Stewart Loudoun-Shand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stewart Walter Loudoun-Shand
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| Birth name | Stewart Walter Shand |
| Born | 8 October 1879 Ceylon |
| Died | 1 July 1916 (aged 36) Near Fricourt, France |
| Buried |
Norfolk Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1899–1901 1914–1916 † |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | London Scottish Pembroke Yeomanry Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own) |
| Commands held | 10th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own) |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Major Stewart Walter Loudoun-Shand (born October 8, 1879 – died July 1, 1916) was a brave British soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage in the face of the enemy. This special medal is given to soldiers from the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. He earned his VC for his actions during a battle near Fricourt, France. This happened on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, a very big battle in World War I. He was given the award after he died.
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Stewart's Early Life
Stewart Walter Shand was born in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on October 8, 1879. He was one of ten children. His parents, John and Lucy, were from Scotland. His family was wealthy because they traded tea. They later moved to South London, England. Stewart and his brothers went to Dulwich College, a school in Dulwich. Stewart was very good at sports, especially cricket. His brother, Eric, even played rugby for Scotland later on.
Serving in South Africa
When the Second Boer War started in South Africa in 1899, Stewart was working at a bank. He wanted to join the British Army's London Scottish Regiment. However, he was too young to serve in South Africa at first. He then joined the Pembroke Yeomanry and was able to go to war with them. He became a lance corporal. His time in the army ended in 1901. After the war, he stayed in South Africa and worked for a company in Port Elizabeth. A few years later, he moved back to Ceylon to work as a tea merchant, helped by his father.
Stewart's Service in World War I
When the First World War began, Stewart changed his family name to Loudoun-Shand. He traveled to England to join the British Army again. He became a lieutenant and joined the 10th Battalion of The Yorkshire Regiment. For several months, he trained with his battalion in Surrey. In June 1915, he was promoted to captain.
Fighting on the Western Front
In September 1915, the 10th Battalion arrived on the Western Front in France. They were part of the 62nd Brigade in the 21st Division. Soon after, they fought in the Battle of Loos. Many soldiers were hurt in this battle. Because of this, in December, Loudoun-Shand was promoted to temporary major. He was given command of a company of soldiers. He was wounded in March but returned to the front lines just a few days later.
Bravery at the Battle of the Somme
On July 1, 1916, the Battle of the Somme began. The 62nd Brigade was given the job of taking control of the area around Fricourt, a village held by German forces. Major Loudoun-Shand's company was part of the second wave of attacks. The first attack started at 7:30 AM. His men faced very heavy machine gun fire. They were hesitant to leave their trenches. To encourage them, Major Loudoun-Shand bravely jumped onto the edge of the trench. Even though it was very dangerous, he urged his men forward. He was soon wounded but kept encouraging his soldiers. He continued to do so until he died from his wounds.
For his incredible bravery, he was recommended for the Victoria Cross. The Victoria Cross was created in 1856. It is the highest award for courage a soldier in the British Empire can receive. The official description of his actions said:
"For most conspicuous bravery. When his company attempted to climb over the parapet to attack the enemy's trenches, they were met by very fierce machine gun fire, which temporarily stopped their progress. Maj. Loudoun-Shand immediately leapt on the parapet, helped the men over it, and encouraged them in every way until he fell mortally wounded. Even then he insisted on being propped up in the trench, and went on encouraging the non-commissioned officers and men until he died."
Many soldiers in Loudoun-Shand's company were hurt. By the end of that day, 94 out of 122 men were either wounded or killed.
Major Loudoun-Shand is buried at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Norfolk Cemetery. This cemetery is in Becordel-Becourt, near the Somme River. His name is also on the Dulwich College War Memorial. There is also a memorial for him at the West Norwood Cemetery.
Stewart's Medals
Major Loudoun-Shand's Victoria Cross was given to his father. King George V presented the medal at Buckingham Palace on March 31, 1917. The VC, along with his other service medals from World War I and the Second Boer War, stayed with his family for some time. In 2005, Lord Ashcroft bought them. Today, these medals are on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery. This gallery is located at the Imperial War Museum in London.
