Percy Hansen

Percy Howard Hansen VC, DSO & Bar, MC (26 October 1890 – 12 February 1951), was a Danish 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. He is buried at the Garnisons Kirkegard Cemetery, Copenhagen.

He was 24 years old, and a Captain in the 6th Battalion, The Lincolnshire Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 9 August 1915 at Yilghin Bumu, Gallipoli, Turkey, Captain Hansen's battalion was forced to retire leaving some wounded behind, owing to the intense heat from the scrub which had been set on fire. After the retirement Captain Hansen, with three or four volunteers dashed forward several times over 300-400 yards of open scrub, under a terrific fire and succeeded in rescuing six wounded men from inevitable death by burning.

Served in Second World War. He later achieved the rank of Brigadier.

References

* Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
* The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
* VCs of the First World War - Gallipoli (Stephen Snelling, 1995)