Search Victoria Cross documents online
Search Victoria Cross documents online
27 January 2006
Search Victoria Cross documents online
War Office 14th June 1917
T/2nd Lt. John Harrison, M.C.E. York. R
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in an attack.
"......2nd Lt. Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed.
Reorganising his command as best he could in No Man´s Land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success.
Then, turning round, this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at the machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company.
His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (He is reported missing, believed killed.)"
This is just one of the inspiring stories of courage and self-sacrifice taken from the Victoria Cross (VC) registers.
The VC was instituted by Royal Warrant on 29 January 1856 as an award for servicemen who had performed an act of valour. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of this prestigious award, we have made the VC registers and related documents available online for the first time.
1,355 awards are listed. They include the first VC winner, Lt. C.D. Lucas, whose act of valour won him the award in 1854. The registers cover awards made between 1856 and 1946. The original Royal Warrant, signed by HM Queen Victoria on 29 January 1856, is also available - free.
You can now search for VC awards by -
- Name
- Rank
- Regiment
- Date of act of bravery
- Campaign
In some instances, you can also find notes on when the award was presented and by whom.
Search for a VC winner here
