Robert Bye

He stormed enemy blockhouses and captured their armed crews.

Robert James Bye was born at Pontypridd in 1889 and worked as a coal miner. Married to Mabel Lloyd, he joined the newly formed Welsh Guards in April 1915, reached France that August and became a sergeant.

Near Boezinge on 31 July 1917, enemy blockhouses checked the advance. Bye attacked one on his own initiative and disabled its garrison. He then led a party clearing further positions, taking prisoners and helping the assault continue. He received the regiment’s first Victoria Cross.

After discharge he rejoined the Army and served in Germany before a medical discharge in 1921. He returned to mining in Nottinghamshire. During the Second World War he served as a sergeant major, later joining the Home Guard. Pneumoconiosis affected his retirement. He died at Warsop on 23 August 1962 and was buried there.

Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. Sjt. Bye displayed the utmost courage and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy’s position. Seeing that the leading waves were being troubled by two enemy blockhouses, he, on his own initiative, rushed at one of them and put the garrison out of action. He then rejoined his company and went forward to the assault of the second objective. When the troops had gone forward to the attack on the third objective, a party was detailed to clear up a line of blockhouses which had been passed. Sjt. Bye volunteered to take charge of this party, accomplished his object, and took many prisoners. He subsequently advanced to the third objective, capturing a number of prisoners, thus rendering invaluable assistance to the assaulting companies. He displayed throughout the most remarkable initiative.