Edward Warner (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Warner
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|---|---|
| Born | 18 November 1883 St Albans, Hertfordshire, England |
| Died | 2 May 1915 (aged 31) Hill 60, Ypres salient, Belgium |
| Place of burial |
Remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1903-1915 † |
| Service number | 7602 |
| Unit | Bedfordshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Private Edward Warner VC (born November 18, 1883 – died May 2, 1915) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This award is given to British and Commonwealth forces. Edward Warner was a Private in the 1st Battalion of The Bedfordshire Regiment during World War I. He was given the Victoria Cross after he died, for his amazing bravery during the defense of Hill 60 on May 1, 1915.
Contents
Edward Warner's Early Life and Army Service
Edward Warner, often called Ted, grew up in St Albans, England. He first worked making straw hats. In late 1903, he joined the Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 7602.
Ted served in India until 1908. After that, he returned to England. He then became an army Reservist. This meant he could be called back to serve if needed. He worked for the St. Albans council and the Post Office.
Joining the War Effort
When World War I started in August 1914, Private Warner was called back to duty. He rejoined his battalion, which was in Ireland. He arrived on the Western Front on August 16, 1914.
Ted fought in many major battles. These included the Battle of Mons and the Battle of Le Cateau. He also took part in the Retreat from Mons. Later, he fought in the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of the Aisne. He was also in the First Battle of Ypres. Even with all this intense fighting, Ted only suffered a minor injury to his hand.
After a quiet winter, fighting began again in 1915. Ted found himself near Hill 60, southeast of Ypres. He had been due to finish his army service soon. He had a widowed mother and a fiancée waiting for him at home.
Bravery at Hill 60
The fighting for Hill 60 was very intense. On May 1, 1915, Ted's battalion was about to be relieved. But at 6:30 p.m., German forces launched a gas attack. This was a new and terrifying weapon.
The gas hit the soldiers on the right side of the line. Many soldiers from another regiment were affected. This left Ted's battalion exposed. Ted's group was on the right side of his battalion's line. All his fellow soldiers were overcome by the gas.
Despite being alone and facing a new weapon, Ted stayed in the trench. He fought off all German attempts to enter. When the fighting calmed down, he bravely went back through the gas and shelling. He found more soldiers from his battalion. He then led them back into the dangerous area.
Soon after returning, Ted was badly affected by the gas. He had to be carried to a medical aid post. He later passed away from the gas poisoning on May 2, 1915.
Remembering a Hero
Edward Warner's grave was lost during the ongoing battles around Ypres. He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium. This memorial lists the names of soldiers who have no known grave.
On June 29, 1915, the official announcement of his Victoria Cross was published. It praised his incredible bravery. It said he entered a trench alone after a gas attack. He stopped the enemy from taking it. Even when exhausted, he held the trench until the attack ended.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Edward Warner's Victoria Cross medal is very important. It is displayed at the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regimental Museum. This museum is located in Wardown Park, Luton, England. You can also see his other medals there. These include his 1914 Star, Victory, and British War Medals.
Images for kids
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Edward Warner (VC) memorial at St. Albans War Memorial
