Horace Waller
Private, 10th Service Battalion. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
- Register No.
- 1264 (Alf's numbering, from The Register of the Victoria Cross, 1997)
- Rank
- Private all Privates →
- Unit
- 10th Service Battalion. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (register: King's Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry)) all King's Own (Yorkshire Light Infantry) VCs →
- Date of action
- 10 April 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Conflict / campaign
- First World War
- London Gazette
- 8th June 1917 on this day → all of 1917 →
- Born
- the 23rd September, 1897 at Batley Carr, Dewsbury, Yorkshire
- Died
- in action on 10th April 1917 at Heninel, France
- Award
- Posthumous all posthumous VCs →
- Memorial / grave
- at Cojeul British Cemetery, France
Digest of citation
Private Waller was with a bombing section at Heninel, France, on 10th April 1917, forming a block in the enemy line. A concerted attack by the Germans was made on this post and five of the garrison were killed. In spite of this Private Waller finally repulsed the enemy attack after he'd spent more than an hour throwing bombs continuously. Later, in the evening, the enemy counter-attacked once more, and all except Private Waller were made casualties, and although he was wounded later, he continued to throw bombs for a further half-hour, until he was killed
From Alf Askin's research notes
Reproduced as Alf wrote it, c. 2000–2005. Spelling and abbreviations are his own.
WALLER, Horace. (reg No. 1264).
Private. 10th Service Battalion. King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
London Gazetted on 8th June 1917.
VC Medal is in private hands.
Born on the 23rd September, 1897 at Batley Carr, Dewsbury, Yorkshire.
Killed in action on 10th April 1917 at Heninel, France.
Memorial on grave at Cojeul British Cemetery, France.
Digest of Citation reads: Private Waller was with a bombing section at Heninel, France, on 10th April 1917, forming a block in the enemy line. A concerted attack by the Germans was made on this post and five of the garrison were killed. In spite of this Private Waller finally repulsed the enemy attack after he'd spent more than an hour throwing bombs continuously. Later, in the evening, the enemy counter-attacked once more, and all except Private Waller were made casualties, and although he was wounded later, he continued to throw bombs for a further half-hour, until he was killed.
Additional information:. Private Horace Waller was reported missing believed killed. He was paid tribute by his commanding officer, followed by a tribute by his old-school, Batley Grammar School, who were extremely proud of their ex-pupil. His parents received a letter from Captain L March, Commanding 'C' Company, explaining that he had recommended Horace for the highest of all honours, which had also been endorsed by the Colonel.
Additional information
Private Horace Waller was reported missing believed killed. He was paid tribute by his commanding officer, followed by a tribute by his old-school, Batley Grammar School, who were extremely proud of their ex-pupil. His parents received a letter from Captain L March, Commanding 'C' Company, explaining that he had recommended Horace for the highest of all honours, which had also been endorsed by the Colonel.
VC Medal is in private hands.
Visit the grave or memorial
Alf recorded the memorial as: at Cojeul British Cemetery, France
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.
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