A busy week in the West Country saw us clean the grave of Harold Edward Whitfield VC. The white marble cross in need of significant cleaning. His citation reads.
Private HAROLD WHITFIELD BURJ EL LISANEH, Egypt 10 March 1918 He was 31 years old and serving in the 10th Bn, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. During the third counter-attack by the enemy on the position that had just been captured by his battalion, Whitfield single-handedly charged and captured a machine-gun, killing the whole crew; turning the gun on the Turks, he drove them back with heavy casualties. Later he organised and led a bombing attack on the enemy, again inflicting many casualties. He then established his party in their position and assisted in the defeat of another counterattack. His actions this day saved many lives. He died on 19 December 1956.
Brazier, Kevin. The Complete Victoria Cross : A Full Chronological Record of All Holders of Britain's Highest Award for Gallantry . Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.
