Edward Donald Bellew

He kept firing, wrecked his gun and resisted until captured.

Edward Donald Bellew was born in Bombay on 28 October 1882. Educated in England and at Sandhurst, he served in the British Army before emigrating to Canada in 1903. He worked in engineering and public service in British Columbia.

When war began, Bellew joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He went overseas with the 7th Battalion and reached France in February 1915. As a lieutenant and machine-gun officer, he fought during the Second Battle of Ypres.

On 24 April 1915, near Keerselaere, a powerful German attack overwhelmed parts of the Canadian line. Bellew kept two machine guns firing from exposed high ground. Reinforcements were destroyed before they could reach him. With the enemy closing in, he and Sergeant Peerless decided to continue resisting. Peerless was killed and Bellew wounded, but Bellew maintained fire until his ammunition was exhausted. He then smashed his machine gun with a rifle and continued fighting until captured.

Bellew endured years in German captivity, including a trial over his resistance after other troops had surrendered. He was transferred to Switzerland because of ill health and repatriated after the Armistice. His Victoria Cross was announced in May 1919. He had been promoted to captain in January that year.

Returning to Canada, he resumed civilian work, including dredging inspection on the Fraser River. He later lived on a ranch at Monte Creek, British Columbia. He died at Kamloops on 1 February 1961 and was buried in Hillside Cemetery.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Keerselaere on 24th April, 1915, during the German attack on the Ypres salient. Capt. (then Lieut.) Bellew, as Battalion Machine Gun Officer, had two guns in action on the high ground overlooking Keerselaere. The enemy’s attack broke in full force on the morning of the 24th against the front and right flank of the Battalion - the latter being exposed owing to a gap in the line. The right Company was soon put out of action, but the advance was temporarily stayed by Capt. Bellew, who had sited his guns on the left of the right Company. Reinforcements were sent forward but they in turn were surrounded and destroyed. With the enemy in strength less than 100 yards from him, with no further assistance in sight, and with his rear threatened, Capt. Bellew and Serjt. Peerless, each operating a gun, decided to stay where they were and fight it out. Serjt. Peerless was killed and Capt. Bellew was wounded and fell. Nevertheless, he got up and maintained fire till ammunition failed and the enemy rushed the position. Capt. Bellew then seized a rifle, smashed his machine gun, and fighting to the last, was taken prisoner.

Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 13 May 1919. 15 May 1919, Numb. 31340, pp. 6083-84