Frederick William Hedges
| Frederick William Hedges | |
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| Born | 6 June 1896 Umballa, British India |
| Died | 29 May 1954 Harrogate, North Yorkshire |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |  British Army |
| Unit | London Regiment The Bedfordshire Regiment The Northamptonshire Regiment (attached) Home Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frederick William Hedges VC (6 June 1896 – 29 May 1954) was a British 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.
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[edit] Details
Hedges was 22 years old, and a temporary lieutenant in The Bedfordshire Regiment, British Army, attached to the 6th Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment during the First World War at the Pursuit to the Selle when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 24 October 1918 north-east of Bousies, France, Lieutenant Hedges led his company with great skill towards the final objective, maintaining direction under the most difficult conditions. When the advance was held up by enemy machine-gun posts the lieutenant, accompanied by one sergeant and followed at some considerable distance by a Lewis gun section, again advanced, capturing six machine-guns and 14 prisoners. His gallantry and initiative enabled the whole line to advance and contributed largely to the success of subsequent operations.
Hedges suffered from depression after the death of his son in a drowning accident and hanged himself.
[edit] The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment gallery located in Wardown Park Museum, Luton, Bedfordshire.
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - The Final Days 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 2000)
