Remembering the heroism of Kirklees soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross (VC) was introduced on 29th January 1856 by Queen Victoria.

The VC, the highest decoration for valour in the British Armed Forces, is awarded for extreme bravery in the face of the enemy. It is one of the highest awards a British soldier can receive and may be awarded posthumously.

Here are the incredible stories of heroism of soldiers from the borough who have received the prestigious Victora Cross.

Sgt John William Ormsby - Dewsbury

Sergeant Ormsby was awarded his VC on 14 April 1917, whilst serving with the King's Own Light Infantry in Favet, France. During operations which culminated in the capture of an important position Sgt Ormsby, acting as sergeant major, showed complete indifference to heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and set a fine example. After clearing a village, he pushed on and drove out many snipers from places further forward. When the only surviving officer was wounded Sgt Ormsby took command of the company and led them forward under heavy fire for 400 yards to a new position. He organised his new position with great skill and held his line with determination until relieved of his command. He was 71 when he died in 1952 and is buried in Dewsbury cemetery.

Private Horace Waller

Private Waller was awarded his VC on 10 April 1917 whilst serving with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry south of Heninel, France. He was with a bombing section forming a block in the enemy line when the enemy made a very violent counter-attack on his post and five of the garrison were killed. Private Waller, who was just 20, continued for more than an hour to throw bombs and finally repulsed the attack. In the evening the enemy again counter-attacked and all the garrison became casualties except Private Waller who, although wounded later, continued to throw bombs for another half an hour until he was killed. Throughout the attacks he showed the utmost bravery, and it was due to his determination that attacks on this important post were repulsed. He is buried at Cojeul CWGC, Pas-de-Calais, France.

Sgt Charles Harry Coverdale

At the age of 29, Sgt Coverdale won his VC whilst serving with the Manchester Regiment.

On 4 October 1917, south-west of Poelcappelle, Belgium, when close to the objective, Sgt Coverdale disposed of three snipers. He then rushed two-machine guns, killing or wounding the teams. He subsequently reorganised his platoon in order to capture another position, but after getting within 100 yards of it, his group was held up by their own side's barrage and had to return. Later he went out again with five men to capture the position but when he saw a considerable number of the enemy advancing, withdrew his detachment man by man, he himself being the last to retire.

He also won the Military Medal and reached the rank of second lieutenant. He lived in Dalton until his death in 1955 and is buried at Edgerton cemetery.

Private Ernest Sykes

Whilst serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers near Arras, North-East France, Private Sykes won his VC at the age 32.

On 9 April 1917, an attack by Private Sykes' battalion was held up by intense fire from front and flank and suffered heavy casualties. Private Sykes, despite the heavy fire, went forward and brought back four wounded men. He made a fifth journey and remained out under conditions which appeared to be certain death, until he had bandaged all those too badly injured to be moved. Other military service gained him the 1914-19 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. In May 1918 he was demobilised early from the army due to sickness.

He returned to work on the railways, living in Milnsbridge for many years and was honoured when his employees named a locomotive after him. He was 64 when he died in 1949 and was buried in Lockwood cemetery.