Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson

He seized guns and prisoners while leading a handful of men.

Thomas Riversdale Colyer-Fergusson was born in London on 18 February 1896. Educated at Summer Fields and Harrow, he was due to enter Oxford when the First World War began. He enlisted in September 1914, received a commission in the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1915 and went to France that November. He was wounded on the Somme in 1916.

At Bellewaerde Ridge near Ypres on 31 July 1917, the attack developed differently from the plan. With only a small party, Colyer-Fergusson seized a trench and resisted counterattacks. He then captured machine guns and prisoners with just one or two companions, allowing the position to be strengthened. Later that day he was killed by a sniper. The action earned a posthumous Victoria Cross.

There was no later career. An acting captain at twenty-one, he was buried in Menin Road South Military Cemetery. His father received the decoration in October 1917.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery, skilful leading, and determination in attack. The tactical situation having developed contrary to expectation, it was not possible for his company to adhere to the original plan of deployment, and, owing to the difficulties of the ground and the enemy wire, Capt. Colyer-Fergusson found himself with a Serjeant and five men only. He carried out the attack nevertheless, and succeeded in capturing the enemy trench and disposing of the garrison. His party was then threatened by a heavy counter-attack from the left front, and this attack he successfully resisted. During this operation, assisted by his Orderly only, he attacked and captured an enemy machine gun and turned it on the assailants, many of whom were killed and a large number were driven into the hands of an adjoining British unit. Later, assisted only by his Serjeant, he again attacked and captured a second enemy machine gun, by which time he had been joined by other portions of his company, and was enabled to consolidate his position. The conduct of this officer throughout forms an amazing record of dash, gallantry and skill, for which no reward can be too great having regard to the importance of the position won. This gallant officer was shortly afterwards killed by a sniper.

Fifth Supplement to The London Gazette of 4 September 1917. 6 September 1917, Numb. 30272, p. 9260