John Sherwood-Kelly

Lieutenant-Colonel John Sherwood-Kelly was a highly decorated South African officer in the British Army who received the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was a formidable and experienced commander whose combat record spanned several conflicts, beginning with the Matabele Revolt of 1896.

Throughout his extensive military career, Sherwood-Kelly was wounded in action four times. Despite not being a career Regular officer, his leadership and bravery on the battlefield earned him significant recognition and respect among his peers and superiors alike.

His legacy is honored internationally, with his Victoria Cross displayed at the National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is also commemorated at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, Delville Wood in France, the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum in Norwich, and by two portraits in the National Portrait Gallery.