Harry Greenwood facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Greenwood
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|---|---|
| Born | 25 November 1881 Victoria Barracks, Windsor |
| Died | 5 May 1948 (aged 66) Wimbledon, London |
| Buried |
Putney Vale Cemetery, London
|
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Royal Pioneer Corps |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order & Bar Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross |
Harry Greenwood (born November 25, 1881 – died May 5, 1948) was a brave officer in the British Army. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage given to soldiers in Britain and the Commonwealth. This award is given for amazing bravery when facing the enemy.
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Early Life of Harry Greenwood
Harry Greenwood was born on November 25, 1881, in Victoria Barracks, Windsor. He was the oldest of nine children. His parents were Charles Greenwood and Margaret Abernethy.
Military Career and Bravery
Greenwood was 36 years old during the First World War. He was an acting lieutenant colonel in the 9th Battalion of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. It was during this war that he showed incredible bravery and earned the Victoria Cross.
A Day of Courage: October 23, 1918
On October 23, 1918, in Ovillers, France, his battalion was trying to move forward. But they were stopped by heavy enemy machine gun fire. Lieutenant Colonel Greenwood, all by himself, bravely ran towards the enemy position. He managed to take out the machine gun crew.
Later, with two helpers, he attacked another machine-gun post. However, he then found that his group was almost surrounded by the enemy. The enemy began to attack them. Greenwood fought back against this attack. He then led his troops forward. They successfully captured their final goal. They also took 150 prisoners, eight machine guns, and one field gun.
Continuing the Fight: October 24, 1918
The very next day, on October 24, Greenwood continued to inspire his soldiers. Because of his leadership, they managed to capture their last objective. They also held their position, even though many soldiers were injured.
Later Life and Legacy
Harry Greenwood passed away in Wimbledon when he was 66 years old. He is buried at Putney Vale Cemetery. His Victoria Cross medal is kept at the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum in Doncaster.
