Samuel Harvey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Harvey
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Born | 17 September 1881 Basford, Nottingham |
Died | 22 September 1960 (aged 79) Stowmarket, Suffolk |
Buried |
Ipswich Old Cemetery
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Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ |
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Rank | Private |
Unit | The York and Lancaster Regiment |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Awards | Victoria Cross Légion d'honneur (5th class) Cross of the Order of St George (Russia) |
Samuel Harvey (born September 17, 1881 – died September 22, 1960) was an English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most respected award for bravery in the face of the enemy. This award is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries.
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Samuel Harvey's Bravery in World War I
Samuel Harvey was 34 years old when he showed incredible courage during World War I. He was a private in the 1st Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment, part of the British Army.
A Heroic Act in France
On September 29, 1915, a big battle was happening in a place called the "Big Willie" Trench near the Hohenzollern Redoubt in France. The soldiers were under heavy attack with hand grenades, also known as bombs. They urgently needed more bombs to fight back.
Private Harvey bravely volunteered to get them. The trench used for communication was blocked with injured soldiers and new troops. Despite the danger, he ran back and forth across open ground. Enemy fire was intense, but he kept going. He managed to bring 30 boxes of bombs to his fellow soldiers.
Wounded but Victorious
During his brave efforts, Private Harvey was wounded in the head. However, his calm bravery in getting the bombs was extremely important. Because of his actions, the enemy was eventually pushed back.
Awards and Recognition
For his amazing bravery, Samuel Harvey was awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest military honor for courage. He also received awards from other countries. These included the French Legion of Honour (5th Class) and the Cross of St. George from Russia.
After the war, Samuel Harvey lived in Ipswich. He passed away on September 22, 1960, at the age of 79. He was buried in Old Ipswich Cemetery on September 26, 1960. In March 2014, a tree was planted near his grave to honor him. Another tree was planted at Sprites Primary School in Ipswich, remembering his incredible bravery.