Horace Waller (soldier)

He held that post with grenades after his comrades were hit.

Horace Waller was born at Batley Carr, Dewsbury, on 23 September 1896. His father worked in the family plumbing business. After his mother's early death, the household changed through his father's remarriage. Waller attended local schools and Batley Grammar School before studying at Dewsbury Technical College while learning the family trade.

He tried to enlist twice but was rejected on medical grounds. Accepted in May 1916, he served in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and reached France in December. His short period at the front culminated in the fighting south of Héninel during the Arras offensive.

On 10 April 1917, a German counterattack struck the post he was helping defend. Several members of the garrison were killed, but Waller continued throwing grenades for more than an hour until the assault failed. In the evening another attack developed. Eventually every other defender became a casualty. Waller continued resisting, even after he was wounded, and kept throwing grenades for about another half-hour before he was killed. His persistence helped deny the attackers the position.

He was twenty years old and unmarried. His Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously and presented to his parents by George V in July 1917. He was buried at Cojeul British Cemetery in France. His family and the communities of Dewsbury and Batley Carr commemorated a young tradesman whose wartime service lasted less than a year.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery when with a bombing section forming a block in the enemy line. A very violent counter-attack was made by the enemy on this post, and although five of the garrison were killed, Pte. Waller continued for more than an hour to throw bombs, and finally repulsed the attack. In the evening the enemy again counter-attacked the post, and all the garrison became casualties except Pte. Waller, who, although wounded later, continued to throw bombs for another half an hour until he was killed. Throughout these attacks he showed the utmost valour, and it was due to his determination that the attacks on this important post were repulsed.

Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 8 June 1917. 8 June 1917, Numb. 30122, p. 5706