V.C. WINNERS OF THE RND

The numbers of V.C's issued to units is the source of pride for many unit's and is often used as an indication of the units fighting qualties. Personally I find that the award of the VC is a debatable point. Many I feel were awarded that perhap's didn't warrant a VC, and many deeds that would warrant a VC ended up as a DCM or MID. It's a controversial issue but I do not regard a VC total as being an indicator of a unit's fighting prowess. The RND was fortunate enough to receive a few VC's and they are listed below with citations. There is one man in the RND who was recommended many times for a VC but never recieved one -Surgeon Commander McCracken of the Hood, this in my opinion in light of all the evidence indicates to me the injustice of the award in many occasions as this man more than any deserved a VC on more than one occasion.

PO 229-s- L/Cpl Walter Richard Parker Portsmouth Bttn RND.

  "On the night of April 30th to May 1st 1915, a message asking for ammunition, water and medical stores was recieved from an isolated fire trench at Gaba Tepe. A party of non-commissioned officers and men were detailed to carry water and ammunition, and in response to a call for a volunteer from among the stretcher bearers, Parker at once came forward; he had, during the previous three days, displayed conspicuous bravery and energy under fire, whilst in charge of the battalion stretcher bearers.. Several men had already been killed in a previous attempt to bring assistance to the men holding the fire trench. To reach this trench , it was necessary to traverse an area at least 400 yards wide, which was completely exposed, and swept by rifle fire. It was already daylight when the party emerged from shelter, and at once one of the party was wounded. Parker organised a stretche-party, and then going on alone, succeeded in reaching the fire trench,all the water and ammunition carriers being either killed or wounded, After his arrival, he rendered assistance to the wounded in the trench, displaying extreme courage, and remaining cool and collected in very trying circumstances. The trench had finally to be evacuated, and Parker helped to remove and attend the casualties, though he himself was seriously wounded during the operation."

Parker was returned to the UK, where he remained breifly at his depot, he served with the MArine company that was sent to Ireland for a month in mid 1916 before being discharged on account of having bad eyesight. The VC was gazetted 22nd June 1917, over two years after the event, on account of trying to gather the evidence of senior officers.

Lt.Colonel B.Freyberg RNVR HOOD Battalion RND (for actions on the Ancre 13th /14th November 1916

" For the most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading as a battalion Commander. By his splendid personal gallantry he carried the initial attack straight through the enemies front system of trenches. Owing to mist and heavy fire of all descriptions, Lt.Col Freyberg's command was much disorganised after the capure of the first objective. He personally rallied and reformed his men, including men from other units who had become intermixed. He inspired all with his own contempt of danger. At the appointed time he led his men to the successful assault of the second objective, many prisoners being captured. During this advance he was twice wounded. He again rallied and reformed all who were with him, and although unsupported in a very advanced position, he held his ground for the remainder of the day, and throughout the night, under heavy artillery and machine gun fire. When reinforced on the following morneing, he organised the attack on a strongly fortified village and showed a fine example of dash in personally leading the assault, capturing the village and 500 prisoners. In this operation he was again wounded. Later in the afternoon, he was again wounded seriously, but refused to leave the line until he had issued final instructions. The personality, Valour and utter contempt of danger on the part of this single officer enabled the lodgement in the most advanced objective of the corps to be permanently held, and on this point d'appui the line was eventually held".

2nd Lt R.L.Haine 1st Bttn HAC for actions at Gavrelle 29th April 1917

I have no citation for this.It will be added when foud shortly

2nd Lt A.O.Pollard MC, DCM, 1st Bttn HAC for actions at Gavrelle 29th April 1917

" For conspicuous bravery and determination. The troops of various units on the left of this officers battalion had become disorganised owing to the heavy casualties from shellfire; and a subsequent determined enemy attack with very strong forces caused further confusion and retirement,closely pressed by hostile forces. 2nd Lt Pollard at once realised the seriousness of the situation, and dashed up to stop the retirement. With only 4 men he started a counter attack with bombs, and pressed it home till he had broken the enemy attack, regained all that had been lost and much ground in addition. The enemy had retired in disorder, sustaining many casualties. By his force of will, dash and splendid example, coupled with an utter contempt of danger, this officer who has already won the DCM and MC infused courage into every man who saw him".

Lt. Col J.Collins-Wells 4th Bedfordshire - March retreat 1918

I can find no citation, but it was awarded for heroism in the March retreat. Lt Col Collins-Wells was killed in action on 27th March 1918 and is buried in Bouzincourt ridge cemetery.- more information will be added shortly

WZ 424 CPO G.Prowse RNVR DCM Drake Battalion RND for actions on the Queant Drocourt line

"For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an advance a portion of his company became disorganised by heavy machine gun fire from an enemy strongpoint. Collecting what men were available, he led them with great coolness and bravery against this strongpoint, capturing it, together  with 23 prisoners and 5 machine guns. Later he took a patrol forward in the face of much enemy opposition, and established it on important high ground. On another occasion he displayed great heroism by attacking singlehanded an ammunition limber which was trying to recover ammunition, killing 3 men accompanying it and capturing the limber. Two days later he rendered valuable services when covering the advance of his company with a lewis gun section, and located later on 2 machine gun positions in a concrete emplacement, which were holding up the advance of the battalion on the right. With complete disregard of personal danger, he rushed forward with a small party and attacked and captured these posts, killing 6 enemy and taking 13 prisoners and 2 machine guns. He was the only survivor of this gallant party, but by his daring and heroic action he enabled the battalion on the right to push forward without further machine gun fire from the village. Throughout the whole operations hismagnificent example and leadership were an inspiration to all, and his courage was superb."

I have it on good authority from a man whose father served with Drake, that Prowse was really something, in the same award an officer who was with him got a DSO, how many occasions do you know of the officer comming off second best in an awards session.

George Prowse was  killed in action 29th September 1918, his body wasn't found after the war and his name is on the Vis en Artois Memorial.

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