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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