William Bloomfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Anderson Bloomfield
Born	30 January 1873 Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Died	12 May 1954(1954-05-12) (aged 81) Ermelo, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Buried	Ermelo Cemetery
Allegiance	Union of South Africa
Service/branch	South African Forces
Rank	Major
Battles/wars	World War I East African Campaign Battle of Mlali
Awards	Victoria Cross

Pavement plaque to William Bloomfield VC, Union Canal, Edinburgh

Major William Anderson Bloomfield (born January 30, 1873 – died May 12, 1954) was a brave soldier. He was born in Scotland but later moved to South Africa. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy for British and Commonwealth forces.

William Anderson Bloomfield: A Hero's Story

William Anderson Bloomfield was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. When he was five years old, in 1878, his parents moved to South Africa. This is why he is considered both Scottish and South African.

The Victoria Cross: An Award for Bravery

The Victoria Cross, often called the VC, is a very special medal. It is given to soldiers who show extreme courage when fighting an enemy. It is the highest award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

A Daring Rescue in World War I

William Bloomfield earned his Victoria Cross during World War I. He was 43 years old and a Captain in the Scout Corps of the 2nd South African Mounted Brigade.

On August 24, 1916, his unit was fighting in a place called Mlali in Tanganyika (which is now Tanzania). His group had been attacked very hard and had to move back. As they were leaving, Captain Bloomfield realized something important. One of the wounded soldiers, a corporal, had been left behind.

Even though it was very dangerous, Captain Bloomfield decided to go back for him. He went back over 400 yards (about 365 meters) of ground. This area was being shot at by enemy machine-guns and rifles. Despite the great risk to himself, he managed to reach the wounded corporal. He then brought the soldier back to safety. This incredibly brave act is why he was given the Victoria Cross.

His Life After the War

After his heroic actions, William Bloomfield continued his service. He later reached the rank of Major. He lived in South Africa for many years. When he passed away on May 12, 1954, he was buried in the cemetery in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

For a time, his Victoria Cross medal was on display at the National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg. Now, his family keeps this important medal.

Remembering William Bloomfield

To honor his bravery, a special pavement plaque was placed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2020. This plaque is on the side of the Union Canal, near the new Boroughmuir High School. It helps people remember William Bloomfield and his courageous deed.