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On August 2, 1900, it was resolved to make an attack upon the
Boer position at Mosilikatse Nek, and, for the purpose of
ascertaining a better idea of the enemy's force, a sergeant was
sent forward to reconnoitre. Before he could, however, rejoin
his comrades, he was seen by the enemy, who, opening fire,
wounded him most severely. He lay on the open ground, in full
view of the Boer marksmen, who kept up a hail of bullets on and
around him. House, though cautioned that almost certain death
lay before him, sprang out from the cover, behind which he and
the rest of the troops were concealed, and attempted to carry in his wounded comrade. While making this heroic
attempt he himself was badly shot, and, though lying fully exposed, in his turn,
to the Boer rifle- fire, called to his comrades not to come to his assistance
until the advance was made. This act, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross,
was performed under the immediate command of Captain Sir Edward
Pasley, Bart., Sir Ian Hamilton being Chief.
William House, son of Mr. Thomas House, of Park Lane,
Thatcham, Berkshire, was born at that place on October 7, 1879,
enlisted into the Royal Berkshire Regiment on November 3, 1896,
and was duly gazetted to the roll of the Victoria Cross on his
twenty-third birthday, October 7, 1902. Besides this coveted
decoration, he possesses both medals for the South African War
and many clasps. Received the Victoria Cross at the hands of
H.M. the King on October 24, 1902, in London.
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