William John House

William John House VC (1879-1912) was by birth an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Background

House was born in Thatcham, near Newbury in Berkshire, on 7 October 1879, the son of Thomas and Sally House of Cold Ash adjoining that town.

Details

He was 20 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's), British Army during the South African War (Boer War) when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 2 August 1900 at Mosilikatse Nek, South Africa, when a sergeant who had gone forward to reconnoitre was wounded, Private House rushed out from cover (although cautioned not to do so as the fire from the enemy was very hot), picked up the wounded sergeant and tried to bring him into shelter. In doing this he was severely wounded, but he warned his comrades not to come to his assistance as the fire was so heavy.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of lance-corporal. Died on 28th February, 1912 whilst cleaning his rifle.

The medal

The medal is displayed at The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment (Salisbury) Museum "(Salisbury, Wiltshire, England)".

References

*Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
*Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
*The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
*Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (Ian Uys, 2000)

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/kent.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Kent)"
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