Bill Speakman

Frozen hills. Relentless enemy attacks. British soldiers fighting desperately to hold a shattered position during the Korean War.

Then Private Bill Speakman did something almost impossible to believe.

On 4 November 1951, Chinese forces attacked the British position on Hill 217, also known as United Hill, near Maryang-san. The section defending the left side of the position had suffered heavy casualties and was in danger of being overrun.

Speakman filled his pockets with grenades and charged forward.

He threw grenade after grenade into the advancing enemy, repeatedly returning for more. Inspired by his example, several other soldiers joined him, and together they launched a succession of counterattacks under intense artillery, mortar and small-arms fire.

Speakman was wounded in both the leg and shoulder, but he refused to stop.

When their supply of grenades began to run out, the defenders reportedly threw anything they could find, including stones, ration tins and bottles.

For approximately four hours, Speakman and his small group held the enemy back, inflicting heavy losses and buying enough time for their company to withdraw.

He was not an officer.

He was not yet a sergeant.

He was a 24-year-old private who saw that his comrades were in danger and acted entirely on his own initiative.

For his extraordinary courage and leadership, Private William Speakman was awarded the Victoria Cross.

He later rose to the rank of sergeant and continued serving in places including Malaya, Borneo and Aden.

One of the most remarkable acts of battlefield courage in British military history.

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