Frederick William Hedges

Captured six machine guns to break an enemy line under fire.

Frederick William Hedges joined the Queen Victoria's Rifles in 1914 and was commissioned into the Bedfordshire Regiment in July 1915. His Western Front service included the Ancre and Arras, where a hand wound sent him back to Britain. Returning to France in September 1918, he was attached to the 6th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.

On 24 October 1918, north-east of Bousies, his company's advance was stopped by German machine gun positions. Accompanied by Sergeant Fred Gibson, with a Lewis gun section following behind, Hedges advanced again and captured six machine guns and fourteen prisoners. His initiative allowed the wider British line to move forward and earned the Victoria Cross.

He was wounded again in the Mormal Forest shortly before the Armistice. Subsequently appointed a prisoner-of-war camp commandant, he left commissioned service in 1920 with the retained rank of Lieutenant. He worked in insurance and supported former servicemen through the British Legion. His son John's death in 1941 brought lasting grief. Hedges died in Harrogate on 29 May 1954. His medals passed to his regimental collection at Wardown Park, Luton.

Victoria Cross citation: For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the operations north-east of Bousies on the 24th October, 1918. He led his company with great skill towards the final objective, maintaining direction under the most difficult conditions. When the advance was held up by machine-gun posts, accompanied by one Serjeant and followed at some considerable distance by a Lewis-gun section, he again advanced and displayed the greatest determination, capturing six machine guns and 14 prisoners. His gallantry and initiative enabled the whole line to advance, and tended largely to the success of subsequent operations.

Eighth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28 January 1919. 31 January 1919, Numb. 31155, p. 1503