William Frederick Faulds

Captain William Frederick Faulds was a distinguished South African soldier and the first South African-born serviceman serving with South African forces to be awarded 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.

During World War I, he served with the 1st South African Brigade. While holding the rank of Private, Faulds performed the heroic actions during the Battle of Delville Wood that earned him the Victoria Cross. He later achieved the rank of Captain and also earned the Military Cross for his continued bravery.

His impressive array of decorations spans service in both World War I and World War II, reflecting a long and dedicated career. His original medals, including his Victoria Cross, were displayed at the South African National Museum of Military History until they were stolen in 1994. Today, his legacy is preserved through the Capt W F Faulds VC MC Centre at the museum, which was funded in part by the insurance recovery from his stolen decorations.