Name Frederick Edwards Allegiance United Kingdom Rank Corporal | Service/branch British Army Role Armed force officer Awards Victoria Cross | |
 | ||
Battles/wars World War I – Battle of the Somme Died March 9, 1964, Richmond, United Kingdom Similar People Douglas Haig - 1st Earl Haig, Fritz von Below, Ferdinand Foch, Max von Gallwitz, Allastair McReady‑Diarmid | ||
Frederick Jeremiah Edwards (3 October 1894 – 9 March 1964) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He could not read or write.
Contents
Biography
Edwards was born in Queenstown (now named Cobh), County Cork, Ireland. He was 21 years old, and a private in the 12th Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own), British Army during the First World War, and was awarded the VC for his deeds on 26 September 1916 at Thiepval, France: part of the line was held up by machine-gun fire and all the officers had become casualties. There was confusion and indication of retirement. Private Edwards, grasping the situation and on his own initiative, dashed out towards the gun, which he knocked out with his bombs. This very gallant act, coupled with great presence of mind and disregard of personal danger, made further advance possible and cleared up a dangerous situation.
He was later promoted to corporal and after leaving the army he was forced to sell his medal to make ends meet. He died on 9 March 1964 at the Royal Star and Garter Home in Richmond (which was then in Surrey and is now in London) and is buried in Richmond Cemetery.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, England.
In popular culture
Edwards was portrayed by Adam Webb in the 2006 BBC docudrama The Somme – From Defeat to Victory