Tag Archives: London

Arthur Cross VC. MM.

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Arthur Henry Cross (13/12/1884 – 23/11/1965) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 25 March 1918 at  Ervillers, France.

The Citation, recorded in the London Gazette of Supplement: 30726, Page: 6572, reads:

“No. 62990 Pte. (A./L./Cpl.) Arthur Henry Cross, M.G. Corps (Camberwell).

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative. L./Cpl. Cross volunteered to make a reconnaissance of the position of two machine guns which had been captured by the enemy, He advanced single-Handed to the enemy trench and with his revolver forced seven of the enemy to surrender and carry the machine guns with their tripods and ammunition to our lines. He then handed over his prisoners, collected teams for his guns which he brought into action with exceptional dash and skill, annihilating a very heavy attack by the enemy.

It is impossible to speak too highly of the extreme gallantry, initiative and dash displayed by this N.C.O., who showed throughout four days of operations supreme devotion to duty. “

He is buried in Streatham Park Cemetery in London.

Arthur Henry Cross VC. MM. Streatham Park Cemetery, London

Arthur Henry Cross VC. MM. Streatham Park Cemetery, London

Streatham Park Cemetery, London

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William Stanlake VC. DCM.

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William Stanlake was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Crimean War.

The Citation, recorded in the London Gazette of Issue: 21971, Page: 657,  reads:

“Coldstream Guard. No. S9G8 Private William Stanlock,

For having volunteered, when employed as one of the sharpshooters in October 1854, for reconnoitring purposes, to crawl up within six yards of a Russian sentry, and so enabled the Officer in command to effect a surprise; Private Stanlock having been warned beforehand of the imminent risk which he would run in the adventure. “

*The name “Stanlock” was used in the citation as opposed to Stanlake.*

Willaim Stanlake VC. Camberwell Old Cemetery

Camberwell Old Cemetery

Path to the grave of William Stanlake VC

He is buried in Camberwell Old Cemetery in London.

DRW © 2013-2020. Created 14/09/2015, edited 04/05/2017

Albert Edward McKenzie. VC

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Albert Edward McKenzie (23/10/1898 – 03/11/1918), was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during World War One while participating in the Zeebrugge Raid on 22/23 April 1918

The Citation, recorded in the London Gazette of Supplement: 30807, Page: 8586, reads:

“Able Seaman Albert Edward McKenzie, O.N. J31736 (Ch.).

For most conspicuous gallantry.

This rating belonged to B Company of seaman storming party. On the night of the operation he landed on the mole with his machine-gun in the face of great difficulties and did very good work, using his gun to the utmost advantage. He advanced down the mole with Lieutenant-Commander Harrison, who with most of his party was killed, and accounted for several of the enemy running from a shelter to a destroyer alongside the mole. This very gallant seaman was severely wounded whilst working his gun in an exposed position.

Able Seaman McKenzie was selected by the men of the “Vindictive,” “Iris II,” and ” Daffodil'” and of the naval assaulting force to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant dated 29th January 1896.”

He died of influenza during the world flu pandemic in October 1918 and is is buried in Camberwell Old Cemetery.

Albert E McKenzie Grave

Albert E McKenzie Grave

Camberwell Old Cemetery

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