Rupert Price Hallowes

Rallied his men under fire and fought on after being wounded

Born in 1881, he served with the Artists’ Rifles and reached France in December 1914. Commissioned into the 4th Middlesex Regiment in April 1915, he earned the Military Cross at Hooge in July. During fighting there in September, he repeatedly climbed the parapet to encourage his men, reconnoitred enemy positions and brought grenades through heavy shellfire when supplies ran short. Mortally wounded, he continued urging resistance. He died on 30 September 1915, and his parents received his posthumous VC in November 1916.

Victoria Cross citation: For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the fighting at Hooge between 25th September and 1st October, 1915. Second Lieutenant Hallowes displayed throughout these days the greatest bravery and untiring energy, and set a magnificent example to his men during four heavy and prolonged bombardments. On more than one occasion he climbed up on the parapet, utterly regardless of danger, in order to put fresh heart into his men. He made daring reconnaissances of the German positions in our lines. When the supply of bombs was running short he went back under very heavy shell fire and brought up a fresh supply. Even after he was mortally wounded he continued to cheer those around him and to inspire them with fresh courage.