William Anderson (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Anderson
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
William Anderson
|
|
| Born | 28 December 1882 Dallas, Moray, Scotland |
| Died | 13 March 1915 (aged 32) Neuve-Chapelle, France |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1905–1912 1914–1915 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Green Howards |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
William Anderson was a brave Scottish soldier. He lived from 1882 to 1915. William received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. He earned this special medal during the First World War for his amazing courage in 1915.
Early Life and Army Service
William Anderson was born in Dallas, Moray, Scotland. This was on December 28, 1882. His parents were Alexander and Bella Anderson. Later, his family moved to Forres, where William went to school.
After school, he moved to Glasgow. He worked there as a conductor on the city's trams. In 1905, William joined the British Army. He became a soldier in the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. His brother James was already serving in the same group.
William traveled a lot with the army. He spent time in Egypt, South Africa, and British India. After seven years, he left the army in 1912. He went back to Glasgow and worked at the Elder Hospital. William was planning to move to South Africa.
Fighting in the First World War
The First World War began in 1914. William Anderson was still in England. He was a "reservist," meaning he could be called back to serve. Soon, he rejoined the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. This group was fighting in France on the Western Front. William was now an acting corporal.
In March 1915, his unit fought in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. On March 11, William was part of a group throwing bombs at the enemy. The next day, March 12, his company tried to get back land they had lost. This is when William showed incredible bravery.
The Victoria Cross was created in 1856. It is the highest award for courage a soldier can get. William's award said he showed "most conspicuous bravery." He led three men with bombs against many enemy soldiers. They had entered the British trenches.
William acted quickly and bravely. He threw his own bombs first. Then he threw the bombs from his three men, who were wounded. After that, he fired his rifle very fast. He was all alone but still fought hard. His actions stopped a very dangerous situation.
Remembering a Hero
William was awarded the Victoria Cross in May 1915. But he had already died on March 13, 1915. His body was never found. He is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial in France.
Since William's parents had passed away, his brother Alexander received the medal. Lieutenant General Francis Davies presented it to him. This happened at Edinburgh Castle on May 19, 1920. Years later, the Victoria Cross was given to the Green Howards Regimental Museum. This museum is in Richmond, Yorkshire.
William Anderson is also remembered on the Forres War Memorial. On March 15, 2015, a special tablet was placed in his honor. It is at the war memorial in Dallas, where he was born.
