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George Wilson (VC) facts for kids

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George Wilson
VCGeorgeWilson.jpg
Born (1886-04-29)29 April 1886
Edinburgh, Scotland
Died 22 April 1926(1926-04-22) (aged 39)
Craighleigh Hospital, Edinburgh
Buried
Piershill Cemetery
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Rank Private
Unit Highland Light Infantry
Battles/wars First World War
Awards Victoria Cross

George Wilson was a brave Scottish soldier. He lived from 1886 to 1926. He received the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery. It is given to soldiers in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. It honors those who show amazing courage against the enemy.

George Wilson's Heroic Act

George Wilson was 28 years old. He was a Private in the 2nd Battalion. This was part of The Highland Light Infantry. He served in the British Army during the First World War. His brave action happened during the First Battle of the Aisne. This is why he received the Victoria Cross.

George Wilson VC
George Wilson captures the enemy machine gun (artist's reconstruction)

Here is what was written about his amazing bravery:

No. 9553 Private George Wilson, 2nd Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry.

For most conspicuous gallantry on the 14th of September near Verneuil, in attacking a hostile Machine Gun, accompanied by only one man. When the latter was killed, he went on alone, shot the Officer and six Men working the Gun, which he captured.

This means that on September 14, he attacked an enemy machine gun. He had only one other soldier with him. When that soldier was killed, George Wilson kept going alone. He shot the officer and six men who were using the gun. Then, he captured the machine gun all by himself.

His Victoria Cross Today

George Wilson's Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Museum of The Royal Highland Fusiliers. This museum is in Glasgow, Scotland.

George Wilson later died from tuberculosis. He passed away at Craigleith Hospital in Edinburgh. He is buried in Piershill Cemetery, also in Edinburgh.

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