Theodore Veale

He returned time and again until a wounded officer was safe.

Theodore William Henry Veale was born at Dartmouth on 11 November 1892 and worked as a carpenter before joining the Devonshire Regiment in September 1914. He served in France with the 8th Battalion.

East of High Wood on 20 July 1916, he repeatedly went out to rescue a wounded officer close to the enemy. He dragged him into shelter, brought water and returned with volunteers. After one helper was killed, a later attempt encountered an approaching enemy patrol. Veale fetched a Lewis gun and covered the party until the officer reached safety. His determination earned the Victoria Cross.

He became a corporal and received the award in February 1917. After the war he married Amy Pinsent and returned to carpentry at Paignton. His postwar work also included films and electrical work at Ealing Studios. A head injury while working on Paignton Pier in 1931 caused lasting health problems. During the Second World War he served with Auxiliary Air Force barrage-balloon units at Crewe and Clapham. He later worked as a chauffeur, porter and commissionaire. Financial hardship later obliged him to sell his VC to the regiment. He died at Hoddesdon on 6 November 1980 and was cremated at Enfield.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. Hearing that a wounded officer was lying out in front, Private Veale went out in search, and found him lying amidst growing corn within fifty yards of the enemy. He dragged the officer to a shell hole, returned for water and took it out. Finding he could not single-handed carry in the officer, he returned for assistance, and took out two volunteers. One of the party was killed when carrying the officer, and heavy fire necessitated leaving the officer in a shell hole. At dusk Private Veale went out again with volunteers to bring in the officer. Whilst doing this an enemy patrol was observed approaching. Private Veale at once went back and procured a Lewis gun, and with the fire of the gun he covered the party, and the officer was finally carried to safety. The courage and determination displayed was of the highest order.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 8 September 1916. 9 September 1916, Numb. 29740, pp. 8871-72