SHEFFIELD'S VICTORIA CROSS HOLDERS
Whilst researching the life and army career of Arnold Loosemore, I was informed that there were at least six other holders of the Victoria Cross that had a connection with the Sheffield area. The six were
George Lambert who received his award for his actions during the Indian Mutiny of 1857
James Firth received his Victoria Cross whilst serving with the Duke of Wellington Regiment in the Boer War 1901
John C. Raynes was the first Victoria Cross to be awarded to a soldier from Sheffield for his actions during the 1914 - 1918 War
Arthur Procter received the award for the bravery and courage he showed in an incident just prior to the Battle of the Somme in 1916
William B. Allen was a Captain with the Royal Army Medical Corps but attached to the 246th (West Riding) Brigade., Royal Field Artillery. He received his award for his actions in France in September 1916.
James Welch was a lance corporal in the Royal Berkshires and received his Victoria Cross for his actions near Oppy, France in April 1917
Of the six, only two Arnold Loosemore, and James Firth were born, and buried in Sheffield. John Raynes and William Allen were both born in Sheffield but after the 1914 - 1918 war left Sheffield and are buried in Leeds and Bracklesham (West Sussex) respectively. George Lambert and Arthur Procter came from Northern Ireland and Bootle (Lancashire) respectively but died in Sheffield. George is buried in Wardsend Cemetery whilst Arthur is remembered by a memorial tablet in Sheffield Cathedral. James Welch was neither born or buried in Sheffield but spent most of his working life in the city.
The initial indications were that James Firth was born in Durham - an article in the Sheffield Star dated 16th March 2004 stated that he was born in Jarrow, Co Durham. However I have since received proof, by way of his birth certificate, that states he was definitely born in Sheffield.
Finally as a footnote, there
are no actual privileges bestowed to VC holders. The only thing they are
entitled to, other than having VC after their name, is an annual pension.
When the VC was first instituted a special pension of £10 per year was made
payable to all non-commissioned ranks. In July 1898 it was decided this amount
might be increased in times of need, at discretion, to £50 then later to £75. It
was not until 1959 that the pension was allowed irrespective of rank and
increased to £100. In 1995 it was increased to £1300 and at that time there were
33 recipients still alive.
Main Sources
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This page was last updated on 29/10/09 15:35