Henry May

Private, 1st Battalion. The Cameronians

VC
Register No.
849 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
Rank
Private all Privates →
Unit
1st Battalion. The Cameronians (register: Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)) all Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) VCs →
Date of action
22 October 1914 on this day → all of 1914 →
Conflict / campaign
First World War
London Gazette
19th April 1915 on this day → all of 1915 →
Born
2nd September 1885 at Glasgow, Scotland
Died
26th July 1941 at Niddrie, Scotland
Memorial / grave
not known

Digest of citation

Private May showed most conspicuous bravery on 22nd October 1914 near La Boutillerie, France, when he voluntarily attempted to rescue, under extremely heavy fire, a wounded man who unfortunately was killed before he could save him. On the same day he carried a wounded officer a distance of 300 yards. to a place of safety, all the time being exposed to severe enemy fire

From Alf Askin's research notes

Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.

MAY, Henry. (reg No. 849).

Private. 1st Battalion. The Cameronians. * London Gazetted on 19th April 1915.

Born on 2nd September 1885 at Glasgow, Scotland.

Died on 26th July 1941 at Niddrie, Scotland.

Memorial not known.

Digest of Citation reads. Private May showed most conspicuous bravery on 22nd October 1914 near La Boutillerie, France, when he voluntarily attempted to rescue, under extremely heavy fire, a wounded man who unfortunately was killed before he could save him. On the same day he carried a wounded officer a distance of 300 yards. to a place of safety, all the time being exposed to severe enemy fire.

* Scottish Rifles.

* Scottish Rifles.

Visit the grave or memorial

Alf recorded the memorial as: not known

Map links open a search for the place name Alf recorded; please check opening times and exact locations before travelling. Many VC graves have since been restored by the Victoria Cross Trust.

Research this recipient further

Would you like to honour Henry May by sponsoring this page from £1 a month — in memory of someone, in your own name or for your company? Sponsor this page.