Geoffrey Cather

He crossed no man's land to bring wounded soldiers to safety

Geoffrey St George Shillington Cather was born in Streatham, London, on 11 October 1890. Educated at Rugby, he left school after his father's death and worked for the Tetley tea business, including a posting to New York. He had Territorial Army experience before the First World War and accepted a commission in the 9th Royal Irish Fusiliers, later becoming battalion adjutant.

After the disastrous Somme assault of 1 July 1916, Cather repeatedly entered no man's land near Beaumont-Hamel, recovering wounded soldiers and taking water to those he could not immediately move. He resumed the work next morning under machine-gun and artillery fire. At about 10.30 a.m. on 2 July he was killed while continuing the rescue attempts.

His posthumous Victoria Cross recognised sustained courage in saving others. His grave was subsequently lost; he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. His mother received the award in March 1917.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. From 7 p.m. till midnight he searched “No Man’s Land,” and brought in three wounded men. Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later. Finally, at 10.30 a.m., he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire. He set a splendid example of courage and self-sacrifice.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 8 September 1916. 9th September 1916. Numb, 29740, p. 8869