
Basil Arthur Horsfall received the Victoria Cross for his amazing courage. You can see his medal at the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum in Preston, England.
His name is also written on the Arras Memorial in France. No one knows exactly where he was buried. In 2019, a school in Ablainzevelle, France, was named after him. There is also a special blue plaque honoring him on the wall of his old school in Marlow, England. His name is on the war memorial inside the school's chapel, and a copy of his Victoria Cross is there too.
