Walter Lorrain Brodie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter Lorrain Brodie
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|---|---|
| Born | 28 July 1884 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 23 August 1918 (aged 34) Behagnies, France † |
| Buried |
Bienvillers Military Cemetery, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1904–1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | The Highland Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
Walter Lorrain Brodie was a brave Scottish soldier who lived from 1884 to 1918. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. He earned this medal for his amazing courage during World War I.
Contents
Who Was Walter Brodie?
Early Life and Education
Walter Lorrain Brodie was born on July 28, 1884, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, John Wilson Brodie, was an accountant. His mother was Grace Mary Lorrain.
The family lived in a nice part of Edinburgh. Walter went to school at Edinburgh Academy. After that, he studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous military school in England.
Becoming a Soldier
Walter Brodie decided to become a soldier. In 1906, he became a lieutenant in the Highland Light Infantry. This was a well-known Scottish army unit.
He was very good at using machine guns. He spent his whole career in the army.
Brodie's Bravery in World War I
The Victoria Cross Deed
Walter Brodie was 29 years old when he earned the Victoria Cross. This happened on November 11, 1914. He was a lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry.
His unit was fighting near Becelaere, Belgium. Enemy soldiers had taken over some of their trenches. Trenches are long, narrow ditches soldiers use for protection.
Lieutenant Brodie showed incredible courage. He led a charge to push the enemy out. He used his bayonet, which is a knife attached to a rifle. He fought several enemy soldiers himself.
His quick actions helped his unit get out of a very dangerous situation. Because of his bravery, 80 enemy soldiers were killed. Another 51 were captured as prisoners. Walter Brodie personally fought and killed nine enemy soldiers during this attack.
Receiving the Award
The day after the battle, Brodie wrote to his parents. He called the event "a bit of a scrape." He probably meant it was a tough situation.
On July 17, 1915, he received his Victoria Cross. King George V himself gave him the medal. This special ceremony took place at Windsor Castle.
Later Military Career
Walter Brodie continued to serve in the army. He was promoted to a higher rank. He became a lieutenant colonel. This is a very important leadership position.
His Final Battle and Memorials
Killed in Action
Sadly, Lieutenant Colonel Brodie was killed in action. This happened near Behagnies, France, on August 23, 1918. He was 34 years old.
He is buried in the Bienvillers Military Cemetery in France. His grave is marked XVIII F15.
Remembering Walter Brodie
There are several places where Walter Brodie is remembered.
- He has a memorial on his parents' grave. This is in the Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh.
- There is also a memorial at the New Club in Princes Street, Edinburgh. He was a member of this club.
- Around 2020, a special memorial was placed on the pavement. This is near his old home in Belgrave Place.
