Edmund Barron Hartley

Edmund Barron Hartley VC CMG (born Ivybridge, Devon, 6 May 1847 [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/brookwoo.htm Grave location for holders of the Victoria Cross in: Brookwood cemetery, Woking, Surrey] from victoriacross.org.uk] ; died 20 March 1919) was a 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. On 19 April 1901 he was appointed a companion of the Order of St Michael and St George [ The Times; "Official Appointments and Notices"; 6 Jul 1901; pg16 colB] He died in Ash, Hampshire and is buried at Brookwood Cemetery. [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/brookwoo.htm Grave location for holders of the Victoria Cross in: Brookwood cemetery, Woking, Surrey] from victoriacross.org.uk]

The Deed

He was 32 years old, and a Surgeon Major in the Cape Mounted Riflemen, Cape Colonial Forces during the Basuto War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 June 1879 in South Africa, Surgeon Major Hartley attended the wounded under fire at the unsuccessful attack at Morosi's Mountain. From an exposed position, on open ground, he carried in his arms a wounded corporal of the Cape Mounted Riflemen. The surgeon major then returned under severe enemy fire in order to dress the wounds of the other men of the storming party.

Later Service

He later achieved the rank of Surgeon Colonel and, in March 1900 during the Boer War fighting at Aliwal, he is mentioned doing ambulance work, ferrying away the wounded under fire. ["'The Times"; "The Advance Of The Colonial Division"; 10 Apr 1900; pg4 col F]

In November 1900 he was reported wounded following the occupation of Philippolis by Lovat Scouts and Seaforth Highlanders [The Times; "Recent British Successes"; 13 Nov 1900; pg5 colC]

The Medal

In 1955 the actual Victoria Cross medal was bought at Sotheby's for the then record price of £300. ["£1700 World Record...";The Times; 22 Jan 1969; pg 12 col F ] It is now displayed at the Army Medical Services Museum "(Aldershot, England)".

External links

* [http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/brookwoo.htm Location of grave and VC medal] "(Brookwood Cemetery)"
* [http://www.tbcs.org.uk/vcs.htm The Brookwood Cemetery Society] "(Known Holders of the Victoria Cross Commemorated in Brookwood Cemetery)"

References