William Henry Short

He kept preparing bombs for his comrades despite his wounds.

William Henry Short was born at Eston in 1885, registered as William Henry Sivill. He worked as a labourer and then a craneman at the local steelworks before joining the Yorkshire Regiment in September 1914. He went to France with the 8th Battalion in August 1915.

During the fighting at Munster Alley near Pozieres on 6 August 1916, he continued throwing grenades after a serious foot wound. A shell then shattered his leg. Unable to stand, he remained in the trench preparing detonators and straightening grenade pins for his comrades. His determination continued despite mortal wounds and earned the Victoria Cross.

There was no subsequent career. He died of his wounds and was buried in Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery. His family received the posthumous Victoria Cross at Buckingham Palace in November 1916.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For most conspicuous bravery. He was foremost in the attack, bombing the enemy with great gallantry, when he was severely wounded in the foot. He was urged to go back, but refused and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell, and he was unable to stand, so he lay in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of bombs for his comrades. He died before he could be carried out of the trench. For the last eleven months he had always volunteered for dangerous enterprises, and has always set a magnificent example of bravery and devotion to duty.

Supplement to The London Gazette of 8 September 1916. 9 September 1916, Numb. 29740, p. 8871