Medal & Mortality index
The Victoria Cross Decoration was instituted January 29th, 1856, for the
purpose of signalising special individual acts of bravery. It may be conferred
on any rank. The Badge consists of a Bronze Cross patee with the Royal Crown in
the centre and underneath a scroll bearing the inscription '''For Valour." The
colour of the ribbon is red. :
FLEMING-SANDES, 2/Lieutenant Arthur James Terence 2/East Surrey
HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT, FRANCE, September 2gth, 1915. For most conspicuous
bravery.
a/Lt. Fleming-Sandes was sent to command a company which at the time was in a
very critical position. The troops on his right were retiring, and his own men,
who
were much shaken by continual bombing and machine-gun fire, were also beginning
to retire, owing to shortage of bombs. Taking in the situation at a glance, he
collected a few bombs, jumped on to the parapet in full view of the Germans, who
were only twenty yards away, and threw them.
Although very severely wounded almost at once by a bomb, he struggled to his
feet and continued to advance and throw bombs till he was again severely
wounded. This most gallant act put new heart into his men, rallied them, and
saved the situation.
[Reg. No. 1482. Gazetted 9th May, 1915]