James Welch (VC) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Welch
Born	(1889-07-07)7 July 1889 Stratfield Saye, Hampshire
Died	28 June 1978(1978-06-28) (aged 88) Bournemouth, Dorset
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	Royal Berkshire Regiment
Battles/wars	World War I
Awards	Victoria Cross

James Welch was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for showing incredible courage in battle. This special medal is given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces. James Welch was born on July 7, 1889, and he passed away on June 28, 1978.

Who Was James Welch?

James Welch was born in a place called Stratfield Saye, in England. When he was 27 years old, he was a soldier in the British Army. He served as a lance corporal in the 1st Battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He showed amazing bravery during World War I, which is why he was given the Victoria Cross.

His Incredible Bravery

On April 29, 1917, during a battle near Oppy, France, Lance-Corporal Welch did something truly heroic. He bravely entered an enemy trench. There, he fought one enemy soldier in a tough hand-to-hand struggle and won.

Even though his revolver was empty, he didn't stop there. He chased four enemy soldiers across an open area all by himself. Amazingly, he managed to capture all four of them alone.

Keeping His Guns Firing

James Welch was also very skilled with his machine gun. He was not afraid to go out into the open, even when heavy enemy fire was all around him. He did this to find and collect ammunition and spare parts. His goal was to keep his machine guns working, and he succeeded! He kept his guns firing for more than five hours. He only stopped when he was wounded by an enemy shell.

After the War

After his incredible acts of bravery, James Welch continued to serve. He later earned the rank of sergeant. He passed away on June 28, 1978, in Bournemouth, England. His Victoria Cross medal is now displayed at The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (Salisbury) Museum in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. It reminds everyone of his amazing courage.