George Godfrey Massy Wheeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Godfrey Massy Wheeler
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| Born | 31 January 1873 Chakrata, British India |
| Died | 13 April 1915 (aged 42) Shaiba, Mesopotamia |
| Buried |
Basra War Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Indian Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | The Wiltshire Regiment 7th Hariana Lancers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | Sir Hugh Massey Wheeler (grandfather) |
George Godfrey Massy Wheeler was a very brave soldier. He was an officer in the British Army. He earned the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery. It is given to soldiers who show amazing courage in battle. George Wheeler was born on January 31, 1873, in Chakrata, which was part of British India at the time. He sadly died in battle on April 13, 1915, when he was 42 years old.
Contents
Early Life and Family
George Wheeler came from a family with a history of military service. His grandfather, Sir Hugh Massy Wheeler, was also a well-known officer. George went to school at Bedford Modern School. In 1900, he married Nellie Purcell.
Becoming a Soldier
George Wheeler started his military career in 1893. He joined the The Wiltshire Regiment as a Second Lieutenant. This was his first step to becoming an officer.
Later, he moved to the Indian Staff Corps. Here, he joined a special cavalry unit called the 7th Hariana Lancers. Cavalry units are soldiers who fight on horseback. He was stationed with them in a place called Faizabad. Over the years, he worked hard and was promoted several times, eventually becoming a Captain.
Heroic Actions and the Victoria Cross
During World War I, George Wheeler was a Major in the 7th Hariana Lancers. His unit was part of the British Indian Army. He showed incredible bravery during the Battle of Shaiba in Mesopotamia (which is now Iraq).
Courage on April 12, 1915
On April 12, 1915, Major Wheeler led his squadron of soldiers. They were trying to capture a flag held by the enemy. This flag was a central point for the enemy soldiers who were shooting at his troops. Major Wheeler bravely rode forward. He attacked the enemy soldiers with his lance, a long spear used by cavalry. After his attack, he pulled back. This made the enemy soldiers come out of their hiding spots. Once they were in the open, the Royal Artillery guns could fire at them.
Final Act of Bravery
The very next day, on April 13, Major Wheeler led his squadron again. This time, they were attacking a place called the North Mound. He was seen riding far ahead of his men. He rode straight towards the enemy's flags. Sadly, Major Wheeler was killed during this brave attack. He was 42 years old.
Because of his amazing courage and leadership on both days, Major George Godfrey Massy Wheeler was awarded the Victoria Cross. It is the highest honor for bravery in the face of the enemy.
