William Henry Grimbaldeston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Henry Grimbaldeston
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 19 September 1889 Blackburn, Lancashire |
| Died | 13 August 1959 Blackburn |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Company Quartermaster-Sergeant |
| Service number | 13531 |
| Unit | The King's Own Scottish Borderers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossCroix de Guerre (France) |
William Henry Grimbaldeston (born September 19, 1889, died August 13, 1959) was a very brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for courage a soldier can get in the British and Commonwealth forces. It is given for amazing bravery when facing the enemy.
Grimbaldeston was 27 years old during the First World War. He was an Acting Company Quartermaster-Sergeant. He served in the 1st Battalion of The King's Own Scottish Borderers in the British Army. He earned his Victoria Cross during the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium.
Contents
A Heroic Act of Bravery
On August 16, 1917, at a place called Wijdendrift in Belgium, Grimbaldeston saw something important. The soldiers next to his unit were stuck. They could not move forward because of heavy machine-gun fire. This fire came from an enemy blockhouse. A blockhouse was a small, strong building used for defense.
Facing Danger Alone
Grimbaldeston decided to act. He grabbed a rifle and a hand grenade. Then, he started to crawl towards the enemy blockhouse. He moved carefully, about 100 yards (about 91 meters). Another soldier came forward to help him by providing cover fire.
Even though he was wounded, Grimbaldeston kept going. He reached the blockhouse where the enemy machine guns were firing. He threatened the machine-gun teams inside with his hand grenade. This brave action made them surrender.
The Outcome of His Courage
Because of Grimbaldeston's bravery, his unit captured 36 enemy soldiers. They also took six machine guns and one trench mortar. A trench mortar is a type of small cannon. This was a very important victory for his side.
Other Awards and Legacy
Besides the Victoria Cross, William Henry Grimbaldeston received another award. He was given the French Croix de Guerre. This is a military award from France for bravery during wartime.
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Regimental Museum of The Kings Own Scottish Borderers. This museum is in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, England. It helps people remember his amazing courage.
