Edward Felix Baxter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Felix Baxter
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| Born | 18 September 1885 Oldswinford, Stourbridge, Worcestershire |
| Died | 18 April 1916 (aged 30) Blairville, France |
| Buried |
Fillievres British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1916 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Engineers King's (Liverpool) Regiment |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Isle of Man TT rider |
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Second Lieutenant Edward Felix Baxter was a brave British Army soldier. He lived from 1885 to 1916. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest and most important award for showing amazing courage in battle for British and Commonwealth forces. Before becoming a soldier, he was also a motorcycle racer.
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Early Life and Hobbies
Edward Felix Baxter was born on September 18, 1885. His hometown was Oldswinford, near Stourbridge in Worcestershire, England. His parents were Charles and Beatrice Baxter.
Before joining the army, Felix worked as a tutor. He also loved motorcycle racing! In 1910, he competed in the 1910 Isle of Man TT Races. Unfortunately, he crashed on the fourth lap. This damaged his motorcycle and he had to leave the race.
Bravery in the First World War
When the First World War began, Edward Felix Baxter joined the British Army. He became a second lieutenant in the 1/8th Battalion of The King's (Liverpool) Regiment.
He showed incredible bravery during the war. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. This special award is given for "most conspicuous bravery" – meaning outstanding courage.
A Heroic Act
Here's what happened that earned him the Victoria Cross:
- Cutting Wires: For two nights, he worked very close to the enemy's trenches. He was cutting their wire fences, even though he could hear the enemy soldiers nearby.
- Quick Thinking with a Bomb: While cutting wire, a bomb he was holding accidentally slipped. The pin was already pulled out! But Felix quickly picked it up. He unscrewed the bottom part and took out the detonator. He then buried it in the ground. This stopped the bomb from exploding and kept the enemy from knowing they were there. It also saved many lives.
- Leading the Attack: Later, he bravely led a group of soldiers in an attack. He was the very first person to jump into the enemy trench. He quickly shot the enemy guard with his revolver.
- Helping Others: After that, he helped his fellow soldiers throw bombs into enemy dugouts (underground shelters). Finally, he climbed out of the trench and helped the last soldier get safely over the wall.
After these incredibly brave actions, Edward Felix Baxter was not seen again. Search parties looked for him, but he was gone. It is believed he lost his life while showing such great dedication to his duty and helping his comrades.
Where He Rests and Is Remembered
Edward Felix Baxter was buried in France. His grave is at the Fillievres British Cemetery, about 8 miles southwest of Hesdin.
His Victoria Cross medal is a very important historical item. You can see it on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum in London.
