George Grogan

Brigadier-General George William St George Grogan VC, CB, CMG, DSO

Brigadier-General George William St George Grogan was born at Stoke Damerel, Devonport, on 1 September 1875, the eldest son of Brigadier-General Edward George Grogan. Educated at the United Services College at Westward Ho! and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the West India Regiment on 5 September 1896.

Grogan served in West Africa, including operations in Sierra Leone during the 1898 Hut Tax War, for which he received the East and West Africa Medal with two clasps, "1898" and "Sierra Leone 1898-9." He was seconded to the Egyptian Army from 1902 until 1907, transferred briefly to the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and joined the Worcestershire Regiment in 1908.

At the outbreak of the First World War, Grogan returned from Egypt, where he had been serving with the 1st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, and was posted to the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front. He was wounded in January 1915 and subsequently commanded the regiment's 1st Battalion. His leadership during an attack east of Bouchavesnes earned him the Distinguished Service Order in 1917. Later that year he was appointed to command the 23rd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Division. His conduct during the desperate fighting of March 1918 brought him a Bar to the DSO.

During the Third Battle of the Aisne, between 27 and 29 May 1918, the German offensive shattered much of the Allied position. Grogan assumed command of the remnants of the infantry of a division and various attached troops. Under intense artillery, trench-mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire, he repeatedly rode along the front, reorganising disordered troops, returning withdrawing men to the line and encouraging both British and Allied soldiers. One horse was shot beneath him, but he continued on foot until another could be found. His leadership helped the improvised defensive line withstand repeated German attacks.

For his bravery and command during these three days, Grogan received the Victoria Cross. The award was announced in the London Gazette on 25 July 1918, and King George V presented the Cross to him at First Army headquarters at Ranchicourt, France, on 8 August 1918.

Grogan had been appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1916. Following the war, he commanded the 1st Brigade of the North Russia Relief Force under General Lord Rawlinson and was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1919.

In February 1920 he became commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. He subsequently commanded the 5th Infantry Brigade at Aldershot and retired from the Army in 1926 with the honorary rank of brigadier-general. He served as an aide-de-camp to King George V from 1920 to 1926, as a member of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms from 1933 to 1945, and as Colonel of the Worcestershire Regiment from 1938 to 1945.

On 22 January 1920, Grogan married Ethel Gladys Elger at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London. They had two sons.

George Grogan died at his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, on 3 January 1962, aged 86. He was cremated at Woking Crematorium and his ashes were scattered in the Tennyson Lake Garden of Remembrance. His Victoria Cross and accompanying medals were placed on long-term loan with the Imperial War Museum in 2011. Specialist sources report that the medal group was returned to the Grogan family in 2026.

Sources: The London Gazette, 25 July 1918; Worcestershire and Mercian Regiment Museum; Worcestershire Regiment historical records; VictoriaCross.org.uk medal-group records; Victoria Cross Online.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and leadership throughout three days of intense fighting. Brigadier-General Grogan was, except for a few hours, in command of the remnants of the Infantry of a Division and various attached troops. His action during the whole of the battle can only be described as magnificent. The utter disregard for his personal safety, combined with the sound practical ability which he displayed, materially helped to stay the onward thrust of the enemy masses.

Throughout the third day of operations, a most critical day, he spent his time under artillery, trench mortar, rifle and machine-gun fire, riding up and down the front line encouraging his troops, reorganising those who had fallen into disorder, leading back into the line those who were beginning to retire, and setting such a wonderful example that he inspired with his enthusiasm not only his own men but also the Allied troops who were alongside.

As a result the line held and repeated enemy attacks were repulsed. He had one horse shot under him, but nevertheless continued on foot to encourage his men until another horse was brought. He displayed throughout the highest valour, powers of command and leadership.