George Prowse

Captured enemy strongpoints and machine guns under hard fire

George Prowse, also known as George Henry Prowse, was a Welsh collier who enlisted in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in February 1915. Assigned to Drake Battalion of the Royal Naval Division, he served as an infantryman rather than at sea. After service connected with Gallipoli, he moved to France in 1916 and was wounded during the Battle of the Ancre.

By April 1918 he had become a Chief Petty Officer. His bravery earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal, followed by the Victoria Cross for actions on 2 September 1918 near Pronville. When machine gun fire disrupted an advance, he led a small party against the enemy strongpoint, capturing five machine guns and twenty-three prisoners. On other occasions he attacked dangerous positions with exceptional determination. In one assault he was the only survivor of his party, capturing two machine guns and thirteen prisoners.

Prowse was killed on 27 September 1918 before his Victoria Cross was presented. His body was not recovered, and he is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial in France. King George V presented the award to his widow in July 1919.

Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when, during an advance, a portion of his company became disorganised by heavy machine-gun fire from an enemy strong point. Collecting what men were available he led them with great coolness and bravery against this strong point, capturing it together with twenty-three prisoners and five machine-guns. Later, he took a patrol forward in face of much enemy opposition, and established it on important high ground. On another occasion he displayed great heroism by attacking single-handed an ammunition limber which was trying to recover ammunition, killing three men who accompanied it and capturing the limber. Two days later he rendered valuable services when covering the advance of his company with a Lewis-gun section, and located later on two machine-gun positions in a concrete emplacement, which were holding up the advance of the battalion on the right. With complete disregard of personal danger he rushed forward with a small party and attacked and captured these posts, killing six enemy and taking thirteen prisoners and two machine guns. He was the only survivor of this gallant party, but by this daring and heroic action he enabled the battalion on the right to push forward without further machine-gun fire from the village. Throughout the whole operations his magnificent example and leadership were an inspiration to all, and his courage was superb.