Lieutenant William John English

2nd Scottish Horse

3rd July 1901
 
 
 
William John English VC
 
 
   
    This young officer belonged to one of the corps raised during the Boer War—a corps, as its name implies, of men from that part of Great Britain celebrated for their hardiness and fighting powers. This grand body of men has, however, been disbanded since peace was restored in South Africa, but its achievements will not be easily forgotten. At Vlakfontein the Boers made a most determined attack upon our position, the extreme right of which was held by Lieutenant English and five men. Though of his small party two were killed and two wounded, the position was most gallantly held " owing to this officer's personal pluck." As time went on, ammunition ran short, and he went for a fresh supply to the next party, having to cross over fifteen yards of open ground, within thirty yards of the enemy, under a very heavy fire. Received the Victoria Cross at the hands of H.M. the King on July 1902, in London.
 

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