William John House

William John House
Born 7 October 1879
Thatcham, Berkshire
Died 28 February 1912(1912-02-28) (aged 32)
Dover, Kent
Buried at St James's Cemetery, Dover
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Years of service 1896-1912
Rank Lance Corporal
Unit The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's)
Battles/wars Second Boer War
Awards Victoria Cross

William John House VC (7 October 1879 – 28 February 1912) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Background

House was born in Thatcham, near Newbury in Berkshire, on 7 October 1879, the son of Thomas House and his wife, Sally Owen, of Cold Ash adjoining that town.

Details

House was 20 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's), British Army during the Second Boer War when the following deed took place at Mosilikatse Nek, South Africa, for which he was awarded the VC.

During the attack on Mosilikatse Nek, on 2nd August, 1900, when a Sergeant, who had gone forward to reconnoitre, was wounded, Private House rushed out from cover (though cautioned not to do so, as the fire from the enemy was very hot), picked up the wounded Sergeant, and endeavoured to bring him into shelter, in doing which Private House was himself severely wounded. He, however, warned his comrades not to come to his assistance, the fire being so severe.[1]

Further information

He later achieved the rank of lance corporal. House died on 28 February 1912 whilst cleaning his rifle in an apparent accident.[2]

The medal

The medal is displayed at The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Museum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England

References

  1. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 27480. p. 6341. 7 October 1902. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  2. ↑ Anglo-Boer War
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