Ernest Albert Egerton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Albert Egerton
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| Born | 10 November 1897 Longton, Staffordshire |
| Died | 14 February 1966 (aged 68) Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire |
| Buried |
St Peter's Churchyard, Blythe Bridge
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1915 - 1919 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | North Staffordshire Regiment The Sherwood Foresters Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Ernest Albert Egerton was a very brave English soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for courage in the face of the enemy. This special medal can be given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
Ernest Egerton was born on November 10, 1897. When he was 19 years old, he was a Corporal in the British Army. He served with the 16th Battalion of The Sherwood Foresters (The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment). He earned his Victoria Cross during World War I, specifically during the Battle of Passchendaele.
Contents
A Heroic Act of Bravery
On September 20, 1917, Corporal Egerton showed incredible bravery. This happened near a town called Ypres in Belgium. During a battle, it was very hard to see because of thick fog and smoke.
Facing Danger in the Fog
Because of the poor visibility, some enemy hiding spots, called dugouts, were missed by the first soldiers. These dugouts were full of enemy soldiers with rifles and machine guns. They were causing many injuries to Egerton's fellow soldiers.
Egerton's Quick Thinking
When a call went out for volunteers to help clear these dangerous dugouts, Corporal Egerton immediately stepped forward. He bravely ran towards the dugouts, even though heavy enemy fire was coming from them.
Clearing the Enemy Dugouts
He quickly shot an enemy rifleman, a soldier throwing bombs, and a machine gunner. Soon after, more help arrived. Because of Egerton's brave actions, 29 enemy soldiers gave up. His courage saved many lives and helped his unit move forward.
Life After the War
Ernest Egerton later became a Sergeant. He also served in the Home Guard during World War II. He passed away on February 14, 1966, at the age of 68.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display for everyone to see. You can find it at the Sherwood Foresters Museum inside Nottingham Castle.
